U.S. hospital chain enters Philippines

CEBU CITY, Philippines, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Cardiovascular Hospitals of America, a U.S. hospital chain, reportedly will build a state-of-the-art, medical tourism center in Cebu City in the Philippines.

The Antara News-Asia Pulse quoted Dr. Philip S. Chua, CHA's vice president for Far East operations, that the proposed American Medical center Cebu will be accredited by the Joint Commission International, U.S. Blue Cross/Blue Shield and U.S. Medicare agencies. He said the facility will serve as a dedicated center for medical tourism in the country.

Chua said medical tourism is growing into a major industry in Malaysia, India, and Thailand. He said the Philippines can expect to do better, given its resources, talent and knowledge of the English language.

Other details of the project such as cost were not available. CHA is based in Wichita, Kan.