Istanbul Welcomes 399K Health Tourists in 10 Months

Health Tourism Drives Economic Growth in Istanbul

Istanbul welcomed approximately 399,000 international tourists for health tourism over the past 10 months, according to a report highlighted by Hürriyet Daily News. Associate Professor Abdullah Emre Güner, the province’s public health director, shared the data with Anadolu Agency, emphasizing the city’s growing prominence as a global health tourism hub.

“During this time period, we rendered 700,000 services in the city as part of health tourism. Everyone is satisfied with the excellent academic services we offer in Istanbul,” Güner remarked.

Global Reach: Visitors from 201 Countries

Güner revealed that tourists seeking medical services in Istanbul hailed from 201 different countries, with the majority arriving from Europe, followed by the Turkic States and the Middle East. This influx underscores the city’s appeal as a leading destination for high-quality healthcare services.

Güner attributed this international interest to Türkiye’s commitment to providing exceptional medical care, which, in turn, contributes significantly to the national economy. He noted, “Istanbul provides a comprehensive range of medical treatments, namely in the fields of orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, oral and dental health, dermatology and plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.”

Infrastructure and Standards Fuel Growth

Istanbul’s robust healthcare infrastructure plays a pivotal role in accommodating this growing demand. The city is home to 227 hospitals, comprising 16 university hospitals, 158 private hospitals, and 53 state hospitals. These facilities ensure a diverse array of medical specialties and advanced care options for patients worldwide.

Güner highlighted that Türkiye’s share in the global health tourism market is expanding steadily. “We continue to work as the Health Ministry to uphold a high standard of quality and inspection mechanisms,” he stated, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to maintaining rigorous oversight and service excellence.

Targeting a $100 Billion Market Share

Looking ahead, Istanbul aims to solidify its position as a leader in health tourism. Güner stressed that their long-term objective is to increase their market share to reach $100 billion, a goal aligned with Türkiye’s broader economic ambitions.

The rise of Istanbul as a health tourism destination reflects the city’s ability to merge medical expertise with cultural hospitality, ensuring a fulfilling experience for international patients.

For more details, visit the full article at Hürriyet Daily News.