(QCOSTARICA) An initiative by PUSC legislator Gerardo Vargas, with the support of legislators of other parties, proposes a series of economic benefits to businesses engaged in medical tourism.
The benefits include excemptions in various taxes, including the import of specialized equipment and materials to offer their services.
The proposal is currently with the Commission on Tourism (comisión de turismo) and although it has the backing of the business sector and legislators, Vargas said the issue of exemptions may generate controversy.
“The project is very good, establishes regulations for certification and quality assurance for companies providing these services (…),” said Vargas.
The initiative also creates a council composed of representatives of the public and private institutions that will be responsible for the evaluation and quality of businesses dedicated to medical tourism.
The council would be made up by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, the Cámara Nacional de Turismo, Promociones Médicas S.A. (Promed), the Ministerio de Salud and the Ministerio de Economía Industria y Comercio (Meic) that will develop public policy, certifications, licenses, evaluations, reports and regulations. Also, it would compile information on health tourists and establish an evaluation process on patient satisfaction.
Source: Crhoy.com
Now this is starting to make some business sense. Going with the “goody-bag” in-hand, with tax deduction incentives, etc., is the way to attract foreign investment to Costa Rica. The President, on his recent trip to the U.S. and his now trip to Europe, should have been doing likewise. The foreign investors won’t come if they are not tempted with lower taxes, utility costs, employment costs, etc.