An international medical association says the medical industry in Dubai should do more to promote its healthcare facilities in order to boost medical tourism.   Dubai has invested millions of Dirhams to create the world’s first free zone for medical care.  Dr. Prem Jagyasi, chief executive of the medical services company ExHealth in Dubai Healthcare City, said “Perception of the destination is very good over here.  You want to go to a destination that is familiar to you and has a strong brand.” 

There are around 80 clinics in Dubai’s Healthcare City, and the Emirate hosts thousands of medical tourists every year.  A second phase under construction includes nutrition centers, spas, resorts, and sport medicine centers.  However, about 70 per cent of respondents to a recent survey said they would seek treatment abroad if they became seriously ill.   Dr. Jagyasi said Dubai should set up a medical tourism board to review ethical and legal issues.