As part of the event, the Dominican Health Tourism Association recognized distinguished personalities for their contributions in the health sector.

In an event held at the Anacaona event room of Hotel Jaragua, the inaugural cocktail of the 3rd International Congress of Health and Wellness Tourism was held, at which event, two healthcare personalities Dr. José Natalio Redondo and Dr. Ramón Tallaj were recognized for their contributions to the health tourism sector.

The event formally began with the words of Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, President and Founder of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism, who thanked persons in attendance for their presence at the event, as he thanked sponsors and the 28 panelists that made this event possible, while he encouraged the relentless support of the activities carried out in favor of the health and wellness sector, directed to transform the practice of the medicine in the Dominican Republic.

“Health tourism constitutes an exceptional opportunity for the development of the country’s economy as it promotes growth, formal employment levels, foreign currency income. We are convinced that the health and wellness tourism will impulse the quality and continuous improvement of our healthcare services, as we align ourselves to the strategy of our government to improve the health of the Dominican people”, Dr. Cambiaso said.

The Dominican Republic undoubtedly presents favourable conditions to consecrate itself as a health and wellness destination, one that is to contribute a greater added value, due to the very competitive costs of services compared to first world countries, the existence of health centers that are in short receiving an international accreditation that have international departments, the favorable climate and geographical position, as well as the great experience and success of the tourism and hotel industry, among other factors.

During the activity Dr. José Natalio Redondo and Dr. Ramón Tallaj were distinguished for their great contributions to the health tourism, who received their recognition from the President of AF Comunicación Estratégica and Vice President of the Dominican Health Tourism Association, Lic. Amelia Reyes Mora, who shared with all present the merits that the distinguished physicians made as to receive such a recognition.

For his initiatives in favor of the positioning of the country as a destination for medical tourism and his contributions to the development of health tourism in the Dominican Republic for more than 25 years, Dr. José Natalio Redondo, President of the Rescue Group and of the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Companies of the North (ASHONORTE), was recognized.

Dr. Natalio Redondo also adds to his extensive portfolio, leadership in the development of health centers with international departments at tourist hubs and the development of the first network of health centers, medical consultation in hotels with ambulance service, and call centers at hospitals in different hubs distributed in the Dominican Republic.

The second honoree of the night was Dr. Ramón Tallaj, who despite residing in the United States, year after year performs, together with his colleagues in the Dominican Republic, health operatives that benefits thousands of people with his social labor.

Currently, Dr. Tallaj promotes the Dominican Republic as one of the health destinations for medical and dental procedures.

During the event, sponsors’ stands were opened as their interesting products and services options were presented to personas that attended the event. The event was visited by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Altagracia Guzmán, and by the the Vice Minister of Tourism, Fausto Fernández, as well as a large participation of authorities, members of the diplomatic and consular bodies accredited in the Dominican Republic, sponsors, recognized medical professionals, tourism personalities, hoteliers, and financial and business persons, as well as government officials and the media.