Investigating medical tourism in South Africa

Abstract

Medical tourism is an integral part of the tourism economy in South Africa. However, despite its growing importance there appears to have been limited research into the medical tourism sector. In order to gain a better understanding of the South African medical tourism sector, the researcher conducted a thematic analysis of relevant newspaper articles. The study revealed that South Africa is an attractive medical tourism destination on account of the quality and affordable medical care offered in the country. South Africa’s medical tourism offering is multifaceted and includes breast enlargements and breast reductions, facelifts, eyelid reductions, drug rehabilitation, dental treatment, cancer treatment, infertility treatment and treatment for illnesses such as tuberculosis. Accordingly, this paper recommends the development of a medical tourism and promotion strategy with research as one of its key components.

Keywords: Medical tourism, medical costs, medical care, pull factors, push factors