Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Thailand’s hospitals and clinics are world class. Investments in equipment and management standards are so high that major hospitals are “internationally accredited”.

The following are some “ball park” cost comparisons. The cost of surgery can be one-tenth of what it is in the United States or Western Europe, and sometimes even less. A heart-valve replacement that would cost $200,000 or more in the US, for example, goes for $10,000 and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package. Similarly, a metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the US costs around $500. A knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the US. Lasik eye surgery worth $3,700 in the US is available for around $730. In the US cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000, but at a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. Cosmetic surgery savings are even greater: A full facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US runs about $1,200. A thorough dental cleaning and checkup runs around $10.00.

Tourists are drawn to Thailand for many reasons – tropical beauty, splendid beaches, and a fascinating culture. Now however, health is yet another reason that lures visitors to the kingdom. Thailand has become the spa capital of Asia. The country abounds in health clubs and spas, and offers an incredible amount of sporting activities, everything from golfing to scuba diving, and from biking to cave exploring.

Thai Airlines features what is known as Royal Orchid Holidays. Medical checkups, has become so important, Royal Orchid Holidays has added medical checkups to its package tours. It’s an unusual theme for a package tour, perhaps, but a very practical one, giving travelers the opportunity to have a comprehensive medical checkup while they are in Thailand for business or pleasure. Quality healthcare combined with a tourism holiday at a low price attracts patients from all over the world.

On the medical side, an Internet search of the International hospitals in Bangkok will provide all the information necessary regarding medical procedures available and the related costs. While the list is long, to start, your search should include the popular Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, and Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital. They are all internationally accredited hospitals.

On the tourism side, Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles. It is often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. In Bangkok a visit to the Grand Palace is a must see. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai, or other popular destinations, are easily arranged and inexpensive, even with a personal driver. A short flight or overnight train trip and you can be enjoying the pristine beaches in the Southern Islands or the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

Consider Health Tourism in Thailand. You will readily see that you can have a medical procedure, and a wonderful holiday, all at less cost that you would have paid for the medical procedure alone in the West.

The Ministry of Health is behind the management of healthcare services in the public sector and responsibilities are shared between the central and provincial administration. The healthcare sector consists of around 1360 hospitals, of which about two-thirds are in the public sector. The public sector hospitals deliver good coverage at various levels. At the provincial level the country has provided coverage of 100 per cent with 90.6 per cent coverage at district level.

Numerous major hospitals come under management groups that make sure top-class standard of medical service is offered through their branch hospitals at various locations across the country. All this expertise and proficiency point to the fact that Thailand’s hospitals are safe options for those looking for medical treatment.

The US consular information sheet gives the Thai health care system high marks for quality, particularly facilities in Bangkok, although the World Health Organization ranks the Thai healthcare system at number 47, below the USA’s ranking at 37 and the United Kingdom’s ranking at 18. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site states “There are excellent international hospitals in Bangkok but they can be expensive”.

Treatments for medical tourists range from organ transplants to cosmetic and cardiac surgery, treatment also includes spa, physical and mental therapies- and in 2006 the numbers of treatment seekers coming from abroad topped 150,000 patients. Thailand boasts of world class hospitals and treatments. You can get a successful cure for your disease and that too in half or probably one-tenth of the price. I hope that by reading the above article many of your doubts must have got cleared. Visit Thailand and enjoy a world-class treatment!