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CGHMC Applies for DOT Medical Tourism Accreditation

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CGHMC Applies for DOT Medical Tourism Accreditation

The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) recently welcomed delegates from the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a partnership meeting and site visit in line with CGHMC’s application for accreditation as a medical tourism facility.

The visit, headed by DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, marked a significant step toward CGHMC’s goal of becoming a recognized medical tourism facility in the burgeoning medical, health, and wellness destination in Southeast Asia. The initiative aligns with the DOT’s broader aim of promoting the Philippines as a hub for affordable, high-quality medical procedures coupled with the country’s rich tourist attractions and renowned Filipino hospitality.

Facilitating the hospital’s accreditation bid were Dr. Samuel Ang, CGHMC Medical Director, and Dr. Andre Villanueva, Director of Business Development. Dr. Ang presented the hospital’s progress and advancements over the past three years, including major
structural improvements and new acquisitions that demonstrate CGHMC’s commitment to staying abreast of the evolving healthcare landscape in the Philippines.

During the visit, Mr. Ivannovich T. Agote, NCR Chief Tourism Operations Officer, presented the DOT’s requirements for accreditation under the SHEF (Service, Hospitality, Efficiency, and Friendliness) categories, which include:

  1. Inquiries/bookings are handled hassle-free
  2. Staff are warm and friendly
  3. Staff are sensitive to guest needs
  4. Staff initiate and engage in a natural and friendly environment
  5. Operations are dependable (i.e., services delivered as promised)
  6. Staff are knowledgeable about facilities, services, and local activities
  7. Staff are courteous and respectful
  8. Guest requests are received pleasantly and accommodated promptly
  9. A guest feedback mechanism is in place
The application for accreditation involves an online submission process followed by a final site inspection. Undersecretary Abubakar, who also advocates for Halal-accredited institutions, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in promoting the country’s wellness and medical tourism.
Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, Director for the Health and Wellness Tourism Program and concurrent Director for Product Development, explained that the medical accreditation is subject to renewal every two years. He emphasized that receiving the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Quality Seal (TQS) would bring substantial benefits to CGHMC. These include compliance with RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, recognition through a seal of good housekeeping, and access to non-fiscal incentives such as certificates, stickers, and a plaque of recognition. The TQS also opens doors to endorsements from other government agencies, subsidized training programs from the DOT, airport access for client pickups, technical assistance, and access to travel and tourism research. Furthermore, it enables referrals to embassies and travel trade associations, participation in both international and national marketing initiatives, and most importantly, the privilege of tax-free status for the importation of medical equipment.

The DOT delegation concluded their visit with a tour of CGHMC’s diagnostic facilities, patient rooms at MS8 designated for medical clients, and the CGHMC Residences that will house the relatives and/or companions of medical tourism patients.

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