Singapore welcomes the Arab world

It’s not only Americans who are traveling to Singapore for cosmetic surgeries and other medical treatments;  an increasing number of patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are traveling to Singapore for specialized treatment.  A combination of beautiful scenery and the fact that the country has one of the most highly developed healthcare systems in Asia makes Singapore undeniably attractive as a medical tourism destination. 

 Singapore is regarded by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having hiqh quality of healthcare, the best in Asia in some regards.  Patients can receive expert treatments in key areas such as haematology, cardiology, ophthalmology and oncology, as well as cell transplants, living donor liver transplants, and advanced robotic surgery.  It’s also a leading provider of cosmetic procedures.    

According to government statistics, a total of 374,000 international patients visited Singapore in 2005—that’s 15% more than in 2004.  Of those that seek medical treatment in the Southeast Asian city-stated, a relatively large number are Arabs.  In fact, statistics show that abouty 200 people seeking medical care from the Middle East visited Singapore each month in 2006, up 20% from 2005—that’s a increase greater than even the overall increase in the number of patients.   

“Increasingly we are seeing more people from the Arab world visit Singapore for medical treatment,” said Ke-Wei Peh, the Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.   

But unlike those patients who come to Singapore from the U.S., Ke-Wei Peh states that for Arab patients, “[it] is not a matter of cost that leads patients to Singapore but the availability of excellent surgery and medical procedures unavailable anywhere else in the world.”   

Singapore healthcare companies have been working with partners from the Arab world to rovide a comprehensive approach to healthcare, including patient care, medical travel arrangement services, operations management, medical devices and equipment manufacturing, as well as healthcare technology.   

Not resting on its laurels, Singapore is sending its largest ever delegation of healthcare companies and doctors from Singapore will attend the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai in from Janurary 29 through February 1^st to present the high quality of facilities, physicians, and healthcre that one can find in Singapore.  

“Singapore is at the forefront of medical care and has a world-class healthcare system offering the most advanced treatments by leading medical professionals,” said Ke-Wei Peh.   

Of course, Singapore will have lots of company.  Arab Health is the largest healthcare event for the Middle East; it is expected to attract over 2000 exhibitors from 67 countries and hosting 30 dedicated national pavilions.