Purisima bats for ‘medical zones’

Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima is proposing the creation of a so-called "medical zones" where foreign medical practitioners can safely practice their profession.

The creation of the "medical zones", Purisima explained, would help accommodate the proposed $100-million investment that a Japanese hospital chain is proposing.

Representatives of the Tokushukai Medical Corp. recently met with Purisima about a possible investment in a hospital and retirement facility in the country.

Tokushukai is proposing the construction of a 1,000 bedroom hospital and retirement facility in the country that would cater specifically to Japanese retirees.

Japan, Purisima pointed out, is a rapidly aging country which has one-third of the world’s savings.

"Japanese retirees have plenty of money to pay for their medical care," Purisima said .

The DTI chief earlier pointed out that the Philippines is now a relatively cheap destination for medical services.

With Japan’s proximity to the Philippines, Purisima cited the country’s success in initially targetting the Japanese market.

However, in the case of Tokushukai, Purisima said, Congress must first address the need to allow Japanese doctors to practise in the country.

As such, Purisima is proposing the creation of the so-called "medical zones" where foreign medical practitioners can safely practice their profession.

"Tokushukai is a successful hospital chain in Japan," Purisima said.

The hospital has 160 medical facilities and 47 hospitals throughout Japan with a total staff of 16,000.

The average capacity of Tokushukai’s hospitals are 190 to 600 beds.