Monday, October 23, 2006 Int’l. clinic opens in Cebu, offers alternative care
THE coming in to Cebu of an international traditional and alternative healthcare system will strengthen Cebu’s bid to attract medical tourists to the province.
“Intercare (Integrated Systems Inc.), being a global brand, has patients abroad, especially Europe. Their presence here (in Cebu) could encourage their patients to have their treatment here, as it would be cheaper, while enjoying what Cebu has to offer to tourists,” Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said in an interview.
Durano, who admitted being a patient of Intercare, said the clinic offers non-surgical treatment that can be an addition to the service culture of the Cebuanos that is being promoted by the tourism department.
Durano and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, were guests during the official opening of Intercare Cebu Inc.
Drug-free
Intercare is a pioneer in a natural, drug-free and integrated, interdisciplinary approach to pain management. It has branches in Makati, San Juan, Muntinlupa and in Oslo, Norway.
Dr. Martin Camara, clinic director, said Intercare Cebu is the company’s first branch outside Metro Manila.
“Why? Because Cebu is known to have value for money proposition and we are willing to face that challenge because we are worth it,” he said.
“There is an underserved population that is not getting the care that it deserves. We offer technology, skills and procedures. We have grown since 1993 and have refined our systems. It’s time to share with other communities in the Philippines outside of Manila, beginning with Cebu,” he added.
Camara said the Cebu branch is a 45-percent Cebuano-owned company.
Treatment
The clinic’s services include chiropractic medicine, myotherapy, physical therapy and rehabilitative medicine.
Myotherapy treatment is a muscle and relaxation therapy that reduces tension and pain, relaxes muscle spasms, improves circulation and alleviates pain.
Physical therapy, on the other hand, involves a wide array of treatment alternatives that integrate several disciplines and techniques such as heat, therapeutic ultrasound, myotherapy, specialized traction and monitored exercise programs.
Earlier, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies president Angel Bognot said the Philippines is a potential medical tourist hub because of the Filipinos’ innate warmth and hospitality.
Medical tourism is defined as a package that involves providing hassle-free, efficient and world-class medical care at a lesser cost and a tropical vacation to pamper patients and their families. (JBN)
