Iran Launches Strategic Plan to Boost Medical Tourism Industry
TEHRAN – Iran is actively working towards boosting its healthcare-driven tourism sector with the drafting of a comprehensive medical tourism development document. This initiative, led by Iran’s Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, Ahmad Meydari, aims to enhance the medical tourism landscape in the country, driving economic growth and regional equity.
During a recent announcement, Meydari emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism as a key strategy for regional development. He highlighted how the expansion of medical tourism could significantly increase employment opportunities, particularly in the border regions of Iran.
The initial phase of this ambitious initiative will concentrate on providing medical services in the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, both situated in the Khuzestan province. Future plans include expanding these services to other border areas, furthering the reach and impact of medical tourism across the nation.
To ensure the successful development of this medical tourism document, collaboration is key. Meydari noted that several government bodies, including:
- The Ministry of Health
- The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts
- Provincial authorities
- Foreign representatives and ambassadors residing in Tehran
will play crucial roles in this endeavor. Special attention will also be given to engaging neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf littoral states, with a particular focus on leveraging private sector participation in the implementation process.
Meydari explained that while the private sector will take charge of delivering healthcare services, the government’s role will primarily be that of a facilitator, ensuring that the medical tourism framework operates smoothly and effectively.
€6 Billion Vision for Medical Tourism Revenues
In a recent statement, Mohammad-Reza Vaez-Mahdavi, Chairman of Iran’s Scientific Association of Health Economy, revealed that with proper planning, Iran has the potential to generate an impressive €6 billion annually from medical tourism. This ambitious vision includes establishing Iran as a healthcare hub for West Asia in the coming years, which also encompasses plans to export €1 billion worth of vaccines and medical equipment every year.
Currently, available data indicates that Iran’s annual exports of medicine are approximately €200 million. A report released by the Iranian Health Ministry in August 2023 highlighted that Iran receives around one million medical tourists annually, with foreign patients seeking treatments in various specialties. The report stated, “Every year, one million foreign patients are treated in Iran,” showcasing the nation’s growing influence in the global health sector.
Iran’s primary source of medical tourism comes from neighboring countries, including:
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Armenia
- Tajikistan
These countries represent a significant portion of the foreign patients seeking medical care in Iran, underscoring the importance of regional relations in the growth of this sector.
In conclusion, Iran’s strategic push towards enhancing its medical tourism sector not only aims to generate substantial revenue but also focuses on improving healthcare accessibility and employment opportunities in underserved areas. As the country works to establish itself as a prominent player in the medical tourism industry, collaboration among various stakeholders will be crucial to its success.
This initiative aligns with broader economic goals, positioning Iran as a vital healthcare hub in West Asia. By leveraging its existing strengths in healthcare and capitalizing on the growing demand for medical services, Iran can reshape its economic landscape and elevate its status in the global medical tourism arena.
