**Systematic Competitiveness in Colombian Medical Tourism: An Examination Tourism: An Examination**

**Systematic Competitiveness in Colombian Medical** 

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.70135

Mario Alberto De la Puente Pacheco Mario Alberto De la Puente Pacheco Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.70135

#### **Abstract**

This chapter analyzes the role of the central government of Colombia in the strategy for the improvement of the medical tourism industry through a critical approach of the traditional model of competitiveness. Based on a mixed method, the feasibility of the associative systemic competitiveness model and its effectiveness on the quality of medi‐ cal services offered to foreign patients is determined. Under the current competitive‐ ness model, the central government implements a series of strategies based on executive orders in an isolated way. The proposal for the implementation of systemic competitive‐ ness model improves the perception of quality of medical services by foreign patients. In order to implement the proposed model, it recommended the expansion of free taxation zones, the proliferation of medical service clusters, and the strengthening of strategic alli‐ ances with international operators.

**Keywords:** systemic competitiveness, medical tourism, government role, traditional competitiveness model, health tourism
