Medical Tourism on the rise in Colombian City of Medellín

By Sergio | Published April 07, 2010

Having endured waves of violence for being the command centre of a well-known cocaine empire in Colombia, the city of Medellín is experiencing a surge in medical tourism.

During the 1980s and early 1990s the hospitals and morgues in Medellín were inundated with victims of executions carried out by the organisation headed by Pablo Escobar, as well as casualties of battles with left-wing guerrillas, particularly in the neighbourhood of Santo Domingo.

The expertise cultivated during those dark years has given the hospitals a leading edge to become proficient in organ transplants and specialised surgeries.

The neighbourhood of Santo Domingo is today a fine example of urban regeneration, with private hospitals such as Pablo Tobón Uribe at the top of the list in demand for transplant surgeries. Providing a standard of care rivalling the one provided at hospitals in developed countries, at a fraction of the cost, has proven to be a very attractive proposition to many US citizens and other foreign nationals in need of specialised medical attention.

All the patients needs are covered with a holistic approach, including their cultural, dietary and religious needs whilst hospitalised. A special unit coordinates the care of all international patients and arranges transportation, accommodation, booking of flights and other assistance.

In addition of general surgery, the hospital promotes neurological interventions, obesity-reduction surgeries and cancer treatments.

The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital has contracts with Bupa International and Blue Cross Blue Shield of the US, plus five other international insurance companies.

Companies mentioned:

Bupa International

BUPA is an international health insurance company that provides health insurance for individuals and companies all over the world. This company has offices on three continents and over 7 million customers’ world wide. As a provident association BUPA has no shareholders, because of this it uses its profits to invest in healthcare and medical facilities around the world.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Throughout our 80-year history, the 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have provided millions of families with top-quality, affordable health insurance. Today, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Brands are registered in more than 170 countries.

Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital

The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital (PTUH) began work in 1970, but its history dates back to 1946. The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital is a non-profit, private foundation. It is a general hospital, with a high level of complexity, and plays an important field for teaching practice of recognized universities. Currently, PTUH is one of 12 Colombian hospitals awaiting accreditation by the crucial US-based Joint Commission International.