Tijuana's Medical Tourism Fuels Surge in Hospitals and Surgery Centers

The burgeoning medical tourism industry in Mexico presents a wealth of economic opportunities, delivering top-notch healthcare services at remarkably accessible rates.

While numerous Mexican states have potential in the medical tourism sector, Tijuana reigns as the premier destination where patients flock to access premium healthcare.

Visitors from countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK are increasingly drawn to Tijuana as a healthcare haven. This vibrant city offers substantial cost savings, ranging from 35% to 85%, particularly for various surgical procedures. However, for Tijuana to cement its status as a medical tourism hub, the convergence of medical expertise and tourism allure is essential.

Tijuana's Appeal:

Tijuana, as the largest city in Baja California and a hub for financial and industrial services in Mexico, annually attracts over 2.5 million patients from Canada and the United States seeking top-tier medical care. The reasons behind its allure include:

• International patients view it as a cost-effective healthcare option without sacrificing quality.
• Tijuana ranks among the world's most sought-after destinations for an array of medical procedures, spanning bariatric surgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery, dentistry, orthopedics, ophthalmology, regenerative medicine, and infertility treatments. Renew Bariatrics reports that over 10,000 patients choose Tijuana annually for bariatric surgery.
• The city boasts a cadre of highly skilled and board-certified healthcare specialists, proficient in various medical disciplines, many of whom have received specialized training both abroad and in Mexico. Notably, Mexico boasts numerous board-certified bariatric surgeons catering to US patients.
• Tijuana's proximity to the United States, as Mexico's border city, ensures easy access for international patients seeking medical services.
• In response to the surging demand for medical tourism, the Mexican government has committed to continuous investments in cutting-edge medical facilities, hospitals, and clinics in Tijuana. Patients can anticipate receiving top-tier healthcare services in a modern, technologically advanced, and secure environment.

The Growth Story:

Tijuana's increasing popularity among international patients is reflected in official figures. At the recent annual tourism conference, Tianguis Turistico, officials from Baja California reported a double-digit growth in international patients arriving in the country for dental and medical treatments. In 2022 alone, over 4.2 million tourists visited Baja California for health-related reasons, contributing over $1.6 million to the local economy.

Rising Demand Spurs Hospital and Medical Facility Investments:
The surging demand for medical tourism, particularly in Tijuana, has sparked initiatives to establish additional hospitals and medical facilities. Several hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics in the city have earned accreditation from ISO and JCI and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Numerous projects, including new hospitals, clinical centers, airports, hotels, and restaurants, were in the works to support medical tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted these efforts. Post-pandemic, the industry is rebounding, igniting renewed interest in projects aimed at maintaining high-quality standards throughout the medical tourism supply chain.

In line with the growing demand, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has committed to investing approximately $677.2 million by 2024 to construct 111 new hospitals. This investment aims to enhance infrastructure for surgeries in clinical and hospital settings. Additionally, construction has commenced on a $66 million, 33-story medical building in Tijuana's Zona Rio.

Notably, Tijuana is welcoming its second general hospital, slated for full functionality by early 2024. This $12.1 million facility, located in the eastern Cañadas El Florido district, will feature 60 hospital beds, a blood bank, and outpatient services, catering to various medical specialties, including internal medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, trauma care, surgery, and orthopedics. This addition addresses the city's growing healthcare demands driven by medical tourism.

Tijuana's New City Medical Plaza, situated on the Paseo Centenario, stands as another significant economic endeavor. It boasts a massive medical tower with specialized clinics, medical offices, rehabilitation spas, operating rooms, and alternative medicine facilities. Furthermore, it offers a luxury hotel designed to accommodate international patients, along with shopping areas, restaurants, and an exhibition center, ensuring comprehensive tourism experiences.

In 2016, plans for a $120 million hospital collaboration between Scripps Health and Sistemas Medicos Nacionales S.A. (SIMNSA) were underway, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2018. Tijuana already boasts world-class medical facilities, including NewCity Hospital, which offers specialized treatments supported by certified physicians and modern equipment.

Blue Medical Tower, recognized as one of Tijuana's leading and most innovative centers for cosmetic and bariatric surgery, is catering to the burgeoning medical tourism sector, alongside other top facilities like Obesity Control Center and Hospital BCN.

Source: traveldailynews.com