Medical Tourism Sector Calls for Regulation

The recent kidnapping of four US citizens in February 2023 in Tamaulipas, has raised concerns over the risk of medical tourism in Mexico, not only in terms of security but also in terms of the complications that may arise after the procedure. 

Dental care, surgeries, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplants and cancer treatments are among the most common procedures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, warns of some complications associated with medical tourism such as infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, quality of care, communication challenges, air travel risks and continuity of care. 

“Medical tourists should be aware of the additional risks associated with traveling while being treated for a medical condition or during recovery after surgery or other procedure. Air travel and surgery independently increase the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli; travel and surgery together further increase the risks,” warns the CDC regarding air travel.

Mexico is the second largest medical tourism hub globally. The country’s ideal location allows it to leverage these activities, as most foreigners looking for medical care come from both the US and Canada. Tijuana and Cancun are two of the main destinations for these procedures, explains Javier Balmori, Medical Director, Balmori Aesthetics Center, to MBN.

According to Bancomext, in Mexico, the medical tourism industry was worth US$5 billion before the pandemic. Furthermore, the sector is expected to grow 25% by 2030 according to Healthcare Medica. Experts point out the main drivers for medical tourism economics: access to treatments not available in the patient’s country, long wait times for treatments and quality of care, which varies drastically depending on the country.

The CDC advises people who seek medical treatment abroad to get a pre-travel consultation, to keep their health and medical records, to research the providers and facilities where they will get the treatment or procedure and to arrange for follow-up care.