Cuba's International Health Tourism Award was presented for the first time at the closing ceremony of the First International Medical Tourism and Wellness Fair and the 15th "Health for All 2022" Exhibition Fair.
It was established in the categories of institution, personality, media and agencies specialized in health tourism.
The award was given by the Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos, S.A. (CSMC, S.A.) and its main objectives are: to position Cuba's image as a health tourism destination and the Cuban Medical Services brand in the international market, strengthen international alliances in the health tourism sector, as well as highlight the best international practices and results in health tourism in pursuit of sustainable development.
The jury of the award was made up of experts in the tourism and medical activity that coexist in this type of specialized tourism, with representation from the Ministry of Public Health, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism, the University of Havana and the CSMC, S.A.
On this occasion, it distinguished with awards to:
- In the Media category: Agencia Informativa Latinoamericana Prensa Latina.
For being a news agency positioned as a leader of information in Cuba and Latin America, with information produced from Havana and by correspondents from 40 countries in all continents, committed to the truth and the promotion of Cuba's image worldwide, with extensive contributions to the promotion of Cuba as a health destination.
It has been the pioneer Clinic in medical tourism in Cuba, with 42 years of experience in the attention of international tourists and for being the birthplace of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Center. This clinic has been a leader in the methodological processes of health tourism in Cuba, quality accreditation and hospital management with international standards. It has received patients from more than 100 nations and stands out for providing medical and surgical services of interest to international markets, with a renewed human, scientific and commercial spirit.
Doctor graduated from the first medical graduation after the triumph of the Cuban revolution, graduated from the specialty of Orthopedics, for a decade he directed the area of International Relations of MINSAP, was director of the Central Clinic Cira Garcia for 20 years, emphasizing his activity in the development of infrastructure, technologies, training of human resources, medical protocols and in the promotion of commercial activity of health tourism. Currently, he continues to contribute to the development group of the Cira García Central Clinic.
- In the category of Tourism Agency: Services Santé Internacional
This International health tourism agency to Cuba, is the leader in the Canadian market, with 15 years of work characterized by its stability, professionalism and business ethics. Even in the context of the pandemic, it brought more than 100 patients a year to Cuba.
In addition, the jury of the award decided to award mentions in this category to:
- Essence, from Haiti
- ERKA-MED GmbH, Germany
- Cuba Heal, Canada
- QBA, from Turkey
- Solymed, Italy
- Consultation to the Future, Serbia
- Holfe Bei Tunnelblick Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient Association, Germany.
The award trophy is an original work of the prestigious Cuban sculptor José Villa Soberón, in an allegory to the principle of Cuban health tourism, to have the human being at the center of its interest.
By: MSc. Dra. Patricia Alonso Galbán
Communication Specialist in CSMC, S.A