As we strategy the yr finish, let’s check out what hit the headlines in 2021 in medical journey. Or, particularly, which IMTJ information tales attracted essentially the most views from our readership.
In 2021, IMTJ printed over 500 information gadgets and articles. We’ve appeared on the high 50. In fact, there’s one subject that dominated… COVID-19. Search IMTJ for “Covid” and you can find 3,270 outcomes for the search! Sadly, evidently, regardless of early hopes of overcoming the virus, we face additional challenges with the emergence of the Omicron variant. COVID-19 will little question dominate the IMTJ information for some months to come back. Let’s hope it’s not years.
Optimism shines via, balanced by the truth
We clearly have an optimistic readership. Confronted by the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions that, in impact, put a cease to medical journey and tourism typically, our readers have been interested in “excellent news” moderately than “unhealthy information”. Our hottest articles featured the opening up of locations:
- Turkey hopes for tourism from June
Restrictions have been eased, leading to a partial restoration of journey and tourism numbers. Jan-Oct 2021 tourism volumes have been 50% of these recorded in 2019, however double the quantity recorded in 2020. - China to open borders in 2022
The reopening of the China outbound market is eagerly awaited by these serving this excessive worth affected person market. The plan is to open up when 85% of the inhabitants are full vaccinated, maybe in January 2022. Nevertheless, on December 9th, China reported its first case of the Omicron variant in Tianjin, posing what might be the largest risk to this point to the nation’s zero-Covid technique and the deliberate opening of borders. - Indonesia to partially open to international visitors
Some optimism right here, however the restrictions have and can proceed to have a big knock on impact for outbound medical tourism to Malaysia, as two out of three medical vacationers to this vacation spot are from Indonesia. - Abu Dhabi to end quarantine in July
The UAE has managed to maintain an infection charges at a low stage. Dubai’s tourism numbers have remained pretty resilient in comparison with different locations. Jan-Oct 2021 tourism volumes grew by 58% over 2020.
Certificates, passports and so on and so on
One of many recurring themes of 2021 was the invention and reinvention of assorted schemes to supply secure journey and ease entry into medical journey locations. In our “most learn” checklist, these information gadgets featured extremely:
- Progress on EU-wide Digital Green Certificate
A progressive transfer by the EU to standardise the usage of “Covid passports” inside the EU. The brand new guidelines will apply as of 10 January 2022, Nevertheless, the usage of the digital go has been broadly adopted throughout the EU. - EU Covid certificate: the global standard?
And evidently the place the EU leads, the remainder of the world follows. The Worldwide Air Transport Affiliation (IATA) has urged nations to make the EU Digital Certificates their world commonplace for digital vaccine certificates. Along with the 27 EU member states, an extra 60 nations want to use the DCC specification in their very own certification. “Even the UK?”, you ask. - Malaysia: vaccine passport will boost medical tourism
Malaysia, with a well-funded and ahead considering Malaysia Healthcare Journey Council, moved rapidly to guard its inbound medical tourism programme and facilitate medical journey in the course of the pandemic. - Insurance required for travel to and from Oman
Insurance coverage that covers remedy for COVID-19 is changing into vital for medical travellers and vacationers typically. Some locations, corresponding to Oman, are making it a requirement for inbound travellers.
Rounding off our high ten
And to finish our high ten of IMTJ Information of 2021, right here’s a pair that caught my eye.
