In 2023, Singapore dominated the ranking of the world's health and health systems, followed by Japan and South Korea. The health index score is calculated by evaluating various indicators that assess the health of the population, and access to the services required to sustain good health, including health outcomes, health systems, sickness and risk factors, and mortality rates. The health and health system index score of the top ten countries with the best healthcare system in the world ranged between 82 and 86.9, measured on a scale of zero to 100.

Global Health Security Index  Numerous health and health system indexes have been developed to assess various attributes and aspects of a nation's healthcare system. One such measure is the Global Health Security (GHS) index. This index evaluates the ability of 195 nations to identify, assess, and mitigate biological hazards in addition to political and socioeconomic concerns, the quality of their healthcare systems, and their compliance with international finance and standards. In 2021, the United States was ranked at the top of the GHS index, but due to multiple reasons, the U.S. government failed to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The GHS Index evaluates capability and identifies preparation gaps; nevertheless, it cannot predict a nation's resource allocation in case of a public health emergency.

Universal Health Coverage Index  Another health index that is used globally by the members of the United Nations (UN) is the universal health care (UHC) service coverage index. The UHC index monitors the country's progress related to the sustainable developmental goal (SDG) number three. The UHC service coverage index tracks 14 indicators related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, service capacity, and access to care. The main target of universal health coverage is to ensure that no one is denied access to essential medical services due to financial hardships. In 2021, the UHC index scores ranged from as low as 21 to a high score of 91 across 194 countries. 

In 2023, the health care system in Finland ranked first with a care index score of ****, followed by Belgium and Japan. Care systems index score is measured using multiple indicators from various public databases, it evaluates the capacity of a health system to treat and cure diseases and illnesses, once it is detected in the population This statistic shows the care systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by their index score.

According to a 2021 health care systems ranking among selected high-income countries, the United States came last in the overall ranking of its health care system performance. The overall ranking was based on five performance categories, including access to care, care process, administrative efficiency, equity, and health care outcomes. For the category care process, which measures preventive care, safe and coordinated care among others, the U.S. was ranked second, while New Zealand took first place. This statistic illustrates the health care process rankings of the United States' health care system compared to ten other high-income countries in 2021.

IntroductionPrivate sector healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries is sometimes argued to be more efficient, accountable, and sustainable than public sector delivery. Conversely, the public sector is often regarded as providing more equitable and evidence-based care. We performed a systematic review of research studies investigating the performance of private and public sector delivery in low- and middle-income countries. Methods and FindingsPeer-reviewed studies including case studies, meta-analyses, reviews, and case-control analyses, as well as reports published by non-governmental organizations and international agencies, were systematically collected through large database searches, filtered through methodological inclusion criteria, and organized into six World Health Organization health system themes: accessibility and responsiveness; quality; outcomes; accountability, transparency, and regulation; fairness and equity; and efficiency. Of 1,178 potentially relevant unique citations, data were obtained from 102 articles describing studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Comparative cohort and cross-sectional studies suggested that providers in the private sector more frequently violated medical standards of practice and had poorer patient outcomes, but had greater reported timeliness and hospitality to patients. Reported efficiency tended to be lower in the private than in the public sector, resulting in part from perverse incentives for unnecessary testing and treatment. Public sector services experienced more limited availability of equipment, medications, and trained healthcare workers. When the definition of “private sector” included unlicensed and uncertified providers such as drug shop owners, most patients appeared to access care in the private sector; however, when unlicensed healthcare providers were excluded from the analysis, the majority of people accessed public sector care. “Competitive dynamics” for funding appeared between the two sectors, such that public funds and personnel were redirected to private sector development, followed by reductions in public sector service budgets and staff. ConclusionsStudies evaluated in this systematic review do not support the claim that the private sector is usually more efficient, accountable, or medically effective than the public sector; however, the public sector appears frequently to lack timeliness and hospitality towards patients. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

In 2023, Norway ranked first with a health index score of 83, followed by Iceland and Sweden. The health index score is calculated by evaluating various indicators that assess the health of the population, and access to the services required to sustain good health, including health outcomes, health systems, sickness and risk factors, and mortality rates. The statistic shows the health and health systems ranking of European countries in 2023, by their health index score.

BackgroundIt is increasingly apparent that access to healthcare without adequate quality of care is insufficient to improve population health outcomes. We assess whether the most commonly measured attribute of health facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)—the structural inputs to care—predicts the clinical quality of care provided to patients.Methods and findingsService Provision Assessments are nationally representative health facility surveys conducted by the Demographic and Health Survey Program with support from the US Agency for International Development. These surveys assess health system capacity in LMICs. We drew data from assessments conducted in 8 countries between 2007 and 2015: Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. The surveys included an audit of facility infrastructure and direct observation of family planning, antenatal care (ANC), sick-child care, and (in 2 countries) labor and delivery. To measure structural inputs, we constructed indices that measured World Health Organization-recommended amenities, equipment, and medications in each service. For clinical quality, we used data from direct observations of care to calculate providers’ adherence to evidence-based care guidelines. We assessed the correlation between these metrics and used spline models to test for the presence of a minimum input threshold associated with good clinical quality. Inclusion criteria were met by 32,531 observations of care in 4,354 facilities. Facilities demonstrated moderate levels of infrastructure, ranging from 0.63 of 1 in sick-child care to 0.75 of 1 for family planning on average. Adherence to evidence-based guidelines was low, with an average of 37% adherence in sick-child care, 46% in family planning, 60% in labor and delivery, and 61% in ANC. Correlation between infrastructure and evidence-based care was low (median 0.20, range from −0.03 for family planning in Senegal to 0.40 for ANC in Tanzania). Facilities with similar infrastructure scores delivered care of widely varying quality in each service. We did not detect a minimum level of infrastructure that was reliably associated with higher quality of care delivered in any service. These findings rely on cross-sectional data, preventing assessment of relationships between structural inputs and clinical quality over time; measurement error may attenuate the estimated associations.ConclusionInputs to care are poorly correlated with provision of evidence-based care in these 4 clinical services. Healthcare workers in well-equipped facilities often provided poor care and vice versa. While it is important to have strong infrastructure, it should not be used as a measure of quality. Insight into health system quality requires measurement of processes and outcomes of care.

This dataset contains internationally comparable indicators of the effectiveness of primary care for country members of OECD (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) and for countries in accession negotiations with OECD. The indicators values cover the period 2000-2015.

According to a survey conducted in a selection of Latin American countries in 2024, Argentina was by far the country with the highest share of satisfied health patients, with ** percent of respondents assessing healthcare quality as good or very good, whereas only ** percent of respondents in Peru claimed to receive good healthcare. Hospitals in Latin America Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Brazil was considered the hospital with the highest care quality in Latin America in 2022. The first three leading hospitals in hosting patients were also located in Brazil, ranking high along other healthcare facilities in Argentina, Colombia and Chile. In 2024, Brazil was the country with the highest number of hospitals in the region, with approximately ***** establishments, followed by Mexico and Colombia. Hospital equipment in Latin America As of 2023, more than ** percent of hospitals in Latin America were equipped with electrocardiogram (EKG) machines. That year, ultrasound machines could be found in ** percent of hospitals, while a fourth of these establishments in the region had computed tomography (CT) scanners. In that year, Brazil had the most ultrasound machines installed in hospitals in Latin America, with over ******, followed by Mexico and Argentina.

Abstract

Different countries have different health outcomes that are in part due to the way respective health systems perform. Regardless of the type of health system, individuals will have health and non-health expectations in terms of how the institution responds to their needs. In many countries, however, health systems do not perform effectively and this is in part due to lack of information on health system performance, and on the different service providers.

The aim of the WHO World Health Survey is to provide empirical data to the national health information systems so that there is a better monitoring of health of the people, responsiveness of health systems and measurement of health-related parameters.

The overall aims of the survey is to examine the way populations report their health, understand how people value health states, measure the performance of health systems in relation to responsiveness and gather information on modes and extents of payment for health encounters through a nationally representative population based community survey. In addition, it addresses various areas such as health care expenditures, adult mortality, birth history, various risk factors, assessment of main chronic health conditions and the coverage of health interventions, in specific additional modules.

The objectives of the survey programme are to: 1. develop a means of providing valid, reliable and comparable information, at low cost, to supplement the information provided by routine health information systems. 2. build the evidence base necessary for policy-makers to monitor if health systems are achieving the desired goals, and to assess if additional investment in health is achieving the desired outcomes. 3. provide policy-makers with the evidence they need to adjust their policies, strategies and programmes as necessary.

Geographic coverage

The survey sampling frame must cover 100% of the country's eligible population, meaning that the entire national territory must be included. This does not mean that every province or territory need be represented in the survey sample but, rather, that all must have a chance (known probability) of being included in the survey sample.

There may be exceptional circumstances that preclude 100% national coverage. Certain areas in certain countries may be impossible to include due to reasons such as accessibility or conflict. All such exceptions must be discussed with WHO sampling experts. If any region must be excluded, it must constitute a coherent area, such as a particular province or region. For example if ¾ of region D in country X is not accessible due to war, the entire region D will be excluded from analysis.

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The WHS will include all male and female adults (18 years of age and older) who are not out of the country during the survey period. It should be noted that this includes the population who may be institutionalized for health reasons at the time of the survey: all persons who would have fit the definition of household member at the time of their institutionalisation are included in the eligible population.

If the randomly selected individual is institutionalized short-term (e.g. a 3-day stay at a hospital) the interviewer must return to the household when the individual will have come back to interview him/her. If the randomly selected individual is institutionalized long term (e.g. has been in a nursing home the last 8 years), the interviewer must travel to that institution to interview him/her.

The target population includes any adult, male or female age 18 or over living in private households. Populations in group quarters, on military reservations, or in other non-household living arrangements will not be eligible for the study. People who are in an institution due to a health condition (such as a hospital, hospice, nursing home, home for the aged, etc.) at the time of the visit to the household are interviewed either in the institution or upon their return to their household if this is within a period of two weeks from the first visit to the household.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

SAMPLING GUIDELINES FOR WHS

Surveys in the WHS program must employ a probability sampling design. This means that every single individual in the sampling frame has a known and non-zero chance of being selected into the survey sample. While a Single Stage Random Sample is ideal if feasible, it is recognized that most sites will carry out Multi-stage Cluster Sampling.

The WHS sampling frame should cover 100% of the eligible population in the surveyed country. This means that every eligible person in the country has a chance of being included in the survey sample. It also means that particular ethnic groups or geographical areas may not be excluded from the sampling frame.

The sample size of the WHS in each country is 5000 persons (exceptions considered on a by-country basis). An adequate number of persons must be drawn from the sampling frame to account for an estimated amount of non-response (refusal to participate, empty houses etc.). The highest estimate of potential non-response and empty households should be used to ensure that the desired sample size is reached at the end of the survey period. This is very important because if, at the end of data collection, the required sample size of 5000 has not been reached additional persons must be selected randomly into the survey sample from the sampling frame. This is both costly and technically complicated (if this situation is to occur, consult WHO sampling experts for assistance), and best avoided by proper planning before data collection begins.

All steps of sampling, including justification for stratification, cluster sizes, probabilities of selection, weights at each stage of selection, and the computer program used for randomization must be communicated to WHO

STRATIFICATION

Stratification is the process by which the population is divided into subgroups. Sampling will then be conducted separately in each subgroup. Strata or subgroups are chosen because evidence is available that they are related to the outcome (e.g. health, responsiveness, mortality, coverage etc.). The strata chosen will vary by country and reflect local conditions. Some examples of factors that can be stratified on are geography (e.g. North, Central, South), level of urbanization (e.g. urban, rural), socio-economic zones, provinces (especially if health administration is primarily under the jurisdiction of provincial authorities), or presence of health facility in area. Strata to be used must be identified by each country and the reasons for selection explicitly justified.

Stratification is strongly recommended at the first stage of sampling. Once the strata have been chosen and justified, all stages of selection will be conducted separately in each stratum. We recommend stratifying on 3-5 factors. It is optimum to have half as many strata (note the difference between stratifying variables, which may be such variables as gender, socio-economic status, province/region etc. and strata, which are the combination of variable categories, for example Male, High socio-economic status, Xingtao Province would be a stratum).

Strata should be as homogenous as possible within and as heterogeneous as possible between. This means that strata should be formulated in such a way that individuals belonging to a stratum should be as similar to each other with respect to key variables as possible and as different as possible from individuals belonging to a different stratum. This maximises the efficiency of stratification in reducing sampling variance.

MULTI-STAGE CLUSTER SELECTION

A cluster is a naturally occurring unit or grouping within the population (e.g. enumeration areas, cities, universities, provinces, hospitals etc.); it is a unit for which the administrative level has clear, nonoverlapping boundaries. Cluster sampling is useful because it avoids having to compile exhaustive lists of every single person in the population. Clusters should be as heterogeneous as possible within and as homogenous as possible between (note that this is the opposite criterion as that for strata). Clusters should be as small as possible (i.e. large administrative units such as Provinces or States are not good clusters) but not so small as to be homogenous.

In cluster sampling, a number of clusters are randomly selected from a list of clusters. Then, either all members of the chosen cluster or a random selection from among them are included in the sample. Multistage sampling is an extension of cluster sampling where a hierarchy of clusters are chosen going from larger to smaller.

In order to carry out multi-stage sampling, one needs to know only the population sizes of the sampling units. For the smallest sampling unit above the elementary unit however, a complete list of all elementary units (households) is needed; in order to be able to randomly select among all households in the TSU, a list of all those households is required. This information may be available from the most recent population census. If the last census was >3 years ago or the information furnished by it was of poor quality or unreliable, the survey staff will have the task of enumerating all households in the smallest randomly selected sampling unit. It is very important to budget for this step if it is necessary and ensure that all households are properly enumerated in order that a representative sample is obtained.

It is always best to have as many clusters in the PSU as possible. The reason for this is that the fewer the number of respondents in each PSU, the lower will be the clustering effect which

In 2025, South Africa had the highest health care index in Africa with a score of 63.8, followed by Kenya with 62 points. These scores, for both countries, are considered to be reasonably high. The health care index takes into account factors such as the overall quality of the health care system, health care professionals, equipment, staff, doctors, and cost.

Hospital Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market Outlook

The global hospital real-time location systems (RTLS) market size is anticipated to grow from USD 2.5 billion in 2023 to USD 7.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% during the forecast period. This rapid market growth is driven by the increasing need for efficient workflow management and enhanced patient care in healthcare facilities.

One of the primary factors fueling the growth of the hospital RTLS market is the escalating demand for improved patient safety and operational efficiency. Hospitals are increasingly adopting RTLS technology to enhance patient care by reducing wait times, preventing medication errors, and ensuring timely delivery of healthcare services. With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing patient admissions, the need for efficient asset and staff management has become critical, thereby driving the adoption of RTLS in healthcare settings.

Moreover, advancements in technology and the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) in the healthcare sector have significantly contributed to the growth of the RTLS market. The introduction of advanced technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ultrasound has revolutionized the way hospitals manage their resources. These technologies provide real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

Another notable growth factor is the increasing government initiatives and funding to improve healthcare infrastructure. Governments across various regions are investing heavily in healthcare IT solutions, including RTLS, to enhance the quality of care and ensure patient safety. For instance, initiatives to implement electronic health records (EHR) and other digital health solutions are creating a favorable environment for the adoption of RTLS in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the hospital RTLS market, attributed to the well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rate of advanced technologies. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK investing substantially in healthcare IT solutions. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing healthcare expenditure, growing awareness about the benefits of RTLS, and the rising number of hospitals and healthcare facilities in countries like China and India.

Component Analysis

The hospital RTLS market is segmented by components into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment comprises tags, sensors, and other tracking devices essential for the implementation of RTLS in healthcare settings. The software segment includes the applications and platforms that facilitate the analysis and visualization of the data collected by the hardware components. Services encompass installation, maintenance, and consulting services necessary for the effective deployment and operation of RTLS solutions.

In the hardware segment, tags and sensors play a crucial role in tracking the location of assets, patients, and staff within the hospital premises. These devices are equipped with various technologies such as RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ultrasound to ensure accurate real-time tracking. The demand for advanced and miniaturized tags and sensors is on the rise, driven by the need for more precise and reliable tracking solutions in healthcare facilities.

The software segment is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of analytics and data visualization tools in healthcare. These software solutions enable healthcare providers to monitor and manage hospital operations effectively, leading to improved patient care and operational efficiency. The integration of RTLS with other healthcare IT systems, such as EHR and hospital information systems (HIS), is further driving the demand for advanced software solutions.

Services play a vital role in the successful implementation and operation of RTLS in hospitals. Installation services ensure that the hardware and software components are correctly set up and integrated with existing hospital systems. Maintenance services are essential to keep the RTLS infrastructure functioning optimally and to address any technical issues that may arise. Consulting services provide hospitals with expert guidance on the best practice

BackgroundHigh satisfaction with healthcare is common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite widespread quality deficits. This may be due to low expectations because people lack knowledge about what constitutes good quality or are resigned about the quality of available services.Methods and findingsWe fielded an internet survey in Argentina, China, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa in 2017 (N = 17,996). It included vignettes describing poor-quality services—inadequate technical or interpersonal care—for 2 conditions. After applying population weights, most of our respondents lived in urban areas (59%), had finished primary school (55%), and were under the age of 50 (75%). Just over half were men (51%), and the vast majority reported that they were in good health (73%). Over half (53%) of our study population rated the quality of vignettes describing poor-quality services as good or better. We used multilevel logistic regression and found that good ratings were associated with less education (no formal schooling versus university education; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.22, 95% CI 1.90–2.59, P < 0.001), better self-reported health (excellent versus poor health; AOR 5.19, 95% CI 4.33–6.21, P < 0.001), history of discrimination in healthcare (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.36–1.57, P < 0.001), and male gender (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23–1.41, P < 0.001). The survey did not reach nonusers of the internet thus only representing the internet-using population.ConclusionsMajorities of the internet-using public in 12 LMICs have low expectations of healthcare quality as evidenced by high ratings given to poor-quality care. Low expectations of health services likely dampen demand for quality, reduce pressure on systems to deliver quality care, and inflate satisfaction ratings. Policies and interventions to raise people’s expectations of the quality of healthcare they receive should be considered in health system quality reforms.

Summary of main results of the studies included in this review (N = 82).

Health Care Information System Market Outlook

The global Health Care Information System market size was valued at approximately USD 90 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 190 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. Factors such as the increasing adoption of digital health solutions, rising demand for accurate and timely patient information, and government initiatives promoting the deployment of electronic health records (EHR) are driving this growth.

One of the primary growth drivers for the Health Care Information System market is the increasing adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs). These systems have revolutionized the way patient data is stored, accessed, and analyzed, leading to improved patient outcomes and streamlined healthcare operations. The integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning with these systems further enhances their capabilities, enabling predictive analytics and better decision-making in clinical settings.

Another significant factor contributing to market growth is the rising need for efficient healthcare management systems. With an increasing global population and the prevalence of chronic diseases, healthcare providers are under immense pressure to deliver high-quality care while optimizing resources. Health Care Information Systems offer solutions for efficient patient management, billing, scheduling, and resource allocation, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery models.

Additionally, governmental policies and incentives aimed at digitizing healthcare infrastructures are playing a crucial role in market expansion. Various governments around the world are implementing regulations and providing financial incentives to encourage the adoption of health care information systems. This regulatory push is particularly strong in regions such as North America and Europe, where governments are focused on improving healthcare quality and patient safety through the use of digital solutions.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rising investments in healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness about digital health solutions, and the growing focus on improving healthcare services in countries like China and India. Moreover, the region's large population base and the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases provide a significant market opportunity for health care information systems.

The integration of a Healthcare Decision Support System (HDSS) within health care information systems is becoming increasingly vital. These systems provide clinicians with critical insights derived from patient data, enabling more informed decision-making processes. By leveraging data analytics and evidence-based guidelines, HDSS can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions, selecting appropriate treatments, and managing patient care more effectively. The adoption of HDSS is driven by the need to improve patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of medical errors, which are often attributed to information gaps and cognitive overload among healthcare professionals. As healthcare systems become more complex, the role of decision support systems in ensuring quality care and operational efficiency cannot be overstated.

Component Analysis

The Health Care Information System market can be segmented by components into software, hardware, and services. The software segment is expected to dominate the market due to the increasing adoption of various applications such as EHRs, clinical decision support systems, and practice management software. These software solutions are essential for managing patient data, enhancing clinical workflows, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The rapid advancements in software technologies, including AI and machine learning, are further driving the adoption of health care information systems.

In contrast, the hardware segment, which includes computing devices, storage devices, and networking equipment, plays a crucial role in the deployment and functioning of healthcare information systems. While hardware is essential for the infrastructure, its market share is relatively smaller compared to software due to the higher frequency of software upgrades and updates. However, the d

Characteristics of studies included in this review (N = 82).

The migration of health experts seeking better opportunities, both nationally and internationally, is a growing concern due to its impact on health systems, particularly in developing countries. The provision of cardiovascular and other specialized medical care requires a skilled workforce, yet the factors driving brain drain among cardiac care health workers remain underexplored. This study assessed the factors influencing the brain drain of cardiac healthcare workers from the perspective of the health policymakers and health care workers in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study among 32 key informants selected purposely working at the policy level, tertiary cardiac care hospitals, universities, cardiac care civil societies, and medical, nursing, and public health professional councils in Nepal. We interviewed the participants using a standardized key informant interview guide with open-ended questions probing for in-depth information in the Nepali language. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the thematic method. We used the inductive method of data analysis and manually developed codes and themes from the transcripts ensuring a robust analysis of the migration factors impacting cardiac healthcare workers. Key findings revealed several contributing factors to brain drain, including better job opportunities, higher pay scales, and improved working environments in developed countries. Push factors such as young age, family attitudes toward migration, and low levels of patriotism among healthcare professionals were also identified. Addressing these issues requires targeted retention strategies, including creating opportunities within the country, fostering collaboration between policymakers and stakeholders, and enhancing working conditions in Nepal’s healthcare sector. The global public health implications of brain drain are significant, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions to strengthen healthcare systems and promote health equity. Developing and implementing policies that mitigate brain drain will be crucial to retaining skilled cardiac healthcare workers and ensuring the delivery of quality care in Nepal.

Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market Outlook

The global market size for outbound medical tourism services is projected to significantly rise from USD 55 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 97 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecasted period. This robust growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the increasing costs of healthcare services in developed countries, the expansion of quality healthcare services in emerging economies, and the growing awareness of cost-effective medical treatment options abroad. These factors, among others, are propelling the market forward, positioning it as a major segment within the broader healthcare and tourism industries.

One of the key growth factors driving the outbound medical tourism services market is the escalating healthcare costs in developed countries, particularly in North America and Europe. Patients in these regions are burdened by the high costs associated with medical procedures, insurance, and pharmaceutical products. As a result, a significant number of individuals are seeking affordable healthcare alternatives overseas, where they can receive the same or even better quality of care at a fraction of the cost. This trend is particularly evident in elective procedures such as dental, cosmetic, and fertility treatments, which are often not fully covered by insurance plans and therefore incentivize patients to consider outbound medical tourism.

Another critical driver for the outbound medical tourism services market is the advancement and accreditation of healthcare facilities in emerging economies. Countries such as India, Thailand, Mexico, and Turkey have become prominent destinations for medical tourists due to their state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and internationally accredited hospitals. These destinations offer a wide array of medical services, ranging from complex surgeries to wellness and preventative care, thus attracting a diverse group of patients from various parts of the world. Furthermore, these countries often have medical professionals trained in Western countries, ensuring high standards of care and comfort for international patients.

Technological advancements and the proliferation of digital platforms are also contributing to the growth of the outbound medical tourism market. The internet and social media have played a crucial role in disseminating information about medical tourism options, enabling patients to research and compare healthcare services across the globe. Additionally, telemedicine has made it more feasible for patients to communicate with foreign healthcare providers prior to traveling, allowing them to make informed decisions. The ease of communication and information access has thus reduced the barriers to engaging in medical tourism, further accelerating market growth.

Regionally, Asia Pacific remains the most sought-after destination for outbound medical tourism, thanks to its competitive pricing and quality healthcare services. Within this region, countries like India and Thailand are leading the charge due to their advanced medical technologies and cost-effective treatment options. Other regions such as Latin America are also witnessing significant growth, largely driven by proximity to North American patients who constitute a substantial portion of the market. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa are gradually emerging as new players, investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure to attract a share of the medical tourist populace. Europe maintains a steady flow of medical tourists due to its reputation for high-quality, albeit more expensive, healthcare services.

Service Type Analysis

The outbound medical tourism services market is broadly segmented by service type, encompassing surgical, dental, cosmetic, fertility, and other medical services. The surgical segment holds a substantial share of the market, driven by the demand for procedures such as orthopedic surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries, and organ transplants. Patients often seek these procedures abroad due to shorter waiting times and lower costs compared to their home countries. The availability of specialized surgical expertise in destination countries further enhances the appeal of medical tourism for surgical services. Additionally, pre- and post-operative care services are increasingly being tailored to meet the needs of international patients, contributing to the growth of this segment.

Dental services have emerged as a pivotal segment within the outbound medical tourism market. Procedures such as dental implants, veneers, and o

The OECD Health database is an online database with comparative information on health policies and health care systems across the OECD countries (OECD). The purpose of the database is to give a broad overview of health care in the member countries. It offers a series of reports, which contain diverse cross-national policy data, on issues like long-term care for older people, high-performing health systems and private health insurance. Here we focus on policy data.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market size will be USD 258695.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 103478.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 77608.56 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 59499.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 12934.7 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 5173.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The cosmetic surgery category is the fastest growing segment of the Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

Market Dynamics of Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

Key Drivers for Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

Cost Savings from Medical Procedures Abroad Drive Growth in Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

One of the primary drivers of the Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market is the significant cost savings associated with medical procedures abroad. In many developed countries, healthcare costs are exorbitantly high, making treatments financially inaccessible for a large segment of the population. Countries like India, Thailand, and Mexico offer high-quality medical care at a fraction of the price, attracting patients seeking surgeries, dental work, and other medical services. This affordability is particularly appealing for elective procedures and complex surgeries that may require extensive financial outlay in their home countries, thus propelling the growth of the outbound medical tourism sector.

Rising Quality of Healthcare Services Abroad Driving Outbound Medical Tourism Through Enhanced Patient Assurance and Infrastructure Investments

The increasing quality of healthcare services in various countries is another vital driver of the Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market. Many destinations known for medical tourism have made substantial investments in their healthcare infrastructure, often meeting or exceeding international standards. Hospitals and clinics in these regions frequently receive accreditations from prestigious organizations, which reassures THE patients about quality of care they will receive. Furthermore, the availability of advanced medical technology and skilled healthcare professionals enhances the attractiveness of these destinations. As patients become more informed about healthcare quality abroad, the trend of seeking treatment overseas continues to rise.

Key Restraint for Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

Challenges and Legal Risks in Outbound Medical Tourism Hinder Market Growth and Patient Confidence in Seeking Treatment Abroad

Despite the numerous benefits of outbound medical tourism, potential patients often face regulatory challenges and legal risks that can act as a restraint on market growth. The lack of standardized regulations across different countries can create uncertainty for patients regarding the quality of care and legal recourse in case of malpractice or complications. Moreover, navigating the legal landscape in a foreign country can be daunting for patients who may not be familiar with local laws or healthcare regulations. This uncertainty can deter individuals from pursuing medical treatments abroad, as concerns about the safety and efficacy of procedures remain prominent.

Key Trend for Outbound Medical Tourism Services Market

Premiumization and digital transformation are major trends propelling the expansion of outbound medical tourism.

Patients are increasingly looking for premium treatments such as robotic operations, advanced oncology, and cutting-edge fertility treatments in top-tier locations, indicating a change in the outbound medical tourism market toward high-value, specialized care. The patient journey is be...

The migration of health experts seeking better opportunities, both nationally and internationally, is a growing concern due to its impact on health systems, particularly in developing countries. The provision of cardiovascular and other specialized medical care requires a skilled workforce, yet the factors driving brain drain among cardiac care health workers remain underexplored. This study assessed the factors influencing the brain drain of cardiac healthcare workers from the perspective of the health policymakers and health care workers in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study among 32 key informants selected purposely working at the policy level, tertiary cardiac care hospitals, universities, cardiac care civil societies, and medical, nursing, and public health professional councils in Nepal. We interviewed the participants using a standardized key informant interview guide with open-ended questions probing for in-depth information in the Nepali language. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the thematic method. We used the inductive method of data analysis and manually developed codes and themes from the transcripts ensuring a robust analysis of the migration factors impacting cardiac healthcare workers. Key findings revealed several contributing factors to brain drain, including better job opportunities, higher pay scales, and improved working environments in developed countries. Push factors such as young age, family attitudes toward migration, and low levels of patriotism among healthcare professionals were also identified. Addressing these issues requires targeted retention strategies, including creating opportunities within the country, fostering collaboration between policymakers and stakeholders, and enhancing working conditions in Nepal’s healthcare sector. The global public health implications of brain drain are significant, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions to strengthen healthcare systems and promote health equity. Developing and implementing policies that mitigate brain drain will be crucial to retaining skilled cardiac healthcare workers and ensuring the delivery of quality care in Nepal.