According to various local news outlets, India, South Africa, the UK and US are the main destinations for over 10,000 Kenyans annually who travel in search of specialised medical treatment, with treatments in oncology, cardiac surgery, advanced neuro-spine surgery, transplant surgery, and assisted reproductive technology being some of the most sought-after services outside the country due to limitations in Kenya's healthcare facilities.

But a new law being considered by local members of parliament may see this practice change dramatically. The proposed Health Amendment Bill states that only after local hospitals have proven incapable of handling a patient’s medical condition, are patients to be referred for treatment outside the country – and in this instance, patients must seek approval from the Health Ministry before travelling overseas.

Reportedly, the law seeks to ensure mechanisms developed for the referral of patients to health institutions outside the country are efficient and well organised, especially after alleged incidents of overseas medical fraud, including overbilling practices, have been reported.

Hospitals & Healthcare wonders what impact this bill – should it be passed – will have on the speed and efficacy of care that Kenyans in need of specialised medical attention will receive.

Conversely, over in East Asia, Taiwan has just reopened to international patients seeking medical care.