Framework for Establishing a Sustainable Medical Facility: A Case Study of Medical Tourism in Jordan

Abstract

A significant number of studies have assessed the impact of medical tourism from economic, technological and social perspectives. Few studies, however, have explored the development of the medical tourism sector from a sustainability perspective. This research brings a sustainability lens to medical tourism by extending Hart and Milstein’s framework (2003) for creating sustainable business value to advance the development of sustainable medical tourism facilities. To inform the analysis, the study conducted nine semi-structured interviews with members of the Jordan Medical Tourism Network (JMTN). Interview results confirmed the primary factors that motivate medical tourists, and characteristics of a sustainable medical tourism facility. The research provides insights on how sustainability is a driver of medical tourists’ decisions and a core aspect to be managed. The study also provides direction to advance sustainable medical tourism facilities in Jordan with replicability in other jurisdictions. The research proposes a path for medical tourism facilities to play further roles in their contribution to sustainable development by introducing a framework that aims to integrate four business strategies for establishing sustainable value through the integration of stakeholders’ interests and environmental practices.

Aesthetic medical tourism in Colombia: opportunity for the economic development of the country

“…(70) La sinergia entre los sectores médico y turístico no solo enaltece la posición de Colombia en el escenario internacional, sino que también mejora la calidad de vida de su población, marcando un modelo de desarrollo económico integrador y sustentable, como se pudo triangular en la literatura existente. (71,72) Finalmente, quedó reforzada la noción de que esta sinergia puede a su vez generar nuevas líneas de desarrollo y alianzas interinstitucionales, lo que también demanda un enfoque educativo y orientado hacia la capacitación de los principales actores involucrados. (73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80)…”

The roles of multinational enterprises in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the local level

“…MNEs can offer products and services not manufactured locally, or at a quality not otherwise available locally (Darwazeh et al, 2021). The role of MNEs as product and service providers has been viewed negatively for undermining the role of local governments in their host countries (Kolk et al, 2017) and often casts MNEs in a political role.…”

“…According to Yamin and Sinkovics (2009), strategies of MNE engagement in local communities can aggravate the municipal governments' financial constraints for developing basic infrastructure, thereby imposing a negative impact on the development of infrastructure in developing countries. That said, local governments can potentially leverage the engagement of MNEs sustainability strategies as a means of filling institutional voids for local sustainable development (Darwazeh et al, 2021).…”

Doctor of pharmacy as a career option: a cross-sectional study exploring PharmD students and practitioners expectations in Jordan

“…Jordan’s health care services are internationally renowned, and Jordan is a leading destination for medical tourism that generates over USD 1 billion by attracting 250 000 patients from neighboring countries every year [ 6 ]. Additionally, Jordan has been ranked as the number one medical tourism destination in the region and fifth worldwide by the World Bank organization [ 6 , 7 ]. The proportion of spending on medicines in Jordan was about one-fourth of the health care spending and constituted 2% of GDP which is a high value for a middle-income country considering that, for the same year, expenditures on medicines in the European Union represented 1.6% of GDP [ 6 ].…”