ChairmanDr. Dursun AYDIN

WHYHEALTH TOURISM?

?

Turkey is a tourism paradise with rich geographical, climatic, sea, sand and cultural resources.

Despite this potential and the huge investments tourism is just limited to the sea sides spread over 4 months period.

BECAUSE:

Tourism has to be extended over 12 month period;

Alternative tourism must be improved.

Health tourism is one of the most significant alternative tourisms.

SOLUTION

HEALTH TOURISM Medical Tourism (Eye, dentistry, aesthetic,

cardiovascular surgery, prosthesis etc. treatments)

Thermal Tourism (Cure treatment, Spa, aquatherapy etc.)

Elderly Care Tourism (Elderly resorts and home caring type hotel facilities etc.)

FOR HEALTH TOURISM: Due to the health reform program, we now have private

hospitals that are of the standards of hospitals in Europe (Especially hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir).

Our thermal spring resources are listed as 7th in the world ranking. The water and mineral water qualities are perfect.

We have favorable climate, sun and and plateaus conducive for elderly holiday resorts.

WHY WOULD EUROPEANS COME TO TURKEY FOR HEALTH TOURISM?

Treatment costs in Europe is too high and not cost

effective,

Patient contributions are on the rise,

Spa treatment allowances are been restricted,

The Elderly population in developed countries is

increasing (approaching 20%).

WOULD PATIENTS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL ASIAN COME FOR HEALTH

TOURISM?

There is a wealthy and elite class in the Middle Eastern and Central Asian Countries that can afford quality health services.

After 9/11 there has been a decline in the number of patients in Middle East moving to the West for health services. Alternative destinations are been exploited.

We have religious and cultural similarities, and they are close neighbours as well (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Kuwait, etc).

REASONS WHY OUR HEALTH TOURISM IS LACKING:

Awareness towards health tourism just begun in the last 3-4 years.

The concept and quality of Private Hospitals, Spa facilities and Elderly Resorts just started improving.

Lack of collaboration and the use of a common voice between Government, Private sectors and NGO’s concerning health tourism

The Health Tourism facilities have not been presented and publicized enough to the world.

FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH TOURISM:

The Health Institutions, Spa facilities and especially Holiday Resorts must be standardized and accredited.

The Government needs to make strict policies and publicity funds, and allocate sufficient budget for this.

Publicity fund for health tourism must be allocated and the private sectors needs to be supported.

Qualified personnel for Health Tourism needs to be trained and certification programs organized.

CONCLUSION: Expanding tourism over 12 months would play a

significant role in Health Tourism,

Government support and Publicity Fund for Health Tourism is very necessary,

If the Health Tourism potentials are fully exploited a yearly income of around USD 10 billion would be achieved after just few years,

Turkey has the potential and capacity to become the health center of Europe.