Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency gave the local medical tourism industry a shot in the arm Nov. 4 with the announcement that mainland Chinese will soon be able to visit the island specifically for the purpose of having physical examinations, elective or non-urgent surgery and cosmetic procedures.

This decision is a welcome departure from existing NIA regulations requiring mainland Chinese to organize medical treatment as part of group or individual travel itineraries. Reached in consensus with ROC government agencies such as the Department of Health, Mainland Affairs Council and Ministry of Justice, the new policy is expected to be approved by the Cabinet before the end of the year.

Under the revised regulations, one important change is that the island’s hospitals and clinics will now accept applications for Taiwan entry permits on behalf of mainland Chinese patients. These will be given top priority for processing by the NIA with life-threatening cases put on a four-hour fast track, even during weekends and public holidays.

Leveling the playing field for Taiwan’s medical industry makes sense given the impressive numbers involved. Last year, an estimated 617 million tourists worldwide participated in a US$513 billion industry, making it one of the global economy’s stellar performers.