DESPITE the migration of many Filipino medical professionals abroad, the Department of Tourism (DOT) still believes the Philippines can become a medical tourism destination.

“In fact, a lot of them are coming back because of that [medical tourism],” said Cynthia Carrion, DOT undersecretary for Sports and Wellness, during the Philippine Health and Wellness Summit here in Manila.

Carrion related that Filipino doctor Samuel Bernal has been bringing his patients to the Philippines for the past 15 years.

Bernal believes that the Philippines can be competitive because of the quality of its labor force.

“Taking care of people is not an automatic, robotic thing, where it is not the machine that can replace the human touch, and that is the competitive advantage of the Philippines,” added Bernal.

Bernal also said that scientists and physicians should collaborate in order to improve medical technology and healthcare.

“We just have to direct them into providing the type of scientific support that will allow medical professionals to deliver the best technology and the best care to patients,” Bernal said.

Not only should scientists and physicians collaborate, but also hospitals, added Dr. James McCormick, president of Premier Medical Travel Company.

“Competition should not be local but global. Hospitals within a country should work together because the reward for the country is greater than the reward for any single hospital,” added McCormick.