Release date: May 29, 2024 04:45
Dr Tanupol (left) and Mr Chao Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Fanhua Blue Plus Health Management (right), at the MoU signing ceremony.
BDMS Wellness, a subsidiary of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, has partnered with a Chinese company to focus on preventive medicine to attract Chinese tourists seeking medical care in Thailand.
Dr Tanupol Virunhagarn, chief executive officer of BDMS Wellness, said the partnership aims to raise Chinese tourists’ awareness of preventive medicine as part of the government’s efforts to improve health and healthcare businesses, and pave the way for Thailand to become a regional medical hub.
“Preventive healthcare is a growing trend both in Thailand and globally. BDMS Wellness wants to expand its preventive healthcare services to support expats from high-potential markets,” he said.
Dr Tanupol made the remarks at a ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with China’s Fanhua Blue Plus Health Management, an expert in a wide range of financial and health management services, from insurance protection to retirement planning and asset management.
BDMS Wellness recognises that China and the Middle East are markets with great potential for wellness and healthcare businesses, which could boost Thailand’s medical industry.
“These countries’ people have great potential and their numbers are on the rise. Thailand is a destination for tourists and those seeking medical care,” Dr Tanupol said.
Myanmar tops the list of nationalities seeking treatment at BDMS Hospital, followed by Cambodia.
Dr Tanupol said BDMS Wellness hopes to pave the way for expanded healthcare opportunities.
The company believes that if the government extends the visa waiver policy to health-related patients, it will help promote the state as a medical hub, Dr Tanupol said.
BDMS Wellness reported revenue of 102 billion baht and profit of 14.4 billion baht in 2023. Revenue included its preventive medicine division, which accounted for about 10 billion baht.
In Thailand, between 2 and 3 million foreigners receive treatment in hospitals every year, while only around 12 to 13 million Thais receive treatment annually.
