The strategy formulated by the Ministry of Health for medical tourism in Jordan (2023-2027) emphasizes the necessity of issuing regulations to organize the medical tourism sector. It outlines comprehensive and competitive packages based on well-studied pricing, according to the price lists approved by the ministry and the Medical Association. The strategy also stresses the need to unify and institutionalize the procedures related to medical tourism.
اضافة اعلان
The strategy, which Al-Dustour obtained a copy of, highlights the need for careful planning in collaboration with all partners to attract the largest number of medical tourists. This includes activating integrated marketing plans, providing clear information and guidance to medical tourists, and working to strengthen existing markets while opening new ones through joint marketing campaigns. The aim is to maintain Jordan's competitive edge by promoting and marketing the country as a global and regional destination for medical tourism.
Furthermore, the strategy focuses on creating an attractive investment environment for the medical tourism sector, such as developing rehabilitation centers for post-operative care and enhancing wellness tourism. It also emphasizes the need to create a stable investment climate.
The strategy also highlights the importance of improving the visitor experience by establishing Jordanian travel agencies or tour operators specialized in medical tourism, as well as creating regulations to license centers and resorts offering wellness tourism services.
The strategy was developed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Promotion Authority, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Investment, the Private Hospitals Association, and the Medical Association.
The strategy is built around four main pillars: governance, marketing and promotion, creating an attractive investment environment, and providing high-quality medical services.
The goal of the strategy is to enhance Jordan's position on the global medical tourism map by offering comprehensive, modern, and sustainable services. This approach aims to maintain Jordan's regional and international standing in medical tourism while preserving its positive reputation despite the challenges and high competitiveness in the sector.
The strategy also outlines activities to develop and strengthen medical tourism by institutionalizing the work process, unifying efforts, and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders. This is based on a deep belief in the values of partnership across all sectors.
Additionally, the strategy aims to enhance the Ministry of Health's supervisory and regulatory role in the medical tourism sector to achieve the national goal of enhancing Jordan's global competitiveness as a medical tourism destination. It also highlights the key aspects of Jordan’s competitive advantage in medical and wellness tourism, particularly the recognition of Jordan as a regional hub for medical and wellness tourism.
By the end of October, the number of patients coming to Jordan for treatment at various hospitals and medical centers reached 190,200, compared to 195,600 in the same period last year, marking a 2% decrease, according to Dr. Nael Al-Masalha, President of the Private Hospitals Association.
On the other hand, the number of visitors to the Kingdom for medical and wellness purposes increased by 37% during the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. The figures show that the number of medical tourists in 2023 reached 164,000, compared to 120,000 in the same period the year before.
Al-Masalha attributed the decrease in numbers to the ongoing regional conflict, particularly the war in Gaza, which negatively impacted the tourism sector in general, and medical tourism specifically across the Middle East.
