With a stable and growing economy, Panama is establishing itself as an important destination in Latin America.
Given its excellent connectivity and quality of life, the country is becoming an interesting medical platform for foreign visitors.
There is an important flow of tourists coming from different latitudes of the planet that come to Panama searching for private medical attention.
Amongst the medical specialties that are most sought out by tourists you can find Neurosurgery and minimally invasive surgeries.
According to the general director of Saludpanama.com, Luis Santamaria, the specialties with the highest demand are Neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery, Orthopedics, Odontology and services related to Neurology.
Due to this, health authorities in Panama organized an event to propel medical tourism in the country even more.
Where do tourists come from?
A great majority of foreigners that come to Panama in search of health services come from countries such as the United States, Canada and some Caribbean islands.
Although there are no official numbers that indicate the quantitative volume of people that enter the country for this purpose, the health authorities in Panama indicate that the country is one of the leaders for this type of tourism in the region.
The reason for not disclosing the figures is due to the fact that it is considered confidential data since it involves aspects that deal with a person’s privacy.
Health and development tourism
Even though exact figures are unknown for health tourism, it is widely known that the country offers doctors and health professionals with high qualifications.
Even more, Panama has excellent technology for imaging and diagnostics. These factors point towards the fact that Panama has all the necessary conditions to become a leader for medical tourism in the region.
Also, another factor that skews the balance towards Panama is the dollarized economy.
Moreover, the important connections it provides to the world that converge in Tocumen International Airport positively influence it.
Medical Tourism
There are many ways in which an economy can reactivate itself and receive an important impulse.
Amongst them is tourism. In the case of medical tourism, everything seems to indicate that it is a key sector to reactivate tourism in the country.
Given Panama’s special and favorable conditions in this sector, nothing will prevent it from growing in that direction.
A fact that highlights the importance of medical tourism is that it is proven that a medical tourist produces ten times more income for the country than a regular tourist.
Natural health in Panama
The touristic offer in Panama is rich and varied. An example of this is natural health tourism, with different thermal water spots in various regions of the country.
These are especially helpful for chronic respiratory, locomotive and digestive disorders; thermal waters are known for their multiple healing qualities.
The Cerro Hornito, the Pozos in Catalina, Santa cruz in Pejeperro, Anton Valley and Pozo de Aguas Termales in Caldera are the most famous locations.
