TEHRAN – Tehran is on track to become a hub for medical tourism in Islamic countries, the executive director of the Islamic countries’ Health Tourism Development Centre said Thursday.
Majid Zangooei said at the fourth international conference on health tourism in Islamic countries in the Islamic Republic held at the Islamic Republic in the Islamic Republic, a proposal was made to designate Tehran as the capital of medical tourism in Islamic countries. He described the initiative as an opportunity to expand Iran’s tourism industry.
Zangooei said the restrictive view in the health economy remains a barrier to growth despite Iran’s capabilities in the sector. He called for less control of the state and shifting management of health tourism to specialized agencies such as the Iran Medical Council.
He added that captivating students participating in international health tourism programs will block migration and expand cooperation not only in Europe and Africa but also in Islamic countries. According to Zangooei, Tehran Municipality is playing a leading role in supporting entrepreneurs in the sector.
Mohammad Leizadeh, head of the Iran Medical Council, said the country’s medical sector has the capacity to make Iran a destination for medical tourism. He cited the strengths of cardiac surgery, ophthalmology and advanced treatment techniques as evidence of international level expertise.
Raeiszadeh said the 220 committees and the council, which has 400 active members, is working closely with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts to develop the industry. He pointed out the standards and cultural appeal of modern hospitals, medical facilities and accommodations in Iran as assets to portray foreign patients.
Iran’s long history in medicine should also be emphasized internationally, Rayzadeh added, saying that the country’s achievements can boost its reputation and attract patients from overseas.
He also sought a clear law and defined framework from the government, saying Iran could host patients around the world and become a major destination for medical tourism.
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