TEHRAN- Health tourism could generate three times more revenue than regular tourism, a tourism official has said.

Health tourists typically spend between $3,600 and $7,600 and this expenditure exceeds that of regular tourists, making health tourism a lucrative sector for the economy, Mohammad Jahangiri who presides over a national center for developing health tourism explained on Monday.

Estimates from reputable international institutions indicates that the economic prospects of health tourism are set to soar, he added. 

By 2032, it is projected to increase by more than three times, with an impressive annual growth rate of 11.6 percent, he noted. 

He also highlighted the efforts neighboring countries such as India, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates have made in the health tourism sector and said: “These countries have meticulously planned and invested in this thriving industry, reaping substantial benefits in return.”

A notable example is Turkey, which experienced a remarkable growth of over 66 percent in health tourists in 2021 compared to the previous year, he added. 

This surge has not only benefited the healthcare and treatment sector, encompassing areas such as cancer, fertility, neurology, and psychiatry, but has also had a positive ripple effect on various segments of the tourism industry, he explained. 

“Sectors like transportation, accommodations, hospitality, retail, and restaurants have all experienced significant growth as a result and these advancements have stimulated economic growth across multiple sectors of the country's economy.”

Addressing the issue of economic diplomacy and international healthcare tourism services, Jahangiri also highlighted the extensive scope of the health economy. 

He underlined the significance of public health, the market for conventional and complementary medicines, proper nutrition, physical fitness, brain and nervous system health, thermal and mineral water treatments, spas, personal hygiene, preventive tourism, beauty, anti-aging measures, and body protection. 

“These aspects collectively contribute to a sector that holds an estimated value of nearly $4.5 trillion, illustrating its vast potential for growth and development,” he stated. 

Furthermore, Jahangiri addressed the market potential prevalent in Iran's surrounding region, consisting of around 250 million people. He pointed out that this presents a remarkable opportunity for Iran to tap into the market and reap the economic benefits.

In addition, Jahangiri stressed the importance of offering international healthcare tourism services across various domains. 

“These include market segmentation, pricing strategies, advertising initiatives, and making provisions for convenient payment methods,” he explained. 

By focusing on these areas, Iran can effectively position itself as an attractive destination for healthcare tourism, catering to the needs and preferences of an international clientele, he concluded. 

Over the past couple of years, the Islamic Republic has emerged as a significant destination for medical tourism, attracting individuals from various parts of the world seeking high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices.

The country’s medical tourism sector has experienced substantial growth due to its advanced medical facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and cost-effective treatments.  The country boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure with modern hospitals, specialized clinics, and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Major cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan house internationally accredited medical facilities offering a wide range of medical treatments and procedures.

Iran was ranked 46th destination for medical tourism [within the 2020-2021 Medical Tourism Index]. According to available data, patients from neighboring countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Armenia, and Tajikistan, constitute the lion’s share of medical tourists arriving in the Islamic Republic.

Experts say medical tourism in Iran is a win-win opportunity both for the country and foreign patients, as they are offered affordable yet quality treatment services and the country gains considerable foreign currency.

The number of medical tourists visiting Iran revolves around one million per annum, an official with the Health Ministry has said. “Every year, one million foreign patients are treated in Iran,” said Mohammad-Hossein Niknam, who presides over the ministry’s department for international cooperation.

As mentioned by the council, “the free zones of Iran play an important role in the prosperity of the national economy. They have been established to help improve comprehensive social welfare and competition in global markets…”

The Islamic Republic is branded globally as an affordable destination for health and medical tourism. Credible surgeons and physicians, cutting-edge medical technologies, high-tech medicine and diverse specializations, affordable procedures, and finally, its hospitable people, are considered Iran’s trump card when it comes to medical tourism.

SAB/