Medical Tourism & Retirement Hub: Another Industry the City of Legazpi Can Tap

In about 2009 or 2010, a Korean firm eyed Legazpi for the establishment of a retirement hub. Nobody knows what has happened since but recently, another firm, which is of Japanese nationality, is set to construct a retirement centre in the city (according to this article entitled "Residential, Commercial, Retirement Centre Soon to Rise in Legazpi City").

These developments indicate Legazpi's marketability for retirement hubs. The city has picturesque views and, at times, relaxing weather, which both attract oldies to retire in the city.

However, the city government must complement this potentials with medical tourism to sustain its marketability in such industry. 

Imposing quality controls in a way that all hospitals in the city must comply with may not be an effective solution since only very few of these hospitals have enough funds and budget for such expensive aims.

The one thing that the LGU can do however is to do "certifications" whereby it certifies hospitals that meet the needs of these retirees based on some quality standards. 

This is a huge enticement to local hospitals to upgrade their services, which in turn, will increase their profits because only these "certified" hospitals are to be sought after by the retirees. 

Doing certifications is not burdensome to the hospitals since they are free to comply with it or not. It will also be easy for the retirees to find these hospitals as all they have to do is to find out which of these hospitals are "certified."

Meanwhile, the locals will also be greatly benefited by the marked increase in the quality of healthcare in the city.

Should the LGU be unsure of the legality of this possible solution, it can send a letter to the DOH Secretary requesting for an opinion on the matter.

This article was originally posted in skyscrapercity.com on April 19, 2018.