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Türkiye Is a Candidate for Global Leadership in Medical Tourism

Türkiye, known for its high demand in areas such as hair transplantation, plastic surgery, dental treatments, and cardiology, is gaining prominence in medical tourism thanks to its state-of-the-art hospitals and expert healthcare teams. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of foreign patients visiting Türkiye for medical tourism exceeded 1.4 million in 2023, and this figure is expected to surpass 2 million by 2025. Experts suggest that Türkiye's growth potential in this sector has not yet been fully realized. The Choice of Europe and the Middle East With geographical advantages, competitive prices, and high-quality healthcare services, Türkiyehas become a popular medical tourism destination for patients from Europe and the Middle East. Combining healthcare services with tourism activities, Türkiye is emerging as a dual-attraction hub in this field. Turkeyana Clinic and Türkiye’s Success in Healthcare Burcu Karataş, Director of Turkeyana Clinic, highlights that Türkiye is rapidly advancing towards becoming a global brand in medical tourism. The clinic hosts thousands of international patients every year, aiming for 100% patient satisfaction. Karataş stated, “Türkiye’s investments in healthcare infrastructure and qualified medical staff form the foundation of these achievements.” Contribution to Türkiye’s Economy Medical tourism continues to make a growing contribution to Türkiye’s economy. With its modern healthcare facilities, experienced doctors, and competitive pricing, Türkiye remains an attractive destination for foreign patients. Experts predict that the growth in this sector is transforming Türkiye into a multifaceted tourism hub, with future investments expected to increase further.

The Turkish Health Minister, Memişoğlu, stated that "Health could be Turkey's locomotive sector"

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu attended the Health Sector Consultation Meeting hosted by Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). The meeting, which included representatives from five sectors—pharmaceuticals, medical, cosmetics, healthcare services, and international health tourism—addressed the challenges in these sectors and discussed possible solutions. In his opening speech, Minister Memişoğlu emphasized that they manage and develop health services in a way that can serve as a global example. He noted that simply providing quality healthcare services is not enough, saying, "It is not sufficient to only deliver good healthcare services to Turkey. With such highly skilled healthcare professionals, excellent infrastructure, and a strong workforce, just providing the best accessible healthcare in the world is no longer enough for us. We must now become a leading force in the global health sector. If we are to be pioneers, we need to produce knowledge in health, create health technologies, and introduce new innovations related to healthcare. As we move forward, we aim not only to focus on the service aspect of healthcare but also to take steps with you to make Turkey a starting point for every kind of health innovation worldwide." He continued, "We are working with the belief that the health sector could become Turkey's leading industry. One of our biggest goals is to make the significant progress we have experienced in healthcare in Turkey reach a global level. It is predicted that in the future, there will be major changes in biology and healthcare globally. Therefore, with your excitement and support, we must open up new horizons today in healthcare. This horizon is not just about providing services; it is about producing technology, manufacturing devices, or forming partnerships in Turkey with major global manufacturers. Turkey should not just be a place where health devices are marketed, but a place where they are produced, or where partnerships are formed. We must all work together to make this happen." Minister Memişoğlu also emphasized his commitment to supporting efforts related to production in the health sector, stating, "I promise that my team and I will support every individual, whether from the public or private sector, who makes efforts in production and who strives to do good things. We are a people who have great talent in creating new things. I know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many different solutions were produced on the ground that no one had imagined. When you look at it, we achieved great success by coming together during crises without any discrimination. However, once we get comfortable, our problems reappear. That is why I believe this society needs to highlight its unifying aspects rather than its divisive ones. Our differences are a source of richness, and I strongly believe that if we work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve." After Minister Memişoğlu's speech, the Health Sector Consultation Meeting continued behind closed doors.

Cooperation in the Field of Health Tourism Between Turkey and Brazil

Professor Dr. Aysun Bay, President of the Ankara Health Tourism Federation, and her delegation visited Carlos Martins Ceglia, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil to Ankara, at his office. Professor Dr. Bay expressed gratitude to Ambassador Ceglia for receiving their delegation and expressed their desire to cooperate in the field of health tourism between Turkey and South American countries. She highlighted that the Federal Republic of Brazil is a significant country and could serve as Turkey's gateway to South America. “Brazil is one of the leading countries with which we can cooperate in health tourism. Turkey has recently elevated its brand value in health tourism to the highest level. We aim to collaborate with Brazil in health tourism through agreements with thermal hotels and hospitals in our country. Additionally, we want to promote medicinal plants in the field of alternative medicine, an area where I have been recognized as a professor of plants. Moreover, we plan to provide services to elderly tourists with clinical guesthouses and geriatric treatment centers for their care and rehabilitation. To this end, the Ankara Health Tourism Federation, with the support and contribution of the Republic of Turkey and in cooperation with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Brazil in Ankara, plans to organize online and physical business forums and conferences in 2024 to contribute to health tourism. We will visit the Federal Republic of Brazil with a large delegation of Turkish health sector companies to establish bilateral agreements. The cooperation between the Republic of Turkey and the Federal Republic of Brazil needs to be strengthened further. We would be delighted to welcome you and your esteemed diplomats to the ASATUF headquarters soon,” said Prof. Dr. Bay. Ambassador Carlos Martins Ceglia stated that there is existing cooperation between Turkey and Brazil in many areas, and expressed a desire to further develop and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food, import, export, and health. “We would like to cooperate in health tourism between the Federal Republic of Brazil and ASATUF. We wish to initiate bilateral discussions between the delegations for this purpose. We also want to enhance our cooperation in the field of alternative medicine. For this purpose, as the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Brazil in Ankara, we would like to host you in our country as soon as possible,” he stated.

Steps have been taken in the field of health tourism between Turkey and Azerbaijan

Professor Dr. Aysun Bay Karabulut, President of the Ankara Health Tourism Federation, and her delegation visited the Embassy of Azerbaijan. During the visit, discussions were held between Prof. Dr. Karabulut and diplomats from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara regarding collaborations in the field of health tourism between the two countries. Prof. Dr. Karabulut emphasized the importance of Turkey-Azerbaijan relations, stating, "Adhering to the motto 'Two states, one nation,' we regard the Azerbaijani state and its people as our own brothers. Therefore, we aim for all our efforts to benefit our brothers first. By hosting our Azerbaijani brothers in Turkey, we will ensure they can benefit from our advanced health services in the best way possible. As the board of the Ankara Health Tourism Federation, we are ready to collaborate with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara to enhance our relations in the field of health tourism between Turkey and Azerbaijan." Elkhan Zeynalov, Counselor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara, stated that the visit was significant and expressed their desire to establish strong cooperation in the field of health tourism with the support and contributions of the Ankara Health Tourism Federation. Counselor Zeynalov also mentioned that they are ready to collaborate with the Ankara Health Tourism Federation to contribute to the health tourism sector between the two countries. During the meeting at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara, advisors to the President of the Ankara Health Tourism Federation and embassy diplomats were present.

ALKU started a certified program in health tourism

ALKU, having signed a protocol with the Ministry of Trade, initiated the first certified training program aimed at those entering or operating in the field of health tourism. Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKU) launched the certified program in health tourism under the collaboration with the Ministry of Trade through the Health Tourism Application and Research Center (SATUMER). The Health Tourism Training Program consists of a total of 52 hours conducted online. Participants who fulfill the 90% attendance requirement will be eligible to receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program. Activities within the scope of the training are coordinated by Prof. Dr. Atıf Bayramoğlu, the Director of ALKU SATUMER and also the Vice Rector. The health tourism training sessions are conducted by experienced academics who teach in postgraduate health tourism programs and have expertise in the field. "Qualified personnel for health tourism will be trained at ALKU." Prof. Dr. Atıf Bayramoğlu, Director of the Health Tourism Application and Research Center (SATUMER) at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKU) and also the Vice Rector, emphasized ALKU's capacity to serve nationwide thanks to the authority granted through its previous protocol with the Ministry of Tourism. He stated, "With the support of our esteemed Rector, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ahmet Türkdoğan, we have initiated the first training program in the field of health tourism at our university. The first training session saw participation from different provinces across our country. Our training programs are tailored according to demand. Our expert faculty members can deliver both face-to-face and online training sessions. The training is conducted by a total of 10 academics, including 3 professors, 5 associate professors, and 2 assistant professors, who also teach in health tourism thesis-based master's and doctoral programs and have extensive experience in this field." The content of the training includes courses that provide distinctive education, such as Health Tourism Types & Practices, Health Tourism Organization in Turkey, Marketing Strategies in Health Tourism, Incentives in Health Tourism, Insurance & Risks in Health Tourism, Patient Relationship Management in Health Tourism, Financial Management in Health Tourism, Management of Application Processes in Health Tourism, Management of Digital Applications in Health Tourism, Health Tourism Law and Legislation, Patient Rights & Medical Ethics, and Professional Terminology.

Health tourism attack from Thrace

With the support of the Ministry of Trade and coordination by the Thrace Development Agency, the Thrace Health Tourism Development Association organized bilateral business meetings and delegation visits in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from March 5th to 8th, 2024. With the support of the Ministry of Trade and coordination by the Thrace Development Agency, the Thrace Health Tourism Development Association conducted bilateral business meetings and delegation visits in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from March 5th to 8th, 2024. The event aimed to facilitate the establishment of new business connections for member healthcare facilities and intermediary organizations through B2B and B2C meetings to be held in Sofia and Plovdiv. The event was attended by 13 healthcare facilities and intermediary organizations, as well as the President of the Association, Mustafa Dönmez, Trade Ministry Specialist Özgün Özenci, and Thrace Development Agency Specialist Gamze Sarıca. The Thrace Health Tourism Development Association was established in 2020 with the coordination of the Thrace Development Agency, aiming to benefit hospitals in the Thrace region interested in leveraging government support for health tourism, as well as tourism companies and intermediary organizations operating in this field. The association aims to enhance health tourism in the Thrace region by fostering collaboration among healthcare facilities, tourism agencies, tour operators, hotels, and other relevant institutions. Its objectives include gaining a competitive advantage against rival destinations, researching and developing the region's capabilities and potential in health tourism, conducting promotional activities targeting both domestic and international markets, and improving the quality of healthcare services offered in the region.

Collaboration Protocol for Health Tourism from ATO

The Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) has signed a protocol with the Turkey Organ Transplant Foundation (TONV) and the Health Diplomacy Association (SDD) to increase the competitiveness of the capital's health sector, enhance its recognition in the international market, and promote the development of health tourism. Through the protocol signed between ATO, TONV, and SDD, the health potential of the capital will be promoted under the brand name "Health Ankara" in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mongolia, Uganda, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tanzania. Gürsel Baran, the Chairman of ATO's Board of Directors, along with TONV President Dr. Eyüp Kahveci and SDD President Dr. Ahmet Aksu, signed the cooperation protocol aimed at promoting Ankara's health services, medical technology, and healthcare investment capabilities internationally, during a program held at ATO. Speaking at the signing ceremony at ATO, Chairman Baran stated that under the scope of the "Ankara Congress and Visitor Bureau" established by Ankara Chamber of Commerce for the promotion of Ankara, they have created the "Health Ankara" brand for promoting the health potential, with coordination overseen by ATO Board Member Dr. Ömer Çağlar Yılmaz, who is also a physician. Baran emphasized their commitment to promoting Ankara's medical production and healthcare services capacity through the "Health Ankara" brand, expressing their intention to continue collaboration with TONV and SDD to introduce the brand globally. Chairman Baran expressed great pleasure in collaborating with two separate non-governmental organizations operating in the health sector towards the same goal, stating, "We will promote Ankara in the world of healthcare united as one." He also highlighted Ankara's significance in medical device and equipment manufacturing, indicating that the collaboration would contribute to increasing the capital's exports in the medical sector. Dr. Eyüp Kahveci, President of TONV, mentioned in his speech that since 2015, they have been operating as a platform in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, universities, and specialty associations in the field of health tourism, emphasizing the importance of capacity building, human resource development, and technical assistance in target countries. Dr. Ahmet Aksu, President of SDD, underscored the aim of health diplomacy to strengthen Turkey's perception internationally, stating that the collaboration would contribute to the growth of the health tourism market. Dr. Ömer Çağlar Yılmaz, Coordinator of "Health Ankara" and ATO Board Member, expressed their intention to promote Ankara's healthcare services, medical sector production, and related businesses, mentioning ongoing efforts to establish a website named "Health Ankara." The signing ceremony was attended by Gamze Yıldırım, Board Member of the Turkey Organ Transplant Foundation, and Süreyya Ümran Alınak, President of the International Health Tourism Association. Under the protocol, joint efforts will be made to strengthen Ankara's competitive advantages in the health sector, promote the capital's health services, medical technology, and healthcare investment capabilities, as well as identify investment opportunities and encourage investments both in Ankara and abroad.

Health tourism disappoints in per capita income

According to the data compiled by the International Health Services Inc. (USHAŞ), affiliated with the Ministry of Health, based on the 2023 tourism data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the following trends are observed in health tourism: In 2019, Turkey hosted 701,046 patients who received health services within the scope of health tourism, generating $1.4 billion in tourism revenue. In 2020, amid the global pandemic, the number of patients decreased to 407,423, resulting in $1.2 billion in revenue. In 2021, revenue from 670,730 patients amounted to $1.7 billion, while in 2022, revenue from 1,258,382 patients reached $2.1 billion. However, the Ministry's Health Turkey project's official website for 2023 set ambitious targets of 1.5-2 million health tourists and $20 billion in revenue, which were significantly below the actual performance of 1.398 million patients and $2.3 billion in revenue. The Health and Social Service Workers Union (SES) noted that while the Ministry expected $6,617 per patient for 2023, the actual realization was $1,650. Kubilay Yalçınkaya, a representative of SES, pointed out that the most preferred branches by patients were those where appointments were unavailable. He also criticized the situation, stating, "It is unfair that while the city hospitals, built with our taxes, and the salaries of healthcare workers are paid, we cannot receive services, but foreigners can pay for services.

Turkey has ascended to the champions league in health tourism

Chairman of TOBB Fair Organization Council, Cihat Alagöz, stated that in 2023, the number of health tourists reached 1.4 million, with health tourism revenue reaching $2.3 billion. He said, 'Considering the growth rates in recent years, it is projected that in 2024, there will be 2 million health tourists generating $3 billion in health tourism revenue.' Alagöz, who is also the Chairman of ALZ Group, made these remarks during an evaluation with a group of journalists, stating that they organized the 2nd Berlin Health Tourism Fair in Germany on February 2-3, with 81 exhibitors from Turkey and 9 from Germany, Spain, Georgia, Macedonia, Serbia, and Northern Cyprus, consisting of hospitals, clinics, and health tourism intermediary organizations. Alagöz mentioned that there was significant interest from Germans and Turks living in Germany at the fair in Berlin, where participants from 20 different countries engaged in 1250 business meetings. He also announced plans to organize Health Tourism Fairs in Baku in April, London in June, and Frankfurt in November. Alagöz explained that in 2023, the number of health tourists reached 1.4 million, with health tourism revenue reaching $2.3 billion. He stated, "Considering the growth rates in recent years, it is projected that in 2024, there will be 2 million health tourists generating $3 billion in health tourism revenue." Alagöz noted that Turks living in Germany largely prefer healthcare facilities in Turkey for their treatments, saying, "In Europe, our prices are similar to those in Poland and Hungary. Compared to countries like Germany, the UK, and France, our healthcare service fees are lower. In terms of quality, all treatments available in Europe can be provided in our country at the highest quality. Our healthcare facilities have qualified physicians and technical equipment for diagnosis and treatment in all branches." He added that the countries from which the most patients come to Turkey are Germany, the UK, Russia, Syria, Afghanistan, the UAE, Libya, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Alagöz also mentioned that the most preferred clinical branches for international patients include gynecology, ophthalmology, thoracic surgery, general surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics and traumatology, medical oncology, cardiology, otolaryngology, urology, as well as hair problems and transplantation.

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