South West Asia expanding share of medical tourism market

Turkey’s medical tourism sector is aiming to expand its share in the global market over the next two years. The Turkish Health Tourism Organisation (TUHETO) has been and will be promoting health tourism to Turkey at a number of events in Ukraine, Dubai, Switzerland, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan during April, May and June. Scenes shot at private hospitals for Turkish soap operas broadcast in Arab countries have also notably contributed to the growth of health tourism to Turkey. Private hospitals are attracting more health tourism from Arab countries.

At a recent workshop in Kazakhstan, İbrahim Artukarslan of TUHETO said, “People from Kazakstan have been traveling overseas for health treatments and operations for many years now, with top destinations including Israel, India, Spain, the United States and Hungary. When we asked representatives of the local health sector representatives why Turkey is not among these countries.

The response was that they are very keen about health tourism to Turkey but have not had the chance to meet with representatives of the Turkish health sector. We need to consider very carefully the legal and insurance aspects of package tours to Turkey, which include, for example, in vitro-fertilization treatments or eye surgery. One mistake in one operation could ruin our reputation.”

In an attempt to help Turkish healthcare establishments increase their presence in the market, Turkish Airlines is promoting a support package for healthcare institutions that invest in medical tourism. The package offers special discounts and incentives for patients travelling to Turkey for medical treatment.

Gokalp Yazir of Turkish Airlines says, "Turkey had 80,000 patients in 2009, mostly travelling from Europe and the Middle East. Turkish healthcare establishments have set new goals in the field of medical tourism to increase the number of incoming patients from 80,000 to 1 million by 2015.Substantial investment has been made in improving the quality of medical facilities in Turkey.

Training current and new staff, building new medical centres and promoting Turkey as a prime medical tourism destination. Turkish Airlines, with its large network and quality service, intends to support medical facilities that promote Turkey as a global healthcare destination.

Turkey's central location between East and West, as well as quality and cost-effective medical care make it easier for many people from not very wealthy countries to receive the care they need. Turkey offers the same quality of services as Americans are used to through its network of 32 JCI-accredited hospitals at a price level which is of one tenth of the US domestic cost."  

The support package that Turkish Airlines offers is a 25 % discount for patients travelling from the US and a 20 % discount for patients travelling from other countries. In addition to the discounts, excess luggage allowances, waived re-booking penalty and discounts for two companions are also offered.

Turkish Airlines, together with nine accredited hospitals in Turkey, has sponsored a market research study on the contribution to the US economy of Turkey's healthcare partnership, which is being prepared by Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Source = imtj