Ministry of Tourism director general Vernice Walkine and GBPA group business development manager Derek Newbold at the second annual World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress in Los Angeles, California.

Published On:Monday, November 30, 2009

MEDICAL Tourism opportunities in the Bahamas were promoted for the world during a three-day international medical tourism convention in Los Angeles, California.

Grand Bahama Port Authority business development manager Derek Newbold joined delegates from more than 60 countries at the second annual World Medical Tourism and Global Health Congress to show why Grand Bahama is best suited to accommodate a medical tourism hospital.

He showcased the island's existing opportunities for medical tourism development as it scores highly on the list for those wishing to travel for medical needs and are concerned with cost, accessibility, availability, the destination experience and confidentiality.

More than 120 exhibitors and sponsors were featured at the event, as well as more than 160 speakers and 1,500 public and private sector representatives, including governments, facilitators and medical insurance professionals.

Mr Newbold said: "The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has a strong interest in making Grand Bahama a medical tourist destination as we seek to attract recession proof industries.

"We feel there are many benefits to the local community and economy by becoming a competing destination in this growing tourism sector."

Harvard University's Regina Herzlinger's 2008 study on medical travel estimates $16 to $32 billion of US-based procedures could travel over the next three to five years, and Mr Newbold is keen to bring some of this business to the Bahamas.

He said: "Obviously, being able to attract just a small percentage of this business warrants a closer look by any serious investor.

"Despite the obvious reasons for investing in Freeport, like tax exemptions, free trade zone, and a deep water harbour, Grand Bahama is one of only four islands with a US pre-clearance facility, and it lies within a three to four hour flight of nearly 200 million Americans."

GBPA group chairman Hannes Babak was instrumental in sealing the deal for Ross University to become operational in Grand Bahama, and the group is actively working to bring more medical campuses to Grand Bahama.

It is also promoting peripheral business opportunities to be created from a first-class medical tourism industry in Grand Bahama such as medical retail, community care and support, healthcare education, training, and retirement community healthcare services.

A research and development resource on the medical centre campus would also attract North American and European pharmaceutical and medical device companies to relocate to Grand Bahama to conduct research and product development, Mr Newbold said.

During the three-day conference which ended on Saturday, Mr Newbold said he received a positive response.

"We have a tremendous product to market," he said. "And we are beginning to experience a significant amount of positive feedback from potential investors, who, for the first time, are being introduced to the benefits of conducting business in Freeport, Grand Bahama."