Trade in healthcare services and economic development: Case of Kenya and South Africa

The objective of this chapter is to explore the economic implications of trade in healthcare services, particularly in medical tourism in Kenya and South-Africa. We evaluate the potential impact of this trade on foreign exchange revenue, employment, and related sectors of the economy. In addition, we investigate policy implications, opportunities, and challenges that these countries face as they continue to carve a niche in the global trade in healthcare/medical tourism. From a policy perspective, we explore how governments of both countries in partnership with the key stakeholders could work together to ensure that the economic advantages from trade in healthcare is inclusive and benefits the poor within these countries, in terms of availability, affordability, quality and equity in access to healthcare services.