JANUARY 2020. The Portuguese Association of Private Hospitals (APHP), Health Cluster Portugal (HCP) and the public agencies Turismo de Portugal (the national tourist Board) and the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP) signed, on 18 December, a protocol of Cooperation to internationally promote medical tourism in Portugal.
The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of State, Economy and Digital Transition, Pedro Siza Vieira, with the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, the Secretary of State for Internationalization and the Deputy Minister of Health.
From l. to r. : Oscar Gaspar President of the Portuguese Association of Private Hospitals (APHP), Luís Araújo President of the Portuguese National Tourism Authority, Luís Henriques Chairman of AICEP, Salvador de Mello Chairman of Health Cluster Portugal (HCP)
The subscribing entities signed this Protocol to achieve a more effective management of the external promotion of Medical Tourism in Portugal. The ability to care for tourists already existed, but this activity vector has now become a national strategy. The synergies between the four entities, with the institutional support of various State agencies, favour the formation of a differentiating identity of the Portuguese offer and of a clearer and reinforced governance.
“More economy in health, more health in the economy” is the challenge of those who want to be even more competitive and efficient, who want to put their resources and skills towards an even more qualified healthcare offer.
