Dispelling concerns that the much-promoted medical tourism here would deprive local residents of much needed medical services, the Cebu Health and Wellness Council (CHWC) assured the public Thursday that medical packages offered to tourists will also be available to locals.

CHWC Chairman Oscar Tuason said medical tourism would even benefit Cebuanos because the influx of foreigners will prompt hospitals to put up the latest state-of-the-art medical equipment and improve their facilities.

"We would not deprive anyone from using our 64-slice CT scan machine, for instance, whether he is a local or a foreigner. We will service patients from all walks of life," said Tuason, administrator of the Cebu Doctors Hospital, during the weekly 888 News Forum at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel.

Cebu's medical tourism package offers foreign nationals an executive check-up for around $2,000 inclusive of seven days and six nights stay at the posh Shangri-La Hotel and Cebu City Waterfront Hotel, with free traditional massage and other hotel services.