The Philippines' medical tourism industry is expected to grow in the coming years as more foreign patients are flying in to take advantage of the country's affordable but high-quality health care services.

This was among the remarks made by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano during a speech he delivered at the the 4th World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC) which will be held until Saturday, March 28, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Besides saying that the Philippines "is an emerging prime player in medical travel," Durano also emphasized that a new hotel or resort is launched every month in the country, owing to real-estate growth.

"This momentum gives us the confidence to enter other market spaces like medical tourism," a tourism department statement said, citing Durano.

The Philippines possesses the medical facilities and expertise as well as post procedure facilities, allowing the country to integrate all services into a one-stop shop to meet even the most demanding customers, the statement said.

Durano also expressed optimism that the Philippines will be able to benefit from corporations "showing interest in the services of local providers" such as hospitals and clinics, spas, health resorts, ambulance companies, medical facilitators, and tourist agencies.