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How to Choose The Right Accommodation For Medical Tourism

Selecting suitable accommodation is a crucial decision when traveling abroad for medical reasons. A poor choice in lodging can exacerbate a patient’s health condition and pose serious risks. For instance, individuals recovering from cardiac or orthopedic surgery need to ensure their accommodation allows for avoiding stairs.

Therefore, the patient has to be careful while making the decision and must take into account several factors like proximity to the hospital, cost, quality of services rendered, etc.

Distance from hospital

When selecting accommodation, it’s crucial for the patient to choose a facility that is in close proximity to the hospital. This ensures quick access to medical services in case of complications and minimizes physical strain during post-operative check-ups. Doctors advise against travel in the week or month following surgery (depending on the procedure) to prevent stress and support a smooth recovery.

Recognizing this, various health and welfare entities have invested in establishing accommodation and recuperation facilities near hospitals, aiming to minimize the need for extensive patient travel.

Aga Khan University Hospital in Parklands, Nairobi

Distance from recuperation facility

The patient’s journey towards full recovery doesn’t conclude upon leaving the hospital; instead, the subsequent weeks or months are pivotal for complete healing. Hence, it is crucial for the patient to have convenient access to their recuperation facility.

A recuperation facility serves as a space where the patient can undergo both physical and mental recovery post-procedure. The selection of such a facility requires careful consideration, ensuring it can cater to the patient’s specific needs such as dietary preferences and exercise routines.

Importantly, it should be in close proximity to the chosen accommodation, considering the adverse effects of travel discussed earlier. Prolonged travel can be especially challenging for a patient who may still be under the influence of medication, leading to increased exhaustion.

HCG Centre in Parklands, Nairobi

Food

After surgery, the patient’s focus should extend to their diet, making it essential to select accommodation that offers nutritious and healthy meals. Poorly prepared or contaminated food can lead to adverse health effects such as food poisoning, potentially prolonging the recovery period. The ideal post-surgery diet should include a balance of nutrients like fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, playing a crucial role in the healing process.

Additionally, the patient should ensure that the cooking facilities are clean, maintaining a hygienic environment to prevent contamination of the food. For medical tourists, unfamiliarity with foreign cuisines or diets can pose a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the offered meals align with their preferences when renting accommodation.

Breakfast served on a wooden tray

Infection control mechanisms

To prevent postoperative infections, it is crucial to implement sufficient measures and precautions to maintain a sterile environment for the patient after the procedure. A well-equipped hotel can play a pivotal role in helping the patient avoid complications such as wound infections, drip site infections, and respiratory issues.

Certain medical procedures require extraordinary postoperative care. For instance, in some cases, it may be necessary to cover the room’s windows with mesh screens to prevent the entry of mosquitoes and other insects. Additionally, the room may need to be regularly sprayed with a disinfectant to eliminate harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Individuals entering the room might be required to wear masks to cover their mouths and gloves when touching the patient. It is essential for the accommodation to facilitate such setups to ensure the patient’s well-being.

(African person cleaning an apartment)

Distance from grocery store and pharmacy

It proves highly convenient for the patient if there’s a grocery store and pharmacy in close proximity to the chosen accommodation facility. This not only benefits the patient but also assists their caregiver or companion in minimizing travel for essential items. For instance, a patient may need specific toiletries or cleaning materials for wound care, which can easily be obtained from a nearby general store.

Having a pharmacy nearby is equally advantageous, as it ensures easy access to all the required medications. This proximity allows for swift renewal and refill of prescriptions without prolonged waiting times. The economic growth spurred by medical tourism has led to the establishment of grocery stores and pharmacies near hospitals and healthcare centers, facilitating easy access to necessities such as headrests and garbage bags for patients.

Sarit Centre in Westlands, Nairobi