Medical tourism is defined as “the process of traveling to another country for the purpose of receiving medical care.” The reason why the word “tourism” is included in the name is because patients often stay in their foreign country of choice after their medical procedures to take advantage of touristic activities such as sightseeing, day trips or traveling around the country.

According to a report published by Grand View Research, a company specializing in customized research reports and consulting services for 46 different industries across 25 major countries globally, the global medical tourism market valued at USD 26.9 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a rate of 21.9% over the next few years. If such forecast proves true, by 2026, the global medical tourism market should reach USD 179.6 billion by 2026. 

 

 

 

Countries and governments are eager to foster and encourage their local medical tourism markets because it generates direct foreign exchange income and aids the growth and development of numerous economies such as the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and tourism industries. Investing in these local economies have proven beneficial as it helped increase employment and business opportunities in the country.

A second reason why countries and government are investing in the medical tourism market is that it contributes to the improvement and advancement of local public transport systems and water supply facilities. Bettering such infrastructure not only attracts medical and sightseeing tourists alike but also improves the quality of life for local residents of the country. 

A third reason why governments are willing to fund the medical tourism market is because it has encouraged investments into state-of-the-art medical facilities in many developing countries, resulting in improved healthcare facilities. This has led to a win-win situation where local citizens of the country as well as medical tourists get to reap the benefits of advanced and enhanced medical infrastructure; and many healthcare providers have capitalized on this by offering packages such as ticket and accommodation booking and providing medical insurance. 

In conclusion, the medical tourism market shows no signs of becoming stagnant or even decreasing due to its numerous benefits for not only the medical tourists but to a country’s local economy. Governments are willing to invest in this rapidly growing industry as it promotes the development of local infrastructure such as public transport systems and water supply facilities; encourages the growth of local economies related to the medial and tourism industry, thus increasing job and business opportunities; and improves the current healthcare facilities, which benefits not only medical tourists by local citizens as well. 

 

COVID-19 is a virus that belongs to the same virus family as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and strains of the common cold. Previously coined as the “2019 novel coronavirus”, the name COVID breaks down as follows: CO for corona; VI for virus; and D for disease; and has been known to be transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected individual (from sneezing and coughing).

COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic resulting in numerous disruptions in both the private and public spheres. One industry that has been heavily affected is the medical tourism industry. 

 

 

Medical tourism can be defined as a type of tourism where people traverse across the globe to another country in order to receive medical, surgical and/or dental treatment. At the same time, these medical tourists incorporate some kind of leisure vacation into their schedule in order to get the most bang out of their buck. 

However, the emergence of COVID-19 meant that the medical tourism industry has come to a standstill, mostly due in part to the travel restrictions countries around the world have implemented in order to contain the spread of the virus. The closing of borders and limiting who can travel in and out of a country has resulted in medical tourists unable to travel abroad for healthcare. 

Lockdowns and curfews have posed another issue for the medical tourism industry – with a large majority of countries issuing stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and avoid non-essential travel, medical tourists have found themselves stuck and unable to travel freely. This has resulted in patients having to cancel or reschedule their medical trips abroad and it is estimated that the medical tourism industry will see around 500,000 more cancellations in the third quarter of 2020. 

Another way COVID-19 has impacted the medical tourism industry is by putting a huge strain on countries’ healthcare systems. Many hospitals, clinics etc. have had to direct their resources and manpower to those affected by the virus; and this may have put non-essential and elective medical procedures on hold.

In conclusion, it’s of no surprise that COVID-19 has heavily impacted the medical tourism industry. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, social distancing, and overwhelmed healthcare systems around the world have all resulted in medical tourists having to postpone or cancel their procedures abroad; and until this pandemic eases and the curve flattens, 2020 may prove to be a difficult year to travel for medical purposes.

Medical tourism refers to people traveling abroad to obtain medical treatment. In the past, this usually referred to those who traveled from less-developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries – since required healthcare treatment were unavailable at home. However, in recent years – it may equally refer to those from developed countries, who travel to developing countries for lower-priced medical treatments, such as rhytidectomy procedures, facelift surgery, facial cosmetic surgery and many others. The motivation may be also for medical services unavailable or non-licensed in the home country. [1]

Therefore – over the recent years, medical tourism quickly developed into a booming industry that is only becoming more and more popular for various types of surgical and non-surgical operations. One of the biggest reasons for the perpetual growth of the medical tourism industry is its lower costs compared to the UK, US, Swiss and some GEOs’ healthcare services. Yet, so called “medical tourists” can receive high quality medical help abroad, when paying a lot of attention and time to select a reliable and professional team – such as the one in Medical Travel clinique in Prague. In 2020, services of Medical Travel Czech cover such options as plastic surgery, IVF egg donation and weight loss procedures. All the consulting sessions on both preparations and recovery care – as well as – all the surgical operations are performed by experienced doctors, while relevant procedures are carried out by knowledgeable medical team in Prague.

 

 

When Did Medical Tourism Start?

Medical tourism is currently known as the part of health tourism, holding a long-standing history that goes back through the centuries. Historical records could even show that in Epidauria (Ancient Greece) patients visited the healing god Asklepios. At the same time – inhabitants of some neighboring countries used to travel to therapeutic spas and to collect water from holy shrines. In the 18th century – health spas already turned into a common destination for medical tourism. Since then, medical tourism is regarded as more organized travel outside the one’s natural health care jurisdiction. It is typically linked to certain engagements in leisure, businesses and other purposes. By the same talking – such widely common activity as health tourism, which also includes medical tourism, is generally defined as an organized travel outside one’s local environment for the maintenance, enhancement, or restoration of an individual’s well-being in mind and body. [2]

 

Benefits and Disadvantages of Medical Tourism

One of the most known advantages of medical tourism is in its rather competitive cost without compromising on the quality of healthcare services abroad. For instance, such an unbeatable combination applies to Czechia. After selecting the most suitable clinique, the most of potential patients are able to pay travel to Prague, medical treatment and accommodation expenses in the emerging medical tourism destination. Overall, the general cost and treatment quality are reasonably better, than average pricing for the treatment alone in their home countries. Thus, it explains an increasing success of receiving medical care at many health tourism destinations.

 

 

Among the disadvantages of medical tourism is the one that relates to health insurance. Due to the legitimate reasons – some of the health insurance companies may refuse to cover the patient’ case when he/she goes abroad. From the other side – some insurance firms may actually encourage patients to go abroad if any specific treatment is significantly cheaper, but then not cover the airfare and other expenses.

 

Medical Tourism Classification in 2020

Prior to considering various destinations and procedure for medical tourism in 2020 – it might be helpful to know about several classifications of health tourists, in general:

• Temporary visitors abroad are the ones, which go for either medical check-up or certain surgical/non-surgical treatment;

• Long-term residents e.g. people who moved into specific location because it’s better for their health state and the future living;

• Medical tourist, from 2 or more adjacent countries, which share the common borders and have also agreed upon sharing health care;

• Outsourced patients – these are the patients, which sent abroad by their government, as the neither necessary treatment nor the specialist is available locally. [3]

 

Sources:

[1] Wikipedia: Medical Tourism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tourism

[2] US National Library of Medicine: Cosmetic Medical Tourism – Beneficence or Maleficence?

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/

[3] The Hubspot Blog: How to Attract Medical Tourists 

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/136465/file-17570341-pdf/docs/how_to_attract_medical_tourists.pdf

Why travel for medical treatments?

Traveling for medical reasons is no new concept. From Greek baths to the healing spas of the Alps, people have traveled across borders for centuries to seek health benefits not available in their region. While in modern times this used to refer to those who traveled to higher developed countries for treatment, it is now just as common for those who travel for lower-prices or higher availability. ^[1]

People travel to escape long waiting times in their home country, or maybe to countries which offer medical services denied to them elsewhere. Globally, approximately 22 million people cross borders for health tourism.^[2]

When one American woman explained her decision to seek fertility treatment abroad, she explained that in the United States she would have been out of pocket $21,000 for only a 16% chance of success. Going abroad gave her her only chance to conceive without going into massive debt. On average¸ American patients can save 30-65 percent by traveling for fertility treatments.^[3]

‘Medicine prices in the Czech Republic are among the world’s most affordable.’^[4]

It is not just for IVF egg donation that people travel, cosmetic treatments and bariatric surgery make up a large amount of the medical tourism market. The expected annual compound growth rate of the market is 8% for the next five years.^[5]

 

 

Why choose Prague?

It may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but, of course, that alone is not a reason to travel for medical reasons. The Czech Republic is a popular place for medical tourism, however, because of its high standard of surgical training and relatively low prices in comparison to surrounding areas.

Plastic surgery in Prague is highly sought after. Almost 20,000 foreigners visited the Czech Republic for treatment in 2018, and Czech doctors are among the most popular across the continent.^[6] The six years of training required to be a qualified plastic surgeon is far higher than in other countries.

Advances in digital technologies makes communication and data sharing easier than ever before. At Medical Travel Czech, we offer online video consultations both before and after procedures.
 

Feel Confident Traveling Abroad

We cooperate with only the best clinics, with English speaking doctors. Airport pick-up, transport to the clinic, and assistance with all travel details is all included in the price. We ensure that you are only given the utmost care, with no hidden costs.

Whether you are traveling for weight-loss procedures, plastic surgery, or fertility treatment, our services guarantee a seamless experience.

 

Sources:

 

Evolution can be a fickle thing and when human beings decided to start walking on only two legs instead of all four limbs, they resigned themselves to co-exist with the aesthetically displeasing and sometimes potentially health threatening medical entity that are varicose veins.

Derived from the Latin, varix, meaning “twisted”[1], the word “varicose” is an adjective used to describe something that has become “abnormally or unusually enlarged or swollen.”[2] Thus, when the veins that reside beneath the skin of your legs become widened, bulging and twisted, they become “varicose” and are medically known as varicose veins.[3]

 

History of Varicose Veins

Records and illustrations of varicose veins can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. The first known written record of varicose veins can date back to around 1550BCE to the Papyrus of Ebers, which is an Ancient Egyptian compilation of medical texts and one of the oldest known medical works discovered.[4] In the text, varicose veins are described by the author as “torturous and solid, with many knots, as if blown up by air” but also recommended that they be left alone and not treated.[5]

Moving forward a bit in history, the first illustration of varicose veins was found on a religious tablet located at the base of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, which dated back to around 400BCE.[6] This was during time of Hippocrates, a Greek physician who is now seen as the “father of medicine”; and unlike the author from the Ebers Papyrus, Hippocrates recommended treating varicose veins. Hippocrates, having found a correlation between varicose veins and leg ulcers known as venous ulcers, recommended the treatment of compression therapy, a form of treatment still used today to treat varicose veins.[7]

The first true-to-life illustrations of the anatomy of varicose veins did not appear until the 15^th century when Leonardo da Vinci created them and the term “varicose” itself was not coined until the mid 1600s in order to show the correlation between varicose veins and venous ulcers.[8]

 

 

So what exactly are varicose veins and how do they form?

To understand them, we need to understand the system of veins that run beneath the surface of our legs.

The vein systems in our legs can be divided into two main systems: deep veins and superficial veins. Deep veins reside far below the surface of the skin and are the system of veins that carry most of the blood back up our legs to the heart and they continuously become squeezed and compressed by our leg muscles when we stand, walk or run.[9]

Superficial veins on the other hand reside close to the surface of the skin and while not as physiologically important as deep veins, they are important for the cooling of the body.[10] They are the ones that are visible, especially on the hands and they tend to bulge when exercising or lifting heavy weights.[11]

Varicose veins develop as a result of a backflow of blood to the legs – both deep and superficial veins contain one-way values that carry blood towards the heart but when they fail to do so and blood flows backwards down the veins, it created an overload of pressure when standing, and this excess pressure causes the veins to widen and not close properly.[12] This results in varicose veins developing and the increased pressure can also cause spider veins – a milder variation of varicose veins – to develop, along with discoloration on the skin, making it look bruised.[13]

In general, varicose veins are nothing more than an aesthetic issue and the symptoms are usually just the displeasing appearance of veins that are dark blue or purple in color that can be seen just under the surface of the skin.[14] However, varicose veins may also bring about physical symptoms and pain, some of which include:

• A heavy and achy feeling in your legs
• Cramping, swelling, throbbing and burning in your legs, especially your lower legs
• Pain from standing for extended periods of time
• Itching and skin discoloration[15]

These symptoms can be alleviated through self-care via exercise, elevating your legs and using compression socks but if the pain and symptoms persist, consulting a doctor would be advisable.[16]

Factors that can augment the appearance of varicose veins include the following:

Age

General wear and tear affects the efficiency of the valves in the veins in your legs that regulate blood flow and this can result in a backflow of blood back into your veins, causing them to collect, which enlarges the valves, creating varicose veins.[17]

Sex

Studies imply that women are more likely to be affected by varicose veins as factors such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and birth control pills increase the risk of varicose veins.[18]

Genes

Studies also suggest that developing varicose veins may be a result of genetics, meaning that they might be hereditary and run in the family.[19]

 

 

Obesity

Your legs carry the entire weight of your body and if you are overweight, it puts added pressure to the veins in your legs, which increases the risk of developing varicose veins.[20]

In conclusion, varicose veins are a medical development that arises from a variety of factors including age, genes, weight and sex. Contrary to popular belief, the existence and acknowledgment of them can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, though the term “varicose” was not invented until the mid 1600s. In order to alleviate, prevent or worsen the condition of varicose veins, individuals should exercise, not stand or sit for extended periods of time, elevate their legs and wear compression socks if need be.

 

Sources:

 

Booking a flight anytime soon? Perhaps you are not aware, but there is a big chance that many people on the same flight as you are travelling for surgery – they are medical tourists. Medical tourism has boomed significantly in recent years and continues to grow thanks to the increasing number of countries that are opening their clinics to patients from abroad, mostly Western Europe and the USA. The prices are attractive enough – often less than half of that in Western countries – but what’s the real cost? Many media outlets report on the dangers of medical tourism, but in this article we want to take a look at both sides.

 

 

A recent scandal involving medical tourism in the Dominican Republic has filled newspapers over the last few days. An American teacher has died following an undisclosed procedure at a Dominican clinic, and it turns out she is far from being the first casualty. It turns out that a formidable list of patients have died at various clinics in the country – and similar lists can be found for clinics in Mexico, India and elsewhere. US officials have recently warned against medical tourism, citing that the common cause of death is infection through bacteria that is not seen in the West which causes unforeseen complications that lead to death.

The stories are scary, and do a lot to warn people away from medical tourism. However it is important to remember that there are many success stories too, and that medical tourism exists also in central European locations, such as Prague, Czech Republic, where standards are basically identical to Western ones in medical terms. The Czech Republic recognised plastic surgery as a branch of medicine as early as 1932, and it was a Czech doctor, Bohdan Pomahač, who undertook the first ever facial transplant.

 

 

In locations like Prague doctors have also been recognised by foreign bodies for their huge achievements in medicine, and it just goes to show that a broad outlook is needed when considering this topic. However it is worth following the advice of those who warn against medical tourism when considering your clinic: make sure that after-surgery treatment is available and included, make sure the clinic is fully licensed and that your doctor has testimonies to their name. With good preparation, research and communication your medical tourism can have a much happier ending than those in Dominica.

 

Sources:

https://www.businessinsider.com/dominican-republics-plastic-surgery-tourism-history-of-warnings-2019-6

https://www.dailysabah.com/health/2019/06/22/turkish-plastic-surgeon-awarded-by-us-based-society-for-his-extensive-research

https://www.czechtourism.com/a/plastic-surgery/

We can strive to be better, self-improve and turn over a new leaf at any time of the year but there’s something appealing about doing it at the start of a new year – it’s like having a clean slate with which to work with. You leave your troubles behind in the old year and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you emerge reborn in the New Year with a laundry list of goals you swear to abide by.

 

So what are the most common New Year’s resolutions people make? Well in 2018, the following New Year’s resolutions were declared:

·        Eat healthier (37%)

·        Get more exercise (37%)

·        Save money (37%)

·        Self-care (24%)

·        Read more (18%)

·        Make new friends (15%)

·        Learn a new skill (15%)

·        Get a (new) job (14%)

·        Take up a hobby (13%)[1]

 

However, despite people’s good intentions, a staggering 80% of them fail to stick to their resolutions for longer than six weeks.[2] Why? Let’s find out.

Unrealistic Goals & Expectations

People often subscribe to an “I want it ALL and I want it NOW” mentality and this is only fueled by our fast-paced lifestyle.[3] However, setting goals that are too vast with deadlines that are too restricting prove overwhelming for many people, causing them to give up and quit or turn to weight loss procedures and plastic surgery to speed up the process. So instead of saying that you want to lose weight and then trying to ban ALL sugar and treats, set up realistic goals such as drinking more water for one week, then drinking more water and eating 3 fruits the second week etc.[4]
 

Vague Goals

People often make resolutions like “find a better job” and “spend more time with loved ones” but they’re often vague with no proper sense of direction.[5] To fix this, think SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. So instead of saying that you want to spend more time with loved ones, you could instead say that you will spend more time with loved ones by inviting your good friends over for drinks and game night every second weekend.[6]

Lone Wolf-ing It

While the lone wolf gig sounds heroic and noble, in reality it’s hard and strenuous. So whether you’re wanting to quit smoking, start going to the gym or learn a new skill, find someone who will have your back and support you in achieving your goal.[7] For example, if you want to learn or improve upon a skill, find a friend or coach who is better than you as they will help inspire and push you to be better and do more.[8]

Lack of Faith

Doubt is a crippling foe and if you’ve found yourself making resolutions only to fail at keeping them year after year, it’s easy to lose faith in your ability to stick to a goal you’ve made. So instead of listening to that devil on your shoulder telling you to quit while you’re ahead, try to adopt some of the advice in this article instead – set yourself a realistic goal with a realistic and achievable deadline and find someone to meet your goal with.

In conclusion, making New Year’s resolutions have become a time-honored tradition for many people but not sticking to them has also become part and parcel of said tradition. If you want to obtain the goals you set for yourself when you ring in the New Year, make sure they’re SMART, find a buddy to lean on and most of all, believe in yourself. Happy New Year!

 

 

“I’m going to lose weight!”

“I’m going to eat healthier!”

“I’m going to sign up for a gym membership!”

 

These are some common New Year’s resolutions that people make after they ring in the New Year. But why do we set goals for ourselves at this time of the year when we can literally make them at any other time? Well the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back over 4000 years to the Ancient Babylonians.[1] The Babylonians celebrated a 12-day festival called Akitu where they would honor the “rebirth of the natural world” by planting crops, crowning a new king, pledging vows to their gods and settling debts.[2]

Sound familiar? It should because these are the roots of our modern day New Year’s resolutions traditions only the Babylonians were more apt at seeing their goals through because they believed that if they kept their vows they made to the gods, they would be spared their wrath and remain in their good books.[3] The Babylonians also made their resolutions in March instead of January because it coincided with the spring harvest and their goals were more focused on external improvement rather than self-improvement.[4]

 

 

In Ancient Rome, a custom similar to New Year’s resolutions can also be found. Before Rome became a powerful empire, on March 1^st, city magistrates would stand before the Roman Senate to affirm that they had performed their duties in accordance with the written laws.[5] In 27 BC, when Rome became an empire, New Year’s became a time for soldiers and city leaders to swear fealty to the Emperor.[6]

In 300 BC, Rome switched from celebrating New Year’s at the beginning of March to the beginning of January because as a military society, the crucial battle season was in spring, making the original March swear-in date for soldiers too late.[7] January was also seen as a more symbolic time to ring in the new year and make resolutions because it was a month associated with Janus, God of Hearth and Home. Janus was also depicted to have two faces – one facing backwards and one facing forward and this symbolized the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year.[8]

While our modern day New Year’s resolutions traditions differ to the traditions upheld in Ancient Rome or Babylonia, the urge for a clean slate at the beginning of the year remains a persistent aspect of Western Civilization.[9] The first recorded use of the phrase, “New Year’s Resolution” can be traced back to 1813 in a Boston newspaper and people feel more motivated to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of a new year because they feel like they can leave their troubles and past behind and start anew with the new year.[10]

 

 

In conclusion, the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions are older than people think through the actual types of promises people make nowadays differ greatly to those of the Ancient Babylonians or Romans. While their resolutions were rooted in religion and external societal obligations, modern day resolutions are mostly centered around self-improvement. However, as people don’t fear the wrath of god quite as much as people did back in the ye ole’ days, many resolutions made on New Year’s quickly fall to the wayside by the end of January. This is possibly why there is an uptick in weight loss procedures such as gastric balloon, and plastic surgery like tummy tucks.

 

Varicose veins as a disease is as old as humankind. We know that people already suffered from enlarged and twisted veins, and the discomfort they cause, as far back as ancient Egypt and the Byzantine Empire. That’s why it’s hard to believe that only now, at the beginning of the 21st century, have treatments appeared that can cure varicose veins.

 

Disease of a Generation

Unfortunately for our veins, we live in a time of office clerks and IT specialists, which means the sedentary lifestyle is perceived as the norm, even though it has a negative impact on our well-being. Now, more than 60% of women and about 40% of men all over the world suffer from some form of venous disease, and these numbers are growing every day. Even just ten years ago, the statistics looked much better.

 

 

The root causes of varicose veins vary, but include heredity (in more than 70% of all cases), pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, and prolonged sitting. As to the last, interestingly, there is actually a recently-coined term that specifically links the disease to our nine-to-five office jobs: ‘computer’ varicose veins. No matter the cause, if left untreated in the early stages, varicose veins can significantly diminish our mobility later on.

 

Super Glue

The different types of modern varicose veins treatment have been developed with the goal of minimising invasiveness as much as possible and eliminating pain. VenaSeal, which, as of this writing, appeared in Europe just a few of years ago, is the first to fulfil both criteria. In addition, it’s also the first treatment that doesn’t require any immediate post-procedural pain medication and wearing of compression stockings. 

The VenaSeal procedure involves the placement of a very small amount of medical glue into the affected vein through a small catheter. The glue is designed to seal the vein so blood is immediately re-routed through other, healthy veins. Once the affected vein has been glued shut, it will undergo a process of hardening and will be gradually absorbed by the body. After the procedure, a patient can return to their normal activities right away.

VenaSeal is indicated for varicose veins that produce mild to moderate symptoms such as pain, blood clots, or skin ulcers.

Clinical studies on VenaSeal have demonstrated an initial success rate of between 94% and 98.9% (six months post-treatment). In very rare cases, possible side effects may include mild pain and inflammation along the glued vein and skin numbness. These can generally be successfully managed through anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac), light walking, and elevating the legs.

 

 

Why Treat Varicose Veins?

Just as with the spine, localised pain or dysfunction in our veins can affect our bodies globally. Back and vein problems, even though of local character, can affect our overall function and, specifically, our ability to stand, sit, and walk. It is therefore advisable to consult medical help whilst varicose veins are still strictly a cosmetic concern—before they lead to larger problems down the road.

 

Sources:

www.medicinenet.com

www.veinhealth.com.ua

www.varicoseveins.org