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Published on February 6, 2008

By 2015, the country is likely to attract 7 million foreigners seeking treatment here, Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien, director of the International Health Policy Development Office, said yesterday.

About 9 per cent of doctors in the country could be looking after overseas patients, he warned.

"It will take between 176 and 303 medical specialists to handle such a huge number of patients," Viroj said.

The number of foreign visitors coming here for treatment has risen sharply in recent years and some find the trend alarming.

In 2001, 550,000 foreigners sought treatment here. By 2002, that number had more than doubled to 1.3 million.

"The medical cost, the quality of services and government polices have contributed to its growth," Viroj said.

He said the government plan to promote Thailand as a medical hub had boosted the overall economy, allowing the Revenue Department to collect more taxes.

"This has also generated much income for medical workers and shareholders of private hospitals," he noted.

But people in remote areas are suffering because medical specialists have been concentrated to work at facilities [for foreign patients]," Viroj added.

National Health Commission Office secretary-general Dr Amphon Jindawathana said more than 100 specialists had switched from state hospitals to private medical centres in recent years.

The Nation