Media Release

Ajman, Apr 5: The first batch of the unique course in medical tourism launched by Gulf Medical University (GMU) started at the university campus on Saturday April 2. Titled ‘Certificate Course in Medical Tourism Facilitator’, this short term course of 3 months’ duration is conducted as a weekend course, aimed mainly at working professionals.

GMU, the leading private university in the region owned and operated by Thumbay Group had launched the Medical Tourism Facilitator course at the 2nd Annual Medical Tourism Conference held at Thumbay Hospital, Dubai in November 2015. The course was formally launched by HE Shaikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Almaktoum, in the presence of GMU provost, prof Gita Ashok Raj. The new course is the latest in the long list of unique and first-of-its-kind courses offered by GMU.

Conducted by GMU’s Center for Continuing Education and Community Outreach (CCE and CO), the aim of the medical tourism facilitator certificate course is to train students in the various aspects of medical tourism, and to develop their skills to perform as an operator and play a promotional role in the medical tourism industry. The course inculcates the theoretical and practical understanding of new trends in the medical tourism industry, thereby helping the students to identify the key operational areas in the field.

The Certificate Course in Medical Tourism Facilitator equips the student with knowledge in various areas like the travel industry, medical facilities and conditions, legal/ethical issues, logistics and the hospitality industry related to medical tourism. Needless to say, it facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the medical tourism industry. “The objective of the course is to produce complete medical tourism professionals ready to take up the challenges of this fast-evolving field, especially in the UAE, which is making major strides in the sector as it marches towards the Vision 2020 objectives,” said Dr Alaster Lynsley Susirith Mendis, Ddirector – CCE and CO, GMU.

The course, which is being offered as a 3-month short-term/weekend course is open to any graduate who is interested to take up work as a medical tourism facilitator. For the convenience of working professionals desirous of pursuing the course, weekend classes are scheduled in the morning or evening. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the course.

With the medical tourism sector in the UAE and the Middle East region projected to grow manifold in the coming years, this course from GMU with a medical tourism specialization is truly a great opportunity to join a futuristic career programme and be part of an evolving profession.