Medical tourism: among the most important economic activities in the Dominican Republic

• Medical tourism generates more than 1.3 billion dollars a year and ranks among the five most important economic activities in the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo. As well as being internationally known for its beaches and idyllic landscapes, the Dominican Republic is now positioning itself as an emerging destination for health and wellness.

Its growing medical tourism sector generates more than 1.3 billion dollars a year, establishing itself among the country’s five most significant economic activities, alongside traditional tourism, the export of medical devices, gold and tobacco.

A high-value sector with cross-cutting impact

Medical tourism brings together health, tourism, foreign investment, transport, education, innovation, technology and hospitality. Through this combination, it not only brings in foreign currency and creates quality jobs, but also raises the quality of the national health system, driving structural improvements, the standardisation of processes and the professionalisation of health staff.

This sector represents a valuable opportunity to diversify the national economy, strengthen the country brand and energise value chains that generate benefits for both the public and the private sector.

A key institutional step: Decree 787-21

President Luis Abinader marked a milestone by issuing Decree 787-21, which declares the development of health and wellness tourism in the Dominican Republic to be of national interest. This provision formally recognises the strategic potential of the sector and the need for a state policy to articulate it effectively.

“Medical tourism has gone from being a trend to establishing itself as a national development strategy, with a significant economic and social impact”, said Dr Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Health Tourism Association. “The presidential decree is a significant step forward, but it is essential to move on to implementation with a clear roadmap, institutional backing and guarantees of continuity over time.”

International promotion: unfinished business

While the Dominican Republic has outstanding attributes with which to compete globally, a structured strategy for the international promotion of medical tourism is still lacking.

“Promoting the Dominican Republic as a health destination must be approached with the same strategic vision as traditional tourism. We have a differentiated value proposition, and it is time to project it strongly in international markets”, said Amelia Reyes Mora, vice-president of the ADTS and president of AF Comunicación Estratégica.

It is necessary to take an active part in international trade fairs, consolidate alliances with global platforms and strengthen the digital presence in priority markets such as the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Latin America.

Greater international visibility will make it possible to attract high-value patients, generate new investment and consolidate the country’s reputation as a reliable, modern and humane destination in which to receive quality medical care.

The Dominican Health Tourism Association (ADTS) has played a fundamental role as a bridge between the health, tourism, financial and business sectors. It has promoted the adoption of international standards, driven strategic alliances, developed market studies and organised forums that position the country before key players in global medical tourism, such as the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congresses.

The convening role of the ADTS

Recommendations for strengthening the sector

To establish the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in medical tourism, it is necessary to:

• Encourage international certifications and accreditations that support the quality and safety of the services offered.
• Combat unqualified practice and unaccredited centres, protecting the country’s reputation and patient safety.
• Include medical tourism in national policies on service exports, health, foreign investment and tourism development.
• Promote tax incentives and financing mechanisms that encourage investment in infrastructure and specialised human capital.
• Strengthen public-private collaboration and inter-institutional governance, guaranteeing sustainability and a patient-centred approach.
• Design and run international promotional campaigns, aligned with global standards and coordinated between the public and private sectors.