Medical tourism center, our beloved Turkey, is on the rise.
Turkey now is not only a top-of-the-line touristic destination. It is no longer simply a cradle of civilizations that keeps myriad history and culture alive. Onetime top tier tourism hub is now emerging into a medical tourism center, on the rise.
A wonder of ancient ruins lit by the shining Sun; Turkey proves once again that it is a country that beats with life. As a multi-layered delight blessed by a Mediterranean climate and a rich history, Turkey now appeals to not only culture nerds and beach-lovers. Besides, Turkey is on the list of medical travelers.
Keep reading and make the right decision not to lose your chance to enhance your body and fulfill spiritually. We kindly invite you to Turkey/Istanbul, where our Vera Clinic is waiting for you impatiently!
How did Turkey transform into a rising star in the medical tourism industry? What lies behind Turkey’s becoming a medical tourism center? Do not be afraid; there is no need for you to search it on Google losing hours trying to gather the most trustable information. We have conducted a brief and insightful literature review for you. Just hang in there.
-
Sustained State/Government Support
Medical tourism centers changed their attire at the turn of the 20th century, transforming the layout of our globalizing world. The 21st century witnessed the routinization of medical journeys from the Global North to the Third World. “First World quality at Third World prices” became the new norm.
In this setting Turkish government enabled Turkey to gain its preliminary reputation as a medical tourism center on the rise. Justice and Development Party (AKP) was the figurehead behind Turkey’s thorough health reform program, which dates back to the early 2000s. In 2002 government announced the “Health Transformation Project” (HTP).
Since then, unlike most Third World countries where the private sector needs to cope with all problems, the Turkish state has been supportive and cooperative in the country’s noteworthy achievements as a medical tourism center on the rise.
The Turkish state recognizes that it is essential to maintain a good self-image. Hence, Turkey not only offers affordable prices. The medical tourism center is proud of its reputation for valued professionalism and competence in the health sector.
Ministry of Health initiated the accreditation of hospitals to keep up with international standards. The number of accredited healthcare organizations in Turkey reached 48 in 2012. Turkey is among the top three countries with the most accredited organizations in the world.
Besides internationally respected healthcare institutions, Turkey is known for its sustained & growing quality human capital in the health field. In Turkey, doctors’ is an arduous journey consisting of rigorous & challenging examinations. You must go through certain “rites of passage” to become a medical professional in Turkey. Therefore, the country is known for its state-centered quality education system that ensures health personnel’s professionalism.
Besides the state’s endeavor to maintain Turkey’s top-tier reputation as a medical tourism center, in line with HTP principles, the collaborative efforts of ministries have been noteworthy.
Ministry of Health established Foreign Patient Unit & Translation Service (FPU & TS) to provide top-tier translation and support services to incoming health travelers. Thanks to collaborative efforts by FPU & TS, Turkey makes the most out of its crowded and competent translators endowed with Turkish hospitality that welcomes to appreciate human diversity.
Additionally, DEIK’s website furthered Turkey’s marketing reach beyond the offline world, making distances proximate.
Besides, thanks to the Ministry of Finance’s tax allowance Turkish state can support up to 50% of flight costs of medical tourists.
In a nutshell, thanks to the state/government’s supportive efforts, Turkey, since HTP, has been on the rise as an emerging medical tourism center.
-
Private Hospitals, Gone International
Along with the state’s support, from 2008 to 2013, private hospitals in Turkey not only increased numerically. Besides, the quality of care has improved since then.
Turkey, a medical tourism center, possesses world-class private hospitals and clinics endowed with a well-trained pool of medical professionals, customer networks that spill over to the region, and an entrepreneurial drive to serve foreign markets. Many respected international hospitals in Turkey include Acıbadem Health Group, Medicana Health Group, and Liv Hospital. Private hospitals and clinics are in Istanbul, marking the city as a medical travel hub.
Health facilities gone international are not only of top quality where competent medical experts are waiting to engineer your health and beauty. Additionally, they are places where one would feel “at home” thanks to an atmosphere of Turkish hospitality. Unlike traditional health facilities where you might feel entrapped within four walls of a “prison,” private hospitals and clinics are like five-star hotels. There, you can taste outstandingly rich Turkish cuisine and enjoy the home comfort of personalized resting rooms. In short, a visit to the hospital transforms into a pleasant experience that will be good for your body and soul.
In addition to the hospital chains’ internationalization tendencies, well-educated physicians who fulfill world standards support Turkey’s emergence as a medical tourism center. Well-educated physicians are building blocks of health tourism for developing countries like Turkey. The country’s high potential to educate its human resources required for the growing healthcare industry is crucial for the medical tourism center’s prospect.
With more than 70 medical faculties, Turkey trains its citizens and international students. Medical faculties collaborate with internationally acclaimed educational organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Turkey has many physicians who graduated from reputable international medical schools. Competent interpreters and the multilingual staff of hospitals also play a crucial role in Turkey’s reputation. You can count on them for your safety in an unknown country.
Long story short, Turkish medicine is as affordable and state-sponsored as international and of top-tier quality.
-
Pay Less, Get More in Medical Tourism Center
Turkey is a preferred medical tourism destination thanks to the quality of services and affordable treatment prices.
Turkey has comparative advantages in many surgeries, including bone marrow transplantation, spinal fusion, and gamma knife and hair transplantation. Treatment costs in Turkey, on average, are 70%-90% lower compared to prices in Europe, North America, and the UK.
Average hair transplant is around $15,000 in the UK and the USA, while it is approximately $8500 in Europe. In Turkey, it is only $2500!
Another factor that stands out is Turkey’s transportation potential. With its flights to more than 200 destinations, Turkish Airlines has supported Turkey’s emergence as a medical tourism center on the global stage. For instance, Turkish Airlines offers special discounts and incentives for patients and their two chaperones who chose Turkey for treatment.
Last but not least, in Turkey, you would not face long waiting times for specialist appointments/treatments, which is a big problem for patients.
-
Medical Tourism Center Where Orient Meets Occident
Despite stereotypical images which present Turkey as an underdeveloped country of the Orient, you can re-explore the land where the East meets the West. Then, you will enjoy your time not as a patient but as a tourist.
In this respect, Istanbul is a unique city where one can breathe in the Byzantine and Ottoman past by walking along the streets of the old town. You can as well take a stroll around modern museums in Istanbul. We recommend that Arter and Istanbul Modern Museum must be on your list.
If you are a nature-nerd, we invite you to breathe in the fresh air in Belgrad Forests. Do not worry; for shopaholics, we have a rich menu of options. Istanbul is known for its highly reputable shopping malls all around the city. You can even combine both; Galataport is waiting to be explored by shop-freaks and their children to not only gaze at the beautiful sea. All around are fancy dresses a step away from you at affordable prices.
Turkey is, in essence, a country where everyone can enjoy quality time. Our country, in general, and Istanbul, are worthy of being re-explored by you. We are proudly welcoming all people of different colors and shades.
In short, Turkey is a unique medical tourism center where the sea, the sun, the art, the food, and the music meets. We, as Vera Clinic, promise that your upcoming transformation into a better, healthier self will be noteworthy.
In line with European standards, Turkey has transformed into a more democratic, secure, divergence-friendly, and ecologically conscious place. As a medical tourism center, it continues to welcome people of all shades and colors with a warm smile.
Why Should You Come to Our Vera Clinic in Istanbul/Turkey?
We guess you are already planning your trip to our beautiful country. As proud pioneers in Turkey’s medical tourism industry, we, Vera Clinic, welcome you to engineer your beauty.
You can count on our competent team of doctors and friendly personnel who will be by your side from the surgeon’s room to the post-treatment phase.
Do not lose time; contact us right away. We are just a click/call away from you. Let’s meet; it will be the first step towards your noteworthy as a medical tourist in Turkey, a rising medical tourism center.