October 14-15, 2024 – 2nd International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) in Manila, Philippines
The Philippines made significant strides in positioning itself as a global leader in health and wellness tourism during the 2nd International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) in October 2024. Organized by the Department of Tourism (DoT), this landmark event showcased the country’s growing capacity to cater to international health tourists, combining world-class medical services with wellness and recovery experiences. Mozocare, a prominent global healthcare platform represented by its Director of Global Network, Mr. Krishan Kumar, played an active role in fostering new collaborations during the congress.
As part of its mission to expand access to healthcare worldwide, Mozocare also took the opportunity to visit the Philippines’ top hospitals—Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Medical Center. These visits allowed Mozocare to assess the healthcare infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, and patient care capabilities that the Philippines offers to international patients.
The IHWTC 2024 attracted over 300 delegates, including healthcare providers, wellness practitioners, government officials, and investors from 38 countries. The event highlighted the Philippines’ strategic position as a medical tourism hub within Southeast Asia, with discussions focusing on building partnerships, enhancing healthcare facilities, and offering integrated medical and wellness packages.
The congress, themed “Aruga: A Filipino-Inspired Gathering for Global Health and Wellness,” underscored the Philippines’ commitment to offering high-quality medical services combined with the warmth of Filipino hospitality. The event not only promoted the country’s healthcare services but also emphasized its unique cultural offerings such as traditional healing practices like hilot (Filipino massage therapy), which appeal to both wellness tourists and patients recovering from medical procedures
Mozocare, a leading platform connecting patients with healthcare providers globally, had a strong presence at the IHWTC 2024. Representing the organization, Mr. Krishan Kumar engaged in discussions with healthcare stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and patient referrals. Mozocare’s participation is part of its broader mission to simplify the patient journey and improve access to high-quality medical care across borders.
By partnering with top hospitals in the Philippines, Mozocare aims to provide international patients with trusted healthcare services in a country renowned for its medical expertise and affordability. Mr. Krishan Kumar emphasized Mozocare’s commitment to creating a global healthcare network that ensures seamless access to medical services for patients, regardless of their location.
During their visit to the Philippines, Mozocare executives conducted tours of several leading medical institutions to assess their infrastructure and service offerings:
Asian Hospital and Medical Center: One of the top-tier healthcare facilities in the Philippines, Asian Hospital and Medical Center is known for its advanced technology and commitment to patient-centered care. Mozocare’s visit to this hospital provided valuable insights into its state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services, which cater to both local and international patients.
Makati Medical Center: A premier healthcare provider, Makati Medical Center offers a wide range of medical specialties, from general medicine to advanced surgery. Mozocare’s visit allowed the team to understand the hospital’s capabilities in managing complex medical cases, making it an attractive option for international patients seeking specialized treatments.
St. Luke’s Medical Center: Renowned for its cutting-edge medical technologies and globally accredited services, St. Luke’s Medical Center is a leading destination for medical tourists. Mozocare’s team explored the hospital’s offerings, particularly its capacity to handle international patients and deliver world-class care across various specialties
These visits are critical for Mozocare’s strategy of partnering with top medical institutions to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care. By collaborating with leading hospitals in the Philippines, Mozocare will further enhance its service offerings, helping patients access treatments ranging from routine procedures to complex surgeries.
The IHWTC 2024 emphasized the Philippines’ growing role in global medical tourism, with the country ranking 24th globally and 3rd in Southeast Asia on the Medical Tourism Index. The DoT has been actively promoting the country’s competitive advantages, including the affordability of medical procedures, a highly trained healthcare workforce, and English-speaking medical professionals.
In addition to affordable healthcare, the Philippines is integrating wellness tourism into its broader healthcare offerings. Tourists can now combine medical procedures with holistic wellness experiences, such as traditional Filipino healing methods and luxurious spa treatments. The country’s scenic locations and warm hospitality also make it an appealing destination for patients seeking recovery and relaxation after medical procedures.
The Philippine government, led by the DoT, has been instrumental in promoting the country as a global health and wellness hub. The IHWTC highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the medical tourism industry. By working together, stakeholders from the healthcare, tourism, and wellness sectors can create an integrated, seamless experience for international patients.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, speaking at the congress, reiterated the DoT’s commitment to making the Philippines a global destination for health and wellness. She praised the country’s medical professionals for their dedication and highlighted the investments being made to further improve healthcare infrastructure
The IHWTC 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Philippines in its journey to becoming a premier destination for health and wellness tourism. With its affordable, high-quality healthcare services and unique cultural offerings, the country is well-positioned to attract a growing number of international patients.
Mozocare’s participation in the event, along with its visits to leading hospitals such as Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Medical Center, highlights the organization’s commitment to building global healthcare networks that benefit patients worldwide. By partnering with top medical institutions in the Philippines, Mozocare will help ensure that patients have access to world-class treatments, making the Philippines an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking both healthcare and wellness
For more information on the IHWTC and Department of Tourism, Philippines, visit the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress.