Medical tourism is one of the most important types of Tourism
In the world, it means traveling for the purpose of treatment and Recreation
In hospitals or health facilities around the world
It has been known since ancient times, as man has known that some diseases can be cured by moving to certain places characterized by a special climate and contributes to alleviating some symptoms or healing diseases, God willing
Medical tourism :
It depends on the use of specialized sanatoriums, medical centers or licensed hospitals where medical equipment and highly qualified human resources are available
Hospital tourism :
They depend on the presence of natural elements such as:
(Cold or hot springs ,lakes containing some minerals and sulfates, sand, picturesque scenery and air purity, etc.)
Which helps in the treatment of some physical or sensory diseases
In the Holy Book of Allah, the story of the prophet of Allah job and the illness that God afflicted him for eighteen years is mentioned, so Allah called :
(I touch my harm, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful )
And then the most merciful responded to him and commanded him to rise from his seat and run the earth with his foot, saying :
(Run with your man, this is a cold shower and a drink )
Currently, medical tourism has become an important element in the global economy, and many countries have paid attention to medical tourism and considered it as a source of income for the state to improve the living standard of the people, provide career opportunities and raise the quality of life
This is what our great country is doing through the announcement by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the sources of the Saudi economy, and a large part of the vision is based on the development of the tourism sector.
Among the” mega projects " that Vision 2030 has established are the future city of NEOM, the Red Sea project, Qiddiya, the line and other projects to develop the cities and regions of our beloved Kingdom
It is also held annually (the Saudi International Medical Tourism Forum SHIFT), and is the only event that focuses on bringing together institutional entities interested in purchasing health care, and “world-class medical care providers " in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
It targets all aspects of the health and recovery industry, and opens doors to health products, services and facilities, and opportunities for new developments and
Give the opportunity to healthcare providers, from all over the world to create various business opportunities, forming partnerships among the largest buyers in the field of healthcare and among healthcare providers globally)
All with the aim of transforming the kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a global tourist destination ( in all its forms )in the future .
Author / Dr. Suad Al-moloud
Eastern swing member
