Consumer watchdog Which? has warned of the possible dangers of undergoing medical treatment abroad after finding that nearly one fifth of medical tourists have experienced problems.
A Which? survey revealed that just 57 per cent were satisfied with their treatment and the watchdog is urging consumers to check doctors' qualifications before travelling.
Eighteen per cent of respondents had experienced problems and researchers found that medical tourism companies were not providing sound advice to potential patients.
For example, one company told a researcher posing as a patient that knee replacement surgery was not risky and that he would not require any follow-up treatment back in the UK, despite the fact that half of patients need physiotherapy.
'Medical tourists must do their homework before jumping on the plane - and avoid rushing back too quickly - if they want to avoid potential problems,' said Neil Fowler, editor of Which?
'Ask the right questions beforehand, speak to UK health professionals, and don't assume you'll have a safety net if things don't go according to plan,' he advised.
A Which? survey revealed that just 57 per cent were satisfied with their treatment and the watchdog is urging consumers to check doctors' qualifications before travelling.
Eighteen per cent of respondents had experienced problems and researchers found that medical tourism companies were not providing sound advice to potential patients.
For example, one company told a researcher posing as a patient that knee replacement surgery was not risky and that he would not require any follow-up treatment back in the UK, despite the fact that half of patients need physiotherapy.
'Medical tourists must do their homework before jumping on the plane - and avoid rushing back too quickly - if they want to avoid potential problems,' said Neil Fowler, editor of Which?
'Ask the right questions beforehand, speak to UK health professionals, and don't assume you'll have a safety net if things don't go according to plan,' he advised.
Labels: Travel Health
2 comments:
- At July 6, 2008 at 5:35 PM Unknown said...
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This article seems to be a defensive response designed to undermine the rapid growth of medical tourism by the AMA.
Our experience is quite the opposite. Our clients have had absolutely superb medical care in the highly rated international hospitals. - At July 7, 2008 at 1:31 AM Arige Prakash said...
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Is Medical Tourism for Me? I've heard mixed reviews of medical tourism. Is plastic surgery really safe in Thailand? Are Indian doctors qualified?
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