Health tourism in Iran
Medical Tourism in Iran Decoded
From among prestigious destinations for medical travel, picking Iran might seem bizarre or crazy! But it’s way far from crazy.
While politics and the media in West have fueled fear and relayed a very skewed image of Iran and its people, Iran is a country of surprises and beauties and has some of the most welcoming people.
Iran is very likely to become the next on the list of top-destinations for medical travel in the world. Cutting-edge medical technologies, high-tech medicine and diverse specializations, credible doctors and a trusted health system along with super affordable procedures is getting Iran noticed on the global medical travel map.
Medicine in Iran: A bit of history
Iran (or Persia) has long been a major center for the development of medical knowledge so that just a few traditional medical schools in the ancient world have been as comprehensive as Iranian medical schools.
Hippocrates, the father of Greek medical science, admits how some of his medical theoretical foundations have been adapted from the ancient Iranians.
Long history and advanced civilization together with a hunger for immortality paved the way for medical knowledge to flourish in Iran.
Ancient medical schools founded in Iran such as Gondishapur have been teaching medicine for thousands of years. And Physicians such as Avicenna have been in the vanguards of medical development through centuries.
Why choose Iran as a medical destination?
The number of medical travelers around the world is rapidly growing. There are 3 major reasons for this growth:
to lower the cost of treatment and save money;
to access specific medical procedures which do not exist in one’s own country; and
to visit a doctor with a special reputation
In this regard, Iran has an ideal condition to be a medical travel destination:
Iran has around 200 hospitals with a wide range of advanced medical technology, offering high-tech medicine and diverse specializations.
Credible doctors and nurses
Iran has a reputation for having experienced and skillful doctors. They are strictly trained and should also continuously equip themselves with the latest medical knowledge of the day.
Trusted health system
Medical specialists must pass extensive training and obtain professional certifications from Iran Medical Council and the Ministry of Health before they can be allowed to perform medical and surgical treatments. Hospitals and clinics are also overseen by authorities.
Advanced medical facilities
Medical and surgical facilities available in Iranian hospitals are also highly developed. Iran is known for its innovative hospital equipment and superior medical engineering. Almost all of Iran’s private hospitals have high level of imaging facilities, specialized clinics, 3D ultrasound, MRI, etc.
Great affordability
The cost of medical services in Iran is approximately a third of similar health care services in countries like UK and USA. As Iranian Rial is suffering from unprecedented devaluation, treatments in Iran is very cheap.
No wait lists
You can obtain swift access to medical treatments and services you need.
Legendry hospitality
Iranians are known for their authentic hospitality and the love of outsiders. This spirit is easily felt in the medical travel industry. In Iran you feel like home!
A must-see tourist destination
Iran with a history of more than 5000 years is home to some of the oldest places and traditions. Iran with 23 UNESCO world heritage sites and dazzling natural landscapes should be the next destination
Besides,
Iran is one of the top 5 countries in the field of biotechnology molecules;
Iran is the leading country in the field of scientific development and health at the regional level;
Iran is highly advanced in infertility treatment, stem cell therapy, dialysis, heart surgery, cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology;
Iran medical care has an excellent cost-to-quality ratio;
Popular treatments
Iran as a medical tourism destination has credibility in various medical fields. These include (but are not limited to):
- Infertility treatment
- Cancer treatment
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Pre IVF Consultations and Investigations
- Orthopedics – Joint Replacement
- Dental Treatments
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neurology and
- neurosurgery
- Cardiology and cardiac surgery
- Obesity treatment
- Ophthalmology
Iran is also one of the top destinations for disease diagnosis and comprehensive health check-ups.
Beyond medical needs!
In addition to the medical tourism facilities and conditions mentioned above, Iran also is an attractive destination for health and wellness services such as spas therapy, preventative care, rehabilitation and the treatment of chronic diseases. There are about 300 mineral-rich springs across the nation with the ability to develop as health towns, water therapies, hotel therapies, etc.
What to expect!
- Rigid laws and regulations in the Iranian medical system support the health and safety of the healthcare environments in the country.
- A hygienic environment and the clear, up to par outcomes of medical practices are the least that international patients can expect from Iranian hospitals.
- Full medical consultation and comprehensive follow-up care are some of the things that can be expected when you go to Iranian hospitals or doctors.
- Hospitals that work in the international healthcare market are required to obtain necessary licenses from the Ministry of Health under the IPD (international patient department) license. This license requires hospitals to comply with international standards for the provision of health services to medical tourists.
Final words!
The history of medicine in Iran is rich. The presence of highly qualified and well-known specialist and doctors, safe and low-cost procedures, along with a variety of tourist attractions in the country are sufficient to attract medical tourists in the region and from across the world to Iran.
What else you can add as a reason for traveling to Iran for medical purpose? Share your insights with us in the comments.