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Volume 2, Issue 11, November 2014
An Analysis of the Economic Impact of Medical
Tourism in Zimbabwe
Maphosa Thembinkosi1 and Dr. Marunda Edmond2
1
Scholar, Department of Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Studies, University of Zimbabwe
2
Lecturer, Department of Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Studies, University of Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT
This article explores the potential impact of medical tourism on Zimbabwe’s economy. The Tourism Act articulates that
tourism authorities must take advantage of thriving macro-economic sectors such as education, sport, health and medical so as
to boost tourist arrivals and stimulate economic growth. The study’s objectives were grounded on finding out whether medical
tourism would have a positive significance towards economic growth in Zimbabwe. Literature reviewed synchronized
Zimbabwe’s ‘three tier health system’ with the systems theory approach. The focus of the study investigated the economic
impact of medical tourism in Zimbabwe. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used. Data analysis
and interpretation was based on information derived from 45 respondents comprised of 15 medical doctors, 15 traditional
healers and 15 apostolic faith healers who were interviewed or responded to the questionnaires. A key finding was that
notwithstanding the risks involved, medical tourism can create employment, increase foreign currency and income, improve
the standard of living and pressurise destinations to upgrade infrastructure and technology.
Keywords:- Medical tourism, economic growth, tourism promotion
1. INTRODUCTION
Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation situated in the southern region of Africa. It has plenty to offer including tourist
attraction sites, hospitals, traditional healers’ shrines and churches welcoming people from all over the world to
attractions customarily in Harare, Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba. Medical Tourism is an economic activity
that entails trade in services and represents the linking of the sectors, ‘Medical’ and ‘Tourism’ (Bookman et al, 2007:
14). This combination of Medical and Tourism seems to be a relatively new and promising type of niche tourism
(Caballero et al, 2006). Machinga (2003) finds the Zimbabwe medical industry to be unique as it follows a ‘three-tier
health system’ involving western styled hospitals, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers. The systems approach
or theory tells us that an activity of any one part of an organization affects activities of every other parts,
communication with other departments and other functional units is very important (Stoner 1982: 52). Today,
traditional healers are consulted by the people for advice and healing of many illnesses. Sometimes traditional healers
refer their patients to western medical practitioners and hospitals such as Parirenyatwa in case of emergency or illness
they cannot cure with the help of their healing spirit (www.wikipedia.org./wiki/nyanga: 31.03.2014). This reflects that
the Zimbabwean health system is a replica of the systems theory or approach. Upon receiving treatment from any one
or combined principals of the three-tier health system the patient and his accomplices have the opportunity to tour and
enjoy Zimbabwe’s tourism product.
1.1 Background of the study
Although traditionally medical tourists travel from less developed countries for medical treatment unavailable in their
own communities, the advocated Zimbabwean scenario calls for a reversal situation where tourists are coming from
more developed countries (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/medical-tourism.com 03.02.2014). This kind of crusade from
decidedly industrialized homelands to less affluent nation states for medical attention is motivated by the appeal to find
treatment at a lower cost with less waiting times. Medical tourists from developed countries also seek treatment
including various medical procedures in other developed countries. Canada provides medical treatment to many
Americans (Gatell, 2007). Developing countries such as South Africa, Egypt, India, Costa Rica, Malaysia, and
Thailand have benefited economically through medical tourism (www.health-traveler.com 03.02.2014). Health tourism
generated some US$40 million per year in revenues in Cuba and some US$27, 6 million in Malaysia in 2004. Each
year people from Latin America spend up to US$6 billion on medical care outside their countries. It is estimated that
India earned as much as US$2.2 billion per year from medical tourism in 2012 (Bookman et al, 2007: 16). In
comparison to South Africa, Zimbabwe’s neighbour, medical tourism in 2012 amplified its contribution towards the
country’s Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) when the country increased the number of its state of the art hospitals from
161 in the year 2010 to 247 hospitals in 2012. (www.mtsaj.co.za: 20.12.2013). Medical Tourism is an economic booster
(Cannell, 2011).
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Even before the 1990s, South Africa had begun practicing medical tourism (www.mtsaj.co.za: 20.12.2013). On 3
December 1967, Doctor Christian Barnard and his team made history with the world’s first successful heart transplant
at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Since this successful operation South Africa has been receiving large
numbers of medical tourists. Kanyenze (2012) wrote that Zimbabwe, for the period 2000-2008 experienced hyperinflation, deterioration of health standards and shortages of pills or drugs. As of 2011 to date the Zimbabwe Medical
Association (2011) notes that hospitals such as Parirenyatwa in Harare have the best Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U) in
Zimbabwe and are equally competitive in the Southern African region. They believe Harare hospital has the best
Children’s Rehabilitation Unit, whilst Chitungwiza Hospital boasts quality kidney dialysis services and Marondera
hospital offers the best training for rehabilitation technicians. Zimbabwe’s traditional healers are registered under the
Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA). According to Machinga (2013) ZINATHA has more
than 45 000 traditional healers. Shoko (2014) adds Traditional healers in Zimbabwe claim that they are able to heal
illnesses categorized as conflicting with nature, are unnatural and those dogged by spiritual possession such as
HIV/AIDS, cancer, barrenness and other complex diseases. According to Shoko (2014) the World Health Organization
(W.H.O) cannot rule out cultural medicine or complimentary medicine. Again Zimbabwe just like Nigeria and Ghana
is blessed with spiritually filled Pastors and Apostolic faith healers. A Prophet of the United Family International
church (U.F.I) and another Prophet of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance church (P.H.D) all are well known
prophetic healers regionally. A heart valve operation that might cost US$100 000 in the United States of America could
be priced well under US$10 000 in India (www.medical-tourism.org/India: 12.02.2013). The same can be said about
popular medical tourist destinations like Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico (www.patientswithoutborders.com:
13.12.2013). Receiving treatment in a less developed country would be cheaper, even after one factors in airfare, hotel
accommodation, and travel insurance, car rentals, shopping, and dinning. Many medical vacations are substantially
more affordable than domestic health care. Against this background Zimbabwe is no exception on being ranked
amongst the best medical destinations in the world. It’s a country graced with hospitals such as Parirenyatwa medical
school for University of Zimbabwe (U.Z), Mpilo (medical school for National University of Science and Technology
(N.U.S.T), Avenues, Baines, more than 45 000 registered Traditional healers and Apostolic Faith Healers. York (2008)
adds, as medical tourism becomes prevalent, education, credentialing and certification of services may be required to
help assure patient safety.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Developing economies such as South Africa, Nigeria, India, Cuba and Thailand are earning a lot from medical tourism
ventures. Zimbabwe is making minimal or no promotion of medical tourism. It’s a country graced with state-of-the art
hospitals such as Parirenyatwa Hospital, the medical school for the University of Zimbabwe and Mpilo Hospital, the
medical school for the National University of Science and Technology, as well as more than 45 000 registered
Traditional and Apostolic Faith Healers.
1.3 Objectives of the study
The objectives of this study are:
 To find out whether medical tourism would have a positive significance towards economic growth in Zimbabwe.
 To determine the extent to which medical tourism can be used as one of the strategies for economic development in
Zimbabwe.
2.LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 What is Medical Tourism?
A tourist is a visitor who spends at least one night in the place visited and whose journey is for any one or more of the
following purposes, a holiday, recreation, health/ medical, study, religion, sport, business, meetings, visiting friends or
relatives, or work that is not remunerated from within the host country (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, 2012). Medical
Tourism is the act of travelling to another country to obtain medical, dental or cosmetic care (www.health-traveler.com
03.02.2014). Besides receiving treatment, the medical tourists may tour or visit the country’s recreational and tourist
attractions. Bookman et al (2007: 14) adds that medical tourism is an economic activity that entails trade in services
and represents the merging of at least two sectors: Medical and Tourism. Roy (2012) also defines medical tourism as
medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare. Medical tourism is the movement of patients from highly
developed nations to other areas of the world for medical care usually to access treatment at a lower cost and with less
waiting time. Scholars of medical tourism argue that, from a theoretical point of view, medical tourists are motivated to
travel abroad by a number of factors, including the affordability of care abroad, access to treatment not available at
home, and the long waiting times for care at home. Destinations must implement unique marketing strategies so as to
attract medical tourists. Countries such as the United States have not been very successful in attracting medical tourism
business. Alyssa Morrison (December 20:2003).
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2.2 Medical tourism is a process
Medical tourism is a process. It takes an economy like Zimbabwe at least seven stages to implement medical tourism.
Figure 1 Medical Tourism Process.
Source: Public Health Ethics. (2012) Roy (2012) wrote that countries who have followed and implemented the process
have enjoyed rapid economic growth. In India as an example, medical tourism is expected to contribute about 30%
towards its gross domestic product. According to Bookman et al (2007:16) Thailand receives 400 000 foreign medical
tourists every year, of which 50 000 are Americans going to a single hospital, the Bumrungrad. Cuba in 1995-1996
treated some 25 000 foreigners. In 2004 150 000 foreign patients travelled to India for treatment, while the year before,
some 50 000 British medical tourists travelled to Thailand, South Africa, India and Cuba. Zimbabwe, because of its
Traditional healers, Herbalists, Doctors, and Apostolic faith healers should be able to attract a fairly large number of
medical tourists. These foreign patients would generate more revenue for the country that hosts them. South Africa is
set to experience an annual growth rate of about 25%. According to (www.medicaltourism.com/southafrica:
12.01.2014) South Africa as a medical tourist destination has gone from strength to strength. Starting on 03 December
1967, with Doctor Christiaan Bernard and his team making history by conducting the world’s first successful open
heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Now the Groote Schuur Hospital serves people from all over
the world, who do not have access to such facilities in their own countries. Also Groote Schuur Hospital still excels in
all branches with its many departments dedicated to world class training and research.
2.2 Systems approach
Stoner (1982: 52) highlights that the systems theory is made up of three major concepts which are subsystems, synergy
and open and closed systems. Parts that make up the whole system are ‘subsystems’. Subsystems that make up medical
tourism are the medicine and tourism industry. Within the Zimbabwean medicine industry there are three major
principles namely: doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers. The tourism industry is made up of
subsystems such as tourism attractions, hospitality and leisure features. These subsystems must synergize (Stoner 1982:
52). Synergy means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Separate departments within an organization
must cooperate and interact so that they become more productive than if each acts in isolation. For example, it is more
efficient for the doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers to continue to work together than to work in
isolation. Zimbabwe has a three-tiered health system, where Zimbabweans visit the Traditional healers, the apostolic
faith healers from “churches of the spirit”, and Western styled hospitals and clinics for health and healing (Machinga,
2013). A system is considered open if it interacts with its environment; it is considered closed if it does not (Stoner
1982: 52). The Zimbabwean medical and tourism industry have an open system, they interact with their environment.
2.3 Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA)
The first subsystem to be recognized would be the Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA). ZIMA is the sole
representative association for all doctors in Zimbabwe, irrespective of their area of specialty. It is a membership-based
association whose objectives among others, is to protect and advance the interests of the medical profession in
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Zimbabwe. It is comprised of a membership of over 1 000 doctors across the country consisting of different specialist
disciplines. ZIMA’s activities focus on the professional and business aspects of medical practices
(www.thestandard.co.zw/12/08/2012/ab).
2.4 Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA)
Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) just like ZIMA above is the sole representative of
traditional healers. It is an association comprised of over 45 000 traditional healers spread all over Zimbabwe. Its aim is
to provide professional health care services to all walks of life. It is a voluntary and an independent body. Morris (2010:
45) argued that Lithuania is popular with medical tourists for its services of cosmetic surgery and eye surgery. Hence,
this paper suggests that Zimbabwe must also be popular with medical tourists because of its unique medical service,
traditional and herbal medical services.
3.METHODOLOGY
The researcher employed the descriptive survey design involving gathering data from a sample comprising 15 doctors
at Parirenyatwa hospital, 15 Traditional Healers and 15 apostolic faith healers all from the Harare province. The
researcher’s instrument for conducting the survey was mainly personal interviews. In addition the researcher observed
patients (mainly foreigners) checking in and out at Parirenyatwa hospital and at some traditional healers shrines
including attending a mega prayer and healing session. The research under study used personal interviews aided with a
questionnaire. According to Kent (1993) Personal interviews refer to a survey that gathers information through face-toface interaction with respondents. The researcher favoured personal interviews because they allowed checking and
ensuring respondents eligibility, for instance, when interviewing respondents the researcher made sure that the
respondent identified him or herself as either a doctor or traditional healer. Interviews had a higher response rate than
other instruments.
4.RESULTS
4.1 Gender category
Table 1 below illustrates the gender categories of doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith
healers.
Table 1: Gender categories of Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers.
Gender
Parirenyatwa
Traditional
Apostolic Faith Row Total
Row
Category
Doctors
Healers
Healers
Percentage %
Male
9
9
10
28
62.3
Female
6
6
5
17
37.7
Column
15
15
15
45
100
Total
Graph 1: Gender category
Table 1 and Graph 1 above show that 62.3% of the population there were males compared to 37.7% females. The table
illustrates that of those interviewed there were more males than females in the Zimbabwean three tier health system.
The table allows one to appreciate that the health industry is comprised of female doctors, traditional healers and
apostolic faith healers.
4.2 Professional qualifications
Table 2 below shows the professional qualifications of doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers so as to
reveal the potential exposure to the medical tourism concept and its impact on economic growth. As they have learnt
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and experienced in their medical field, a professional qualification reveals the potential ability to cure and provide
quality patient care to a medical tourist.
Table 2: Professional qualifications of doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers.
Professional
Parirenyatwa Traditional Apostolic Faith Row
Row
Qualification
Doctors
Healers
Healers
Total
Percentage
%
Higher degree 1
0
0
1
2.2
(PhDs)
Masters
1
0
2
3
6.7
Bachelors
13
0
3
16
35.5
Diploma
0
3
4
7
15.5
Other
0
12
6
18
40
Total
15
15
15
45
100
Table 2 above shows 2.2% of the total population are doctorate (PhD) degree holders. 6.7% are master’s degree
holders, 35.6% are bachelor’s degree holders, 15.5% are diploma holders and 40% mostly traditional healers possess
other qualifications. The research study found out that the majority of traditional healers fall into the “Other” category,
possessing certificates, Advanced level certificates, Ordinary level certificates, Standard 6 and Standard 3 certificates.
The results revealed that the doctors had the required medical qualifications. However, the qualifications of the doctors,
traditional healers and apostolic faith healers happen to be the basic requirements to stimulate an effective medical
tourism service in Zimbabwe.
4.3 Experience
Table 3 below shows the period of service served by Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers
in the health industry. The period of service shows depth of knowledge and experience pertaining to medical tourism
and medical services.
Table 3: Experience of Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers.
Experience Parirenyatwa
Traditional
Apostolic Faith Row Total
Row
(Years)
Doctors
healers
Healers
Percentage %
1-5
13
1
2
16
35.5
6-10
0
5
7
12
26.6
11-15
1
0
2
3
6.6
16-20
1
4
4
9
20
21- above
0
5
0
5
11.1
Total
15
15
15
15
100
Results exposed on Table 3, display that 35.5% of the population possess 1-5 years working experience in the health
industry. The majority of doctors are clustered in the 1-5 years working experience. The doctor’s experience is an equal
representation of age as 26.6% of the total population falls in the 6-10 years working experience. 6.6% in the 11-15
years, 20% in the 16-20 years and 11.1% in the 21 and above working experience. Traditional healers’ experience is
also an equal representation of age. Thus maturity is apparent. Sheen (1998) argued that mature employees are better
able to understand clientele needs and execute work more professionally.
4.4 Medical services rendered to local Zimbabwean patients
The pie chart below shows the responses made by Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers, and apostolic faith healers
to the question whether or not they render services to the local Zimbabwean patients.
DOCTORS
TRADITIONAL HEALERS
APOSTOLIC FAITH HEALERS
-
Pie chart 1: Medical services rendered to local Zimbabwean patients.
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Pie chart 1 indicates that 100% of the doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers agreed that they render
medical services to local Zimbabwean patients. Evidently, if Zimbabwean doctors, traditional healers and apostolic
faith healers are satisfactorily rendering services to locals then, this must pave way in rendering services to foreign
patients.
4.5 Medical services offered to foreigners
Table 4 below shows the responses of Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers to the
question whether they offer any medical services to foreigners.
Table 4: Medical services rendered to foreign patients
Services rendered to Doctors
Traditiona
foreigners
l healers
Strongly Agree
7
10
Agree
7
4
Neutral
1
1
Disagree
0
0
Strongly disagree
0
0
Column Total
15
15
Apostolic
faith healers
5
8
0
1
1
15
Row
Total
22
19
2
1
1
45
Row
Percentage %
48.8
42.2
4.4
2.2
2.2
100
The table shows that 48.8% of the population strongly agreed that they had received and treated foreign patients. 42.2%
agreed to having rendered medical services to foreign patients. 2.2% disagreed to having rendered medical services to
foreign patients. 2.2% strongly disagreed to having received and treated foreign patients.
4.6 Positive or negative contribution of medical tourism on the destination’s Gross Domestic
Product
Table 5 below shows the respondent’s views on whether medical tourism impacts positively or negatively on Gross
Domestic Product levels in Zimbabwe.
Table 5 Medical tourism contribution towards Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) levels.
Row
Frequency
Parirenyatwa
Traditional
Apostolic
Row
Percentage %
distribution
Doctors
Healers
Faith Healers Total
Strongly Agree
6
1
6
13
28.8
Agree
7
14
6
27
60.0
Neutral
2
0
3
5
11.1
Disagree
0
0
0
0
0
Strongly disagree
0
0
0
0
0
Column Total
15
15
15
45
100
The table 5 illustrates that at least doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers are satisfied that medical
tourism can contribute positively towards Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product levels. 28.8% of the population
interviewed strongly agreed that medical tourism can contribute positively towards gross domestic product levels. 60%
agreed and 11.1% where neutral to whether medical tourism can contribute towards Zimbabwe’s gross domestic
product levels.
The results show that there was a significant relationship between medical tourism and economic growth in Zimbabwe.
What is needed is to find means and ways to implement it, both for Zimbabwe’s domestic and international medical
tourists.
4.7 Medical tourism can help the Reserve Bank increase its foreign currency reserves.
Table 6 shows an overall analysis of respondents who aired different views pertaining to whether or not medical
tourism can help the Reserve bank increase its foreign currency reserves.
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Table 6: Medical tourism helping the Reserve bank increase its foreign currency reserves
Responses
Parirenyatwa
Traditional
Apostolic Faith Row Total
Doctors
healers
Healers
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Column
Total
7
6
1
14
Row
Percentage
%
31.1
4
4
0
0
7
2
1
0
12
2
0
0
23
8
1
0
51.1
17.7
2.2
0
15
15
15
45
100
4.8 Need to improve infrastructure and technology so to certify Zimbabwe as a medical tourist
destination.
Graph 2:
Graph 2: Need to improve infrastructure and technology
Graph 2 above shows 71.1% of the total population strongly agreeing to that there is a need for medical and health
facilities improvement. 28.9% agreed to a need for medical and health facilities improvement so as to certify Zimbabwe
as a medical tourist destination. Hence, there is a need to upgrade medical facilities and technology so as to certify
Zimbabwe as a medical tourist destination.
2. DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS
5.1 Advantages of medical tourism to Zimbabwe
The results from the interviews clearly show that medical tourism can boost Zimbabwe’s economy through earning
foreign currency, creating employment and contributing positively towards the Gross Domestic Product levels. Medical
staff would be motivated to work hard, research more and become more innovative. Tourism staff would be motivated
to work hard and market Zimbabwe as a favourable medical tourist destination. Local authorities would be inspired to
continuously improve the country’s infrastructure and technology. An example would be for instance a need to renovate
and refurbish traditional healers’ stands at Mbare Musika, a need to cut grass around hospitals and ensure adequate
water and electricity supply in hospitals, churches, and shrines. Training and better health and tourism education would
be provided. Out of concern for the safety of their patients, some doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers
said that medical tourism carries some risks such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. Results display that in terms of
qualifications all principals have the basic education qualifications. They are all literate. Some apostolic faith healers
even possess Master’s degrees from the University of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Open University. Traditional healers
had the basic educational qualification and a deeper knowledge of herbs, spiritual world and tourism.
Parirenyatwa doctors, traditional healers and apostolic faith healers were positive in that they are receiving and treating
domestic and foreign patients. At least traditional healers and apostolic faith healers answered that they are receiving
and treating regional and international tourists. The research study found out there is a need to lure more domestic,
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regional and international medical tourists so that Zimbabwe would realize positive medical tourism contributions
towards the economy.
The results also showed that medical tourism can contribute positively towards Zimbabwe’s economy but there is need
to improve health and medical infrastructure and technology. There is also need to improve on hospital / medical
service centres, patients waiting times and planning by Zimbabwe’s tourism and health authorities.
Results indicated that apostolic faith healers mostly Pentecostal and traditional healers registered under ZINATHA,
have the power to cure diseases including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Herpes, reduce HIV/AIDS
symptoms, cancer, headaches, stomach pains, back pains, barrenness, and high blood pressure. The respondents
highlighted that some foreign patients favoured Zimbabwe’s medical service centres because of affordability, good
waiting times, powerful strong medicines, qualified, experienced, good customer service, and mature personnel.
Shoko (2014) highlighted that the World Health Organization cannot rule out cultural medicine or complimentary
medicine. China uses complimentary medicine called Tiyashe. Zimbabwe uses complimentary medicine supplied
mostly by traditional healers and herbalists. Shoko (2014) brought out that local doctors have discovered a powerful
herb called “Ngudamiti” that reverses the HIV/AIDS symptoms. He adds that some of the powerful herbs used by
traditional healers and herbalists are Chafifixe (to fix simple illness), Muringa, Musimboti (immune system), ginger
(stomach), Mubvamaropa (Blood pressure and blood system) and Vhuka vhuka (powerful sexual drive). Respondents
identified some traditional healthy foods that help boost the immune system as sorghum, millet, rapoko, sweet potatoes,
water melons and maheu.
5.2 Marketing Zimbabwe as a medical tourist destination
The respondents suggested that for Zimbabwe to be included among the top most medical tourist destinations, it needs
to market its services including medical/health services. Both Public and Private Tourism and Health service providers
ought to assist in marketing Zimbabwe as a potential medical tourism destination. Elsevier (2013:196) marketing of
medical services is through mostly word-of-mouth and viral marketing. Viral marketing refers to marketing techniques
that use pre-existing social networking services and other technologies to produce increases in brand awareness. It may
take the form of video clips, interactive flash games, eBooks, images, text messages, email messages and web pages
(www.wikipedia.org/wiki/viral-marketing: 30.03.2014). Other marketing tools include internet, trade shows, bill
boards, newspapers, magazines, Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, attending expos, trade shows, exhibitions, and the
different tourism and medical unions and meetings.
3. CONCLUSION
Literature reviewed integrated Zimbabwe’s ‘three tier health system’ with the systems theory / approach. Respondents
however, argued that medical tourists are motivated to travel abroad by a number of factors, including the affordability
of care abroad, and access to treatment not available at home, together with good waiting times for care at home.
Respondents maintained that medical tourism can create employment and boost standards of living. It can aid in
improving health infrastructure and technology in hospitals such as Parirenyatwa, Harare hospital, Mpilo and Avenues
hospitals. They reiterated that attractive medical and tourism policies and unique marketing strategies need to be put in
place in order to attract medical visitors. The study however laments that medical tourism carries security risks as well
as legal and ethical issues.
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[11] Laws. E. (1995) Tourism Destination Management. Routledge, New York.
[12] Philip.H., Bahadur.K.,and John.,L (1994).,An Introduction to Modern Economics., 4th Edition., Longman,
London
[13] Understanding Medical Tourism. (2008). [http://www.understandingmedicaltourism. com/medical-tourism
statistics.php] Accessed 1/19/2012.
[14] Stanlake (1983). Introduction to Economics. Longman, Singapore.
[15] Stoner, Freeman (1982), Management, Prentice Hall., United States of America
[16] Woodman, J. (2007.) Patients beyond borders: Everybody’s guide to affordable, world-class medical tourism.
Healthy Travel Media: Chapel Hill.
[17] Reuters in http//www blogs.reuters.com/medical tourism/: (11-10-2013) 1-2
[18] Sarajevo Region in http//www ien.bg.ac.rs/: (17-10-2013) 12-13
[19] Zimbabwe Tourism Authority annual report (2012)
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