Why do tourists want to get treatment in Iran?
Medical Tourism
First of all, we need to know what medical tourism.
Medical tourism is a type of health tourism in which a patient visits other parts of the world for treatment. The most important reason for this trip is to benefit from lower costs or faster treatment.
Medical tourism is one of the growing sectors of the tourism industry in the world. Therapeutic tourism is referred to as the third world industry.
Background treatment in Iran
The history of medical tourism goes back to 4000 years BC. In Sumer, natural and mineral fountains, mineral-rich water pools as well as temples in the highlands were used to restore health. Later civilizations used these systems for years without significant change (further details on the history of medical tourism and health tourism).
The first comprehensive health tourism system was developed by the Greeks. People traveled from various parts of the Mediterranean Sea to visit the Greek god of medicine. The area was called Epidauria in the Saronic Gulf. Patients with fasting and prayer sought relief from illness. This place gradually became a good place for health and medical tourism.
Apart from Epidoria, traveling to Kos Island has also become commonplace for medical tourism. The island was home to Hippocrates, the father of medical science.
Medical Tourism Transformation
The concept of medical tourism has become much more advanced than before. The basis of this treatment system was the use of water rich in natural substances, eventually known as “spa”. The spa in Greek is short for the term “health by water”. Spa and health towns have been popular in the UK since the eighteenth century for the treatment of many diseases. Other areas of the world where medical tourism flourished included Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, and India.
Although travel costs were high in the past, this is changing today due to the globalization of the economy.
Health Tourism Capacities in Iran
Medical Ability treatment in Iran
In terms of level of competence, Iranian physicians operate at a world-class standard. One of the reasons for this capability is medicine teaching system in Iran. Medical education has one of the most difficult stages of studying. Another reason is the international interaction and interaction of Iranian physicians with the international community. In Iran, most of the world’s medical specialties exist and are taught. All Iranian medical universities have degrees approved by international universities, and Iranian students can easily obtain equivalent degrees if they wish to study abroad.
The Times Ranking Database is one of the most prestigious international ranking systems that is ranking universities in the world. In the latest ranking of the year, 29 universities from the Islamic Republic of Iran were among the top 1258 universities in the world from 86 countries. Many medical universities are among the top ranks. Iran also ranks 17th in the world in medical sciences and the first in the Middle East and North Africa. Factors affecting health tourist attraction are described in this scientific paper.
Modern technology and world standards
Modern medicine is not possible without medical technology. Medical technology develops treatment methods and reduces the risk of diseases. In fact, with the development of advanced medical devices in the medical field, the diagnosis becomes easier and the pain of some diseases is reduced. These technologies are used in diagnostic tests, drug treatment methods and surgical procedures.
The use of medical technology has been common since the 19th century and has grown dramatically in the second half of the 20th century. We have now reached X-ray and robotic surgery from sphygmomanometer and respirometer. This growth is the result of a combination of engineering and medical sciences.
This, of course, is one of the reasons for the increase in medical costs. Half of the cost of treatment in medical centers is now related to new technologies.
In the field of medical technology Iran is one of the leading countries.
Specialized Ion Therapy Center: Iran is building a very modern specialized Ion Therapy Hospital. Iran’s National Ion Therapy Center is set up to treat cancer patients. It is unique in the West Asian region and there are only five similar centers in the world. Ion therapy is the most modern way of treating cancer in the world. The center will be built in five years in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Atomic Energy Agency.
Radiopharmacology: The Atomic Energy Agency is making nuclear medicine for one million patients. Steps are also being taken to bring the nuclear medicines up to the latest international standards, which will increase the rate of nuclear medicine exports.
Infertility treatments in Iran: Yazd Institute of Reproductive Sciences is known as the country’s infertility center. The institute operates in several branches of research, education and treatment. The center uses the most up to date therapies in the world with up to date equipment. Clients from all over Iran and the Persian Gulf States, Iraq, Pakistan, Central Asian countries, and occasionally US and European patients.
Treatment costs in Iran
Low cost of treatment is one of the main causes of medical tourism. Treatment costs in Iran are much lower than elsewhere in the world. One of the most important reasons for reducing costs is the equity ratio.
Internal regulations of countries
In this context, Iran may be in a lower position to compete with countries active in the field of health tourism.
Facilities and Tourism
In addition to the above, Iran is among the top 10 countries in terms of natural attractions, climate and attractions. Iran also has better facilities than most neighboring countries in most of the factors affecting tourism, such as the presence of good climate and mineral-rich hot fountains.
How to access medical services in Iran
There have been sporadic activities in the field of medical tourism for many years in Iran, and some doctors and hospitals have had limited activities in this field. But nowadays, as medical tourism has taken its place among the tourism industry, it is not possible to attract health tourists to this market without the presence of a specialized complex. International competition and the complexities of marketing justify the need for these companies in Iran. The health tourist also needs a comprehensive reference to choose a place for treatment.
Dozens of medical tourism companies operate in Iran today. The best way to get treatment is to contact these companies. Health tourism companies facilitate medical tourism. These companies provide a variety of travel and treatment packages to health tourists. In fact, their job is to introduce hospitals and doctors and travel agencies.
