TEHRAN – Mashhad has witnessed a substantial boost in medical tourism, welcoming thousands of international patients in the first quarter of this Persian year (started on March 20).

“Over 20,500 health tourists visited licensed medical centers in Mashhad during this period, spending four trillion rials (some seven million dollars),” said a local official in charge of health tourism.

Dr. Davood Khosh-Shekan further explained that out of these health tourists, nearly 10,500 benefited from inpatient services, while 10,000 received outpatient services in Mashhad.

The top 10 countries from which health tourists visited Mashhad include Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman, and Turkey, he added.

Khosh-Shekan also added that Mashhad University of Medical Sciences ranked first among other medical universities in the country in terms of health tourism in the first quarter of this year, with Qom and Tehran taking the next positions.

“Currently, 46 hospitals and specialized clinics within the city have licenses to accept health tourists,” the official highlighted. “12 medical centers are also in the process of obtaining the license.”

140 tourism companies with licenses to operate in the health sector, he underscored, are active in areas under the jurisdiction of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

According to available data, the number of medical tourists visiting the Islamic Republic is around one million people per annum.

Experts say that choosing Iran as a destination for medical services offers multifaceted benefits, encompassing economic, quality medical services, and cultural dimensions that make the country a compelling destination for those seeking medical treatment abroad.

Here in Iran, many clinics and hospitals offer comprehensive services that include airport transfers, accommodation arrangements, and post-treatment care, ensuring that international patients feel comfortable and well-cared for throughout their stay.

XF/AM