Philippines: Health scams deterring medical tourism

Health-related scandals could dampen the Philippine’s bid as a medical tourism destination, a congresswoman leading a legislative investigation into the issue said. Rep. Janette Garin said she also fears that health maintenance organizations considering investments in the Philippines might be turned off by the country’s notoriety for health scams. Garin spoke about the U.S. veteran fund scam where hospitals and medical practitioners are believed to have connived with U.S. veterans to avail of bogus health claims, some of which were allegedly padded by as much as 2,000%.