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Serokolo Introduces Health Tourism

This Day
Oluwatimilehin Oyekanmi
16 June 2007

In order to create room for Nigerians to receive medical treatment and at the same time carry out tourism adventures, mixed with an opportunity to expand business and build cordial tie within countries, Serokolo, a South African Health Tourism Company has formerly launched a Nigerian branch of the company in Lagos. Serokolo, with headquarters in Sandton, South Africa comes into Nigerian market "with a key focus on health and medical tourism (medical health and travels)' through which Nigerians and citizens of other neighbouring African nations are afforded "access to medical facilities and medical/surgical specialist" as international patients.

The launching which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites last Thursday has however drawn the attention of Nigerians and various organisations, including the military, who promised to patronise the South African Health Tourism Company. Dr. Tshepo Maaka, the Managing Director of Serokolo observed in a press release that "call it medical tourism or medical travel, this is a relatively new but fastest growing industry within the medical fraternity" and conclude that "hence the need to create channels to access health and medical services in South Africa by neighbouring states and other African countries."

Giving a definition of medical tourism, Dr. Maaka disclosed that "call it medical tourism or 'medical outsourcing' It is an "industry where people from all around the world are travelling to other countries to obtain medical, dental and surgical care, at the same time, touring."

Further on the definition of health tourism concept, Tshepo Maaka explains that "vacationing and fully experiencing the attractions of the country they are visiting" as part of what service subscribers from foreign countries stand to gain. Dr Maaka also disclosed to THISDAY that "other benefits of the concept is the opportunity for a very sick person and at least one person that will accompany such a person. The very sick will be in the hospital receiving treatment while the one that accompanies him or her will have the privilege of visiting tourism sites" She also explained that the guide to the "very sick person would explain all he or she had seen while touring, that is if they don't have enough time limit to be in South Africa, but in the event that they still have the time frame to be in the country, let me tell you, both the recuperating person and the guide will have to also visit all the sites the guide had formerly visited all alone.

Those who are not too sick also, Maaka informed at the launching "will enjoy both the tourism's aspect and the media attention all together. The scheme is said to be relatively low and affordable than going abroad for either medical treatment or check up abroad, as the risk of unseen circumstances will also be minimal or non existent when compared to going abroad.

In a media chat with five selected media houses, Dr. Tsepo explained that "this is my second coming to Nigeria and I got to know that Nigerians are kind of wonderful people so I want them also to benefit from this noble idea, that was one main reason this kind of business alliance with Nigerian people is being formed," she declared.

On why the health tourism industry is now developing so rapidly, the managing director of Serekolo said it is "a rapidly growing industry with various factors contributing to its increasing popularity." Eleven key points aiding the rapid development are however highlighted by the doctor as "high health care costs in industrialised countries, decreasing levels of medical insurance coverage in industrialised countries, ease and affordability of international travel" and "advancement in telecommunications."

Other reasons of the rapid development are "international trade agreements between governments, favourable currency exchange rates in the global economy, rapidly improving technology and standards of care in many countries of the world" and "proven safety of healthcare in select foreign countries." Remaining key points are "high standards and quality of care in developing countries that now offer world-class medical services, globalization of health care" and lastly , "increasing mechanization of medical practice." The forum was also used to highlight countries which were described as the "popular destinations" for medical tourism to include "India, South East Asia and South America.

Copyright © 2007 This Day

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