A member of the Friends of Health Association, Fatima Al -Naqi, said that the expansion of the concepts of globalization, especially in the health sector, made the world seem to be “flat” according to the description of the American writer Thomas Friedman in his 2005 book, noting that this concept today is clearly reflected on the reality of health globalization.
She added that this globalization was evident in the spread of doctors’ opportunities for travel, training and work abroad, as well as through the increasing expansion of medical tourism services, as some hospitals are seeking to promote their services by cooperating with travel and tourism agencies.
Al -Naqi explained that among the most prominent patients ’motives for travel for treatment outside the country, what is being circulated on social media, especially when comparing the quality and cost of treatment locally and globally, in addition to trying to avoid waiting lists or the desire to combine treatment and recovery in attractive tourist destinations. She stressed that the trend towards treatment abroad is not always the perfect choice, explaining that there are many factors that support the option of treatment locally, including the remarkable development in the national health sector and the diversity of medical specialties in it, making it a competitor to international hospitals.
She added that patients today enjoy access to high -quality treatment services inside the country, without the need to bear the hardship of travel or its costs, as well as the presence of national supervisory bodies that enhance confidence in the safety and quality of health care in government and private institutions.
Al -Naqi pointed out that the adoption of many local hospitals by international bodies reflects their commitment to international quality standards, which increases their reliability in front of patients and society.
She pointed out that health globalization was not limited to the travel of patients, but also led to the recruitment of visiting doctors and the operation of treatment units in international cooperation, allowing patients to receive treatment in their family and social environment, and ensures them with ease of medical follow -up when exposed to any complications or setbacks.
She concluded by saying that local therapy remains the best choice when all health, financial and social factors are in the interest of the patient, stressing that the comparison between the treatment inside or outside the country should be based on a conscious study, a health culture, and consulting qualified specialists in the medical field.
