Boasting of a widespread reach, the Hirslanden Private Hospital Group operates 14 hospitals located in
10 Swiss cantons. With a total of highly qualified 1,600 affiliated doctors and in-house physicians, and
around 7,200 employees, Hirslanden is the leading private hospital group and also the largest medical
network in Switzerland.
‘Hirslanden stands out in the market as a system provider’--- tells a confident Magnus Oetiker, Chief
Services Officer and member of the Executive Committee at the Hirslanden Private Hospital Group in an
exclusive interview to Middle East Health Tourism writer YasmeenMaqbool.
In medical terms interdisciplinary medical competence centres and specialist institutes enable optimal
and individual treatment of cases, whatever their level of medical complexity at the hospital group.
Figures of 2012/13 financial year tell, Hirslanden reported a turnover of 1.314bn Swiss francs. In the 12
months leading up to 31 March 2013, the 14 hospitals treated over 82,000 patients, with a total of around
397,000 inpatient days.
In insurance terms, the hospital group’s patient profile is made up of 36% with basic health insurance,
35% with semi-private models, and 29% privately insured. Hirslanden operates 12 emergency
departments and admissions units, thus playing its part in providing Switzerland’s population with
essential medical cover.
The private hospital group was formed in1990 out of the merger of a number of private hospitals, and
became part of the South African hospital group Mediclinic International Limited in 1990
Here are excerpts from the interview:
1. Please could you tell us what in your opinion is the growth of medical tourism in Europe, in
general, and in Switzerland in particular?
Switzerland has traditionally been a medical tourism market. A reputation for quality and reliability, high
class private hospitals, and the possibility of combining medical treatment with other attractions prolong a
medical tradition that started with the tuberculosis clinics of the Alps – arguably the first significant
incidence of medical tourism more than 100 years ago. Medical tourism in Switzerland sees a patient
increase in the area of oncology, cardiology, visceral surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, check-ups and
second opinions.
2. How would you describe the Hirslanden experience for its international patients in terms of the
services you provide, the experience you boast of and the patient satisfaction record you have
achieved?
Hirslanden group is Switzerland’s biggest private hospital chain with 14 hospitals. Hirslanden is a Swiss
key player in the area of highly specialised medical service. Complex procedures are what most foreign
patients travel to Switzerland for. The broad spectrum of orthopaedics, and all complex procures, such as
heart and brain surgery is what they’re after. Hirslanden exclusively cooperates with accredited
physicians, thus guaranteeing foreign patients treatment by senior doctors with a track record in providing
quality care. The group provides the highest standard of clinical skills and latest medical technology. All
Hirslanden hospitals have an outstanding hotel service and a personal, yet private atmosphere.
3.What makes Hirslanden the first choice for international patients seeking medical assistance
abroad, esp in Europe?
• Availability of medical services – no waiting times
• Renowned physicians
• Hirslanden’s medical expertise in more than 30 medical fields
• Interdisciplinary networks
• Latest in modern medical technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative surgical methods
• Highly qualified and educated nursing staff
• Atmosphere of comfort, friendliness, safety and discretion
• Qualified medical staff, HirslandenHealthline, to advice you on health matters
• Attractive tourist destination for relatives/accompanying persons
4. How prepared are you to take in Muslim patients from the Middle East keeping in mind their
cultural preferences and eating halal food in concerned?
At Hirslanden all international guests are offered bespoke service. A member of Guest Relations is
available to fulfil special requests. The chefs at the Hirslanden hospitals respond to all kind of different
food needs, for example halal food for Muslim patients. Hirslanden has experience in the treatment of
patients form Middle East. Focussing on the special needs regarding care and cultural aspects,
Hirslanden is organising trainings on a regular basis for its staff members.
5. What according to you is the reason for more and more international patients seeking you for
treatment?
Hirslanden offers high scale medical coverage in stable surroundings, treatment by senior doctors with a
track record in providing quality care, highest standard of medical technology, outstanding hotel service
and private atmosphere. Switzerland is both a top tourist and medical destination for guests and patients
from abroad. For international patients we have the following website: www.hirslanden-international.ch
