Welcome to Philippines: The Heart of Asia

Filipinos are among the happiest people on Earth, consistently ranking high in the World Happiness Index. This, combined with their world-renowned culture of friendliness and hospitality, makes the Philippines, known as the "Heart of Asia," an ideal place to receive treatment and achieve recovery. Filipinos are not only hospitable but adaptable and multicultural. From ancient to present times, Filipinos have had warm ties with peoples of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and United States. Filipinos are also very fluent in English, considered as the country's second language, with accredited interpreters available for other foreign languages through the Department of Tourism office.

For many years, Filipino medical and healthcare professionals have been and, indeed, remain in great demand around the world, from the Middle East to the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Filipino doctors, nurses, and caregivers combine knowledge, skill, dedication, competence and compassion with a cheerful, optimistic and friendly attitude, which endears them to their patients.

The Philippine goverment began showcasing the country as a premier Asian destination for medical, health, and wellness tourism in 2006. Since then, medical travelers from the United States, Europe, Canada, and the rest of Asia have discovered the advantages that the Phillipines offers in terms of quality, competent, modern, high-tech, compassionate, caring, and value-for-money healthcare.

World-class tertiary hospitals and medical centers with state-of-the-art technology in different parts of the country have received certifications from organizations that use the quality management systems standards of International Standards Organization (IS09001;2000). The Joint Commission International (JCI), the accrediting body of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) outside the United States, has accredited two Philippine medical centers. Other hospitals are targeting local and international accrediting bodies like the Philippine Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (PCAHO), UK Trent Accreditation, and Accreditation Canada.

The Philippines' top tertiary medical facilities provide seamless world-class care for international patients not only while these patients are within the country—care continues even after patients have returned to their home countries. This care is made even better through partnerships forged between the Philippines' top hospitals with medical facilities and institutions overseas, especially the United States. Furthermore, Filipino nurses and caregivers are employed in hospital in the US and other countries, making the distinctly "Filipino care" for patients possible even after they return home.

After their treatment, patients and their companions may avail of special, customized recreational travel itineraries that showcase the Philippines' tourism destinations and attractions—a wonderful opportunity to relax and complete the healing and wellness process amid tropical paradise and historical surroundings.