Medical Tourism on the rise in Colombian City of Medellín

Having endured waves of violence for being the command centre of a well-known cocaine empire in Colombia, the city of Medellín is experiencing a surge in medical tourism.

During the 1980s and early 1990s the hospitals and morgues in Medellín were inundated with victims of executions carried out by the organisation headed by Pablo Escobar, as well as casualties of battles with left-wing guerrillas, particularly in the neighbourhood of Santo Domingo.

The expertise cultivated during those dark years has given the hospitals a leading edge to become proficient in organ transplants and specialised surgeries.

The neighbourhood of Santo Domingo is today a fine example of urban regeneration, with private hospitals such as Pablo Tobón Uribe at the top of the list in demand for transplant surgeries. Providing a standard of care rivalling the one provided at hospitals in developed countries, at a fraction of the cost, has proven to be a very attractive proposition to many US citizens and other foreign nationals in need of specialised medical attention.

All the patients needs are covered with a holistic approach, including their cultural, dietary and religious needs whilst hospitalised. A special unit coordinates the care of all international patients and arranges transportation, accommodation, booking of flights and other assistance.

In addition of general surgery, the hospital promotes neurological interventions, obesity-reduction surgeries and cancer treatments.

The Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital has contracts with Bupa International and Blue Cross Blue Shield of the US, plus five other international insurance companies.