A private healthcare facility is aiming to bolster Bahrain’s vision of becoming a medical tourism hub in the region by flying in world-renowned experts for specialist treatments.
Under the International Visiting Professor (IVP) Programme launched by Al Salam Specialist Hospital, experts from Germany and other countries will be offering their services on a regular basis.
The programme, in collaboration with Health Cologne, a magazine under Germany’s Cologne Tourism Board, was launched with the visit of German obstetrics and gynaecology specialist professor Thomas Romer.
The details of the IVP were announced at a Press conference held at the hospital’s Sanad complex yesterday, under the patronage of Supreme Council for Health chairman Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
On the sidelines, German Ambassador Kai Boeckmann told the GDN that the initiative was a win-win situation for Bahrain and his country, bolstering Bahrain’s prospects to emerge as a regional medical tourism hub.
“I see great prospects in the healthcare sector post-Covid-19.
“German doctors visiting Bahrain and treating patients across the Gulf will indeed be a boost for the kingdom and it will also help Bahraini medics acquire training.”
He added that the demand in Bahrain for urgent medical treatment in Germany remained steady throughout the pandemic, adding that the mission’s visa department continued working in line with Covid-19 protocols.”
Speaking at the event, hospital chairman Dr Abdul Majeed Al Awadhi highlighted the facilities at the hospital, adding that the infrastructure and ambience catered to people seeking premium services.
“This programme has a vision that aims to further cement Bahrain’s progress towards medical tourism alongside catering to public demands of specific treatment services,” he added.
“Through the participation and sharing of clinical knowledge and expertise between the two countries, we will be able to enhance the abilities of the medical team through provision of top-notch care and services to our valued patients in Bahrain and the region.”
Cologne Tourism Board marketing head Gregor Gosciniak highlighted the attractions of the German city adding that the partnership will see growth in the coming years.
Strategy
“We have the expertise and infrastructure to provide the needs of the programme and in case we are unable to find specialists in Cologne we will arrange from other parts of the world, free of cost,” he said.
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority exports and tourism chief executive Dr Ali Fouladh said the initiative was well within the authority’s strategy.
“Bahrain has the right foundation – human capital, infrastructure, geographic advantage – among others, for it to flourish as a medical tourism hub,” he said.
Hospital chief executive Dr Ramez Elawady presented mementos to the dignitaries including National Health Regulatory Authority chief executive Dr Maryam Al Jalahma and officials from the Health Ministry, Southern Municipal Council and other healthcare professionals.
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