The rising costs of healthcare in developed countries and the availability of high-quality, affordable health services in developing countries have led patients to more and more cross the boundaries of treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery to complex cardiac surgery. As a country with a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly moving healthcare system, Iran has emerged as a key player in the medical tourism industry, especially in the Middle East.
The role of medical tourism in the global economy
Medical tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry and is a major contributor to the global economy. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global medical tourism market was valued at $44.8 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% from 2020 to 2027. Industry growth is driven by the high costs of healthcare in developed countries, long waiting periods for specific procedures, and the availability of measurable healthcare availability.
Countries such as Thailand, India, Türkiye and Mexico have long been popular destinations for medical tourists. These countries offer a combination of advanced healthcare facilities, skilled healthcare professionals and low-cost combinations compared to Western countries. For example, a heart bypass surgery in the US costs $130,000, can be done in India for just $10,000, including travel and accommodation costs.
Middle Eastern Medical Tourism
In the Middle East, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan and Iran have been leading the way to see a surge in medical tourism. The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have invested heavily in cutting-edge medical facilities and have established themselves as regional health tourism hubs. Meanwhile, Jordan is leveraging its reputation for high quality healthcare and its proximity to conflict-rich countries like Iraq and Syria to attract medical tourists.
However, Iran stands out in the Middle East with its unique combination of affordable healthcare, highly skilled health professionals and a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists. Despite facing economic sanctions and political challenges, Iran has been able to develop a robust healthcare system that rivals its neighbors. The country’s medical tourism industry has increased significantly in recent years due to government support, investment in the private sector and growing reputation of Iranian hospitals and clinics.
Iran’s medical tourism: a success story after the Islamic revolution
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has made great strides in a variety of fields, including healthcare. The government prioritizes developing health systems, bringing a network of hospitals, clinics and medical research centres offering a wide range of services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Iran’s health care system ranks among the top in the Middle East, with a life expectancy of 76 years and a death rate of 16 per 100,000 births lower than the world average.
The success of Iran’s healthcare system has laid the foundation for growth in medical tourism. The country offers a wide range of medical services, including cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, fertility treatment, and orthopedic procedures, at a small fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. For example, a rhinoplasty (nosejob) in the US costs $8,000 can be done in Iran for just $2,000. Similarly, dental implants in Europe cost $4,000 can be obtained in Iran for $1,000.
Iran’s medical tourism industry also benefits from the government’s efforts to promote the sector. In 2004, the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education established the “Health and Tourism Council” to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, including hospitals, travel agencies and government agencies. The Council is implementing policies to streamline visa procedures for medical tourists, improve the quality of health services and promote Iran as a medical tourism destination.
Iran’s medical tourism industry highlights its affordability, quality and accessibility when compared to its neighbours. For example, Turkey is a major competitor in the region, attracting millions of medical tourists each year. However, Turkey offers high quality healthcare services, but the cost of treatment is generally higher than Iran. For example, the cost of hair transplant in Türkiye is around $3,000, while the same procedure in Iran is $1,500.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has established itself as a luxury medical tourism destination offering world-class facilities and services. However, treatment costs in the UAE are significantly higher than in Iran, making it difficult for patients in low-income countries to access. Another important player in the region, Jordan has an established health system, but lacks the size and diversity of the health services provided by Iran.
Strategic locations in Iran offer advantages over their neighbours. The country shares borders with several countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where medical infrastructure is limited. As a result, many patients in these countries travel to Iran for treatment. Furthermore, Iran’s visa policy is more tolerant than some of its neighbors, making it easier for medical tourists to enter the country.
Main medical tourism destinations in Iran
Several cities in Iran have emerged as hubs for medical tourism, offering a combination of advanced medical facilities, skilled medical professionals and tourist attractions. Below are the major cities that operate in medical tourism.
– Tehran: As Iran’s capital, Tehran has some of the most advanced hospitals and medical centres in the country. The city offers a wide range of medical services, including cancer treatments, heart surgery and fertile treatments. Tehran is also a cultural and historic hub that attracts tourists with a combination of medical and tourism.
– Mashhad: Known as Iran’s religious capital, Mashhad attracts millions of pilgrims who visit Imamreza Shrine every year. The city has also built a reputation for medical tourism, particularly in the fields of fertility treatment and cosmetic surgery. Mashhad’s proximity to Central Asian countries has made it a popular destination for medical tourists in the region.
– Shiraz: Shiraz is famous for its historic sites, including the ancient ruins of Persepolis and the beautiful gardens of Elam. The city is also a medical tourism center offering dermatology, ophthalmology and orthopedic services. Shiraz’s combination of cultural heritage and medical expertise makes it a unique destination for medical tourists.
– Isfahan: Isfahan is known as “Half of the World” for its stunning architecture and historic landmarks, and is also the growth of the health tourism hub. The city offers a wide range of medical services, including dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular treatment. Isfahan’s reputation for hospitality and its preserved historic site make it an attractive destination for medical tourists.
– Tabriz: Located in northwest Iran, Tabriz is a major centre for medical tourism, especially for patients in neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The city offers a variety of medical services including orthopedic surgery, neurology and urology. Tabriz’s strategic location and well-developed healthcare infrastructure make it an important player in Iran’s medical tourism industry.
Iran’s medical tourism industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the country’s affordable health services, skilled medical professionals and government support. Despite facing economic sanctions and political challenges, Iran has been able to develop a robust healthcare system that rivals its neighbors. The country’s strategic location, combined with its rich cultural heritage, has become an attractive destination for medical tourists in the Middle East and Central Asia.
As the global health tourism industry continues to grow, Iran is well suited to capitalize on this trend and establish itself as a major destination for health tourism in the region. With continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and efforts to promote sectors, Iran could become a major player in the global health tourism market.