The gap between the perception of overseas medical and health risk and the reality is widening, according to medical risk professionals at International SOS. This is particularly prevalent in the BRICS countries, as well as in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Chile, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Peru, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

In these countries the health risk is also determined by the availability or accessibility of adequate medical care. China is an example showing the complexity of managing such medical care; pre-hospital care is a new and emerging concept in China and primary transportation to an adequate hospital may not be readily available. The concept of disease and approach to treatment differs from Western countries and accessing care may be even more difficult because of the language barriers, the lack of medical specialisation and busy medical structures.

An International SOS statistic of the leading causes of Air Ambulance evacuations out of Africa has determined that accidents and cardiovascular diseases, followed by infectious diseases and psychological problems, are the most common diagnoses, analysis that is supported by the World Health Organisation. For a business to ensure it is prepared for operations in new areas, it must ensure that it correctly and fully understands the health risks that employees may face.

Dr Doug Quarry, medical director at International SOS, said; “While companies may see having the right health risk practices in place as a cost, they should also consider the rewards of doing so. There is a strong cost benefit for assuring that preventative risk management strategies are in place. It is also a valid argument from a business continuity point of view.”

In its HealthMap 2012, International SOS compiles data to present an image of a country-specific health risk rating, enabling risk professionals to easily highlight which destinations require adequate preventive risk assessment procedures and preparation programs to mitigate medical and litigation risks.

Share Story: