23/09/2020
23/09/2020
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 23: Kuwait ranked last in the Arab world and second-last globally on the Global Medical Tourism Index issued by the International Center for Health Care Research for the year 2020/2021, reports Al-Anba daily.
The index covered 46 countries and cities around the world, including 12 Arab countries and cities. The classification is based on three main criteria for medical tourism destinations. They are:
1. Standard of quality and services of healthcare facilities - Kuwait ranked 43 in this criterion.
2. Environmental destination standard - Kuwait ranked 43 in this criterion.
3. Medical tourism industry standard - Kuwait ranked 45 in this criterion.
In total, Kuwait received 54.84 points.
The report stated, "Kuwait is a tourist destination in the Arabian Gulf region and has a cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. It has the sixth largest oil reserves in the world.
The Kuwaiti dinar is considered as the most valuable currency in the world. Kuwait thus has the fourth highest per capita income at the global level.
The Kuwaiti government funds about 80 percent of the healthcare system. Its infrastructure is one of the most modern in the region, as it provides medical services through 92 primary care centers that cover all parts of the country. It has a strong care program that provides free healthcare facilities for citizens.
This destination enjoys a strong social welfare program that provides free healthcare and education services as well as job security to its citizens. This costs the government about $18 billion annually".
At the Gulf level, the Emirate of Dubai maintained its advanced position as the leading Arab destination for medical tourism for the second year in a row, and ranked sixth in the world with a total of 71.85 points. It was followed by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in second place in the Arab world and ninth in the world with a total of 70.26 points.
On the Arab level, Egypt achieved a prominent position on the index, coming in fourth place in the Arab world and 26th in the world with a total of 64.81 points. Morocco and Jordan also scored good points and were ranked 31st and 36th respectively.
At the global level, Canada ranked first with 76.47 points, followed by Singapore and Japan in second and third places with 76.43 and 76.23 points respectively. Iran ranked last in the 46th place with 44.83 points.