PM Encourages Investment in Medical Tourism

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller wants Jamaica to tap into the global market for medical tourism, which is estimated at US$40 billion.

Citing the recent announcement of Jamaica’s first medical tourism facility to be built in Montego Bay; the country’s world renowned cadre of nurses and doctors; as well as its demonstrated expertise in medicine, Mrs. Simpson Miller emphasized that, “there is no reason why Jamaica cannot attract significant investments and tourist flow in this area.”

The medical tourism facility is to be constructed at a cost of US$20 million by Hospiten, the Spanish Hospital group.

The Prime Minister pointed out that one study has estimated that Jamaica could attract some 15,000 medical and residential care patients annually, which could generate an annual income in excess of US$125 million within five years.

Mrs. Simpson Miller was delivering the keynote address at the launch of Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa, at the company’s Lady Musgrave Road location, in Kingston, on March 25.

The Prime Minister said the opening of Eden Gardens represents the triumph of Jamaican entrepreneurship and resourcefulness.

“Years ago when Dr. Henry Lowe (Executive Chairman), broached this concept, people felt he was crazy. They said it had no chance of success.  They felt a wellness resort and spa in the heart of Kingston would not work. But Henry Lowe was not daunted by these doubting Thomases. So, here we are today officially opening what has become a Jamaica $550 million investment,” she added.

Mrs. Simpson Miller pointed out that the global market for wellness spas is estimated at US$6 billion and Jamaica has the potential to attract over 20,000 wellness tourists to its spas, generating just over US$42 million annually.

The Prime Minister hailed Dr. Lowe for his pioneering role in the Caribbean nutraceutical business and enormous contribution to Jamaica.  “The Eden Gardens’ concept is quite an innovative one and is unique in the Caribbean,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

She also called for more Jamaicans, like Dr. Lowe, to invest in their country. “Jamaica needs more people who combine scientific research with entrepreneurial application. Jamaica needs entrepreneurs who will energetically embrace ideas and implement them efficiently,” she insisted.

Introducing the new Eden Gardens, Dr. Lowe explained that two years ago the decision was taken to re-brand, thereby allowing the business to refocus on its original concept as a wellness oasis, in which all its offerings would unite to provide holistic wellness for the body, mind and spirit.

The Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa now has three restaurants and a juice bar, instead of one; upgraded banqueting and conference facilities; additional accommodation; new retail shops, including a herbal and gift shop; recreational services with an all new fitness centre and full service spas for males and females; a chiropractic centre; acupuncture; beauty shop, among others.

Dr. Lowe also informed that employment was created for over 100 persons during period of expansion.