Invest in Health |11 May 2018

Seychelles is currently at an important crossroad whereby there is a large shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases. 

With the highest standard of living in Africa and as of 2015, Seychelles has graduated to the World Bank’s status as a high income country. Unfortunately the increase in living standards has brought with it the so called “lifestyle diseases” or “disease of the affluent” which are now plaguing the nation and putting extreme strain on the country’s limited resources.

The cost of treating such diseases is high and poised to increase, hence placing a further dent in the Ministry of Health’s resources. It is with this in mind that the government of Seychelles is encouraging private sector investment within the medical field. The government has spent R115.6 million for the period 2014-2017 sending Seychellois overseas for further treatment. For the shrewd investor, capturing a portion of this market can be very lucrative.

Luxury medical tourism is an opportunistic avenue for private sector investment. With perfect year-round weather and stunning natural beauty, Seychelles is primed for such ventures. Studies show that 88% of medical travellers are willing to travel internationally for medical purposes. Strategically complimenting medical tourism with luxury hotels/ apartments is a recipe for success.

Aside from the obvious general practice clinics and hospitals, opportunities are abound in specialty fields such as optometry, orthodontia and psychology amongst others.

Another side effect of our new-found affluence has been the increase in obesity; Seychelles has the unfortunate record of being the most obese country in sub-Saharan Africa. There is thus a big demand for dieticians and nutritionists.

The population has also become more health-conscious. Locals are craving for more gyms, health centres, healthy food outlets and of course more health-related retail shops.

Investing in the Seychelles medical field is not only profitable, but also comes with a sense of personal satisfaction. You are contributing towards improving the health of the country and at the end of the day, a healthy nation favours positively on the economy.