As the health care crisis continues with over 40 millions Americans living without coverage, medical tourism to India, Thailand, South Africa and other destinations is bound to grow. Naturally US doctors will complain and talk about cleanliness but that is simple ignorance and probably a bit of jealousy. I have no issue with being treated in these modern, professional hospitals if I am already in the country but wonder if this is really a good long-term plan or just a temporary band-aid? What will it take to get Congress to act on this growing problem?
From the graceful receptionists in tailored silk suits to the plush carpets and spacious rooms -- everything is designed to give the hospital the look and feel of a five-star hotel.No minimum health care for Americans, but we can find billions for war of convenience.
Unable to pay the $30,000 that U.S. surgeons would charge to operate on her herniated disc, Flowers had spent more than three years trying to keep the pain at bay with chiropractic treatments and cortisone injections.
Watching the "60 Minutes" television show in 2005, she learned about Bumrungrad, where most of the doctors are Western trained but the cost of treatment is about one eighth of that in the United States. It was a daunting but tempting prospect.
"My son said to me 'Mom, don't you know that's a third world country?'. But the surgery there cost just $3,500. I knew right then I had to go."
