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Southern Cape on the map for meditourism boom |
| Peter Schafer Rich flock to world class surgeons for ops at a snip  Meditourism offers more than just "ops"... Photo courtesy of Discovering SA - Henry Greyling Even the rich and beautiful prefer a facelift that costs R35 000 to one that costs R120 000 – especially when it includes a wildlife tour or a pre-op round of golf on one of the best golf links in the world. The surge in medical tourism to South Africa started in the late 90s but is already generating some R70m a year – and growing. Initially, the main attractions were world-class medical standards at way below overseas prices, and the wildlife safaris that were built in to the packages. Now, as the international market discovers the other attractions available in SA the spillover is flowing into the Western Cape, and increasingly to the Garden Route. “Meditourism”, as it’s become known, brings in hefty chunks of foreign currency. Lionel Jedeikin, a Cape Town surgeon, says that 50 percent of his patients are from abroad now, compared with less than 10 percent four years ago. "It used to be mainly women, but we're seeing a lot more men now," says Jedeikin. He said he had just smoothed the wrinkles and strengthened the chin of a Colorado banker for about half of what it would have cost in the United States.’ One major medi-tourist operator – Lorraine Melvill’s Surgeon & Safari – reports an inflow of up to 30 clients a month, each spending an average of R80 000 for a seven-day stay. Currently hotel-linked surgery bookings have increased by 200 percent, and meditourism doctors and surgeons in the scheme report that 50 percent of their new patients are from overseas. Overall, medical costs are one-third of those in Europe or the US – our main markets – and even with 5-star accommodation and flights the total package works out at around 60 percent of what it would cost elsewhere. Top of the ops pops are tummy tucks, lipo suction, laser eye surgery, rhinoplasty and breast enhancement. More critical surgical work – including hip and knee replacements, or, indeed, cardiac operations – are also on offer from a rising number of SA-based sources; but cosmetic surgery is the main drawcard. Specialist surgeons and medical facilities along the Garden Route are renowned for their world-class standards, and private clinics such as the Bayview Hospital in Mossel Bay, the Knysna Private Hospital, and the new Centre for Eye, Laser and Plastic Surgery in George, as well as numerous private practices. On par with leading private hospitals throughout the world they offer an extensive range of state-of-the-art facilities. These include high-tech laminar-flow theatres, sophisticated imaging and diagnostic facilities, modern, private wards and a comprehensive rehabilitation facilities. Interest has accelerated to such an extent that some SA surgeons make regular trips overseas to visit prospective patients. What was formerly the province of only the well-heeled is now within the grasp of even the middle class. Dr Tom Ford, secretary of the Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of SA (APRSSA), warns many people have unrealistic expectations of plastic surgery. "It’s important for people to be realistic about their physical image, for we cannot perform miracles. That’s why surgeons must first discuss the matter with prospective patients. A plastic surgeon makes a living from performing operations. But he builds his reputation on not performing operations." Some price comparisons: BREAST IMPLANT South Africa R18 000 - R20 000 United States $6 200 United Kingdom £4 500 FULL FACE LIFT South Africa R30 000 United States $8 000 - 20 000 United Kingdom £7 600 LASIK both eyes South Africa R9 000 United States $3 100 United Kingdom £2 500 Titanium Implants South Africa R10 000 United States $2 500 United Kingdom £3 300 |
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