Medical Tourism Agencies in Urgent Need of International Regulation

July 24, 2014

(IMTJ) – Medical tourism agencies are crucial connectors between foreign patients and host countries. They help patients navigate countries, doctors and specialties. But little attention has been paid to the authenticity of information displayed on their websites and whether they follow ethical guidelines and standards. Agents must be educated about the ethical aspects of patient care, prevented from exploiting patients or clients, and made to respect their privacy and confidentiality. They must be subject to regulation at the international level by an organisation that has the power to enforce its decisions.