Swiss eye more ‘medical tourists from UAE’

Switzerland has been a top hub for medical tourism, particularly for patients from the GCC.

In fact, GCC countries now represent for over 30% of our total international patient inflow, a testament to the region’s growing trust in our medical expertise and patient-focused care.

This was stated by Babs Siclet, Executive Board Member, Swiss Medical Network in an exclusive email interview with Gulf Today.

“Switzerland has long positioned itself as a premier destination for GCC patients seeking advanced medical care and complex surgical procedures. With a globally acclaimed healthcare infrastructure, the country offers cutting-edge medical technology and highly specialised expertise, delivering consistently excellent treatment outcomes. Swiss Medical Network has been privileged to welcome patients from the UAE and broader GCC region for more than 30 years,” she added.

She appreciated the healthcare services and infrastructure across GCC and added that, “many residents still choose Switzerland for highly complex and specialised medical treatments.”

“Switzerland is particularly sought after for managing challenging oncology cases, performing highly complex surgeries, and delivering cutting-edge ophthalmology treatments that require deep subspecialty expertise. This trend reflects a preference for the highest levels of medical precision and personalised care.”

“Other areas in strong demand include preventive medicine (check-ups), spinal neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and rehabilitation. These services attract patients seeking the highest standards of precision, innovation, and personalised medical attention.”

She further said that,“To meet these expectations, we offer a highly personalised experience that begins well before the patient’s arrival and continues after their return home. We aim to provide UAE residents with exceptional medical outcomes and a standard of service that reflects their highest expectations.” Responding a question regarding exclusive services, she said “Beyond Switzerland’s internationally recognised excellence in healthcare, patients from the UAE and broader GCC region place high importance on privacy, discretion, and culturally tailored care.”