The sector, which attracts patients from all over the world, served 1.2 million people. Industry representatives stated that this figure could double, emphasizing the problems of under-the-radar, brokers and visa problems.
According to the news of Betul Alakent from Sabah, while Turkiye attracted attention with its investments in the field of health, the income it earned in health tourism exceeded $5 billion in 2023.
The sector, which attracts patients mainly from the Middle East, Europe, the Balkans and Russian-speaking countries, provided health and aesthetic services to 1 million 250 thousand people in 2023. Industry representatives pointed out that these figures could be much higher in 2023 and stated that there was a serious leakage in the sector due to under-the-counter businesses and said, “Inspections in this area need to be further increased. If there were no leakage, this figure would exceed $8 billion.”
VISA PROBLEM MUST BE SOLVED
Dr. Koksal Hologlu, President of the Health Tourism Development Council Association (THTC) and Romatem Hospitals Group, stated that 1 million 250 thousand patients will come to Turkiye for treatment in 2023 and that an income of more than $5 billion will be generated. Explaining that there is a serious leak in the sector, Hologlu noted that this negatively affects the income. Stating that one of the biggest problems the sector has experienced recently is visa, Hologlu said, “Our patients coming from African and Middle Eastern countries are having difficulty obtaining a visa. As the visa processes get longer, the demand shifts to other countries. We expect an urgent solution to this problem.” Explaining that there is a lot of sensational news about the Istanbul earthquake, Hologlu said, “This situation negatively affects the demand. It is necessary to put an end to such empty discourses. We foresee that the preparation of some incentives for health tourism in the aviation sector, especially THY, will make a serious contribution to the sector.” Underlining that they are hopeful for 2024, Hologlu noted that the sector’s income could double if the problems are solved.
UNDERHANDED BUSINESSES INCREASED
Turkish Health Tourism Association (TUSATDER) President Dr. Servet Terziler also said that there are more than 2 thousand hair transplantation centers in Turkiye. Terziler said, “Since the costs of corporate places that do their job correctly are high, underhanded businesses cultivate at lower wages. This leads to serious evasion and tax loss. Authorized institutions do what is necessary. However, even if the business is closed, they reopen it under a different name and in a different place.”. Reminding that the Service Exporters Association lists accredited health institutions, Terziler said, “Thanks to this list, tourists who will receive health services can see whether the institution they will visit is accredited or not. If we can ensure that foreign tourists receive service in accredited institutions, their satisfaction will increase. This will be reflected in their income.”
BROKERS STARTED TO DOMINATE THE MARKET
Murat Akdogan, Chairman of MYC Partners, to which ETHICA, Estethica Hospitals, Ethica Sigorta and MYC Insaat are affiliated, stated that the number of patient brokers in the sector has increased greatly and said, “These brokers, so-called intermediary institutions, have now begun to dominate the market. They demand brokerage shares of up to 50%.”
Explaining that the hospitals affiliated with the Ministry are fighting against these people, Akdogan continued as follows: “Brokers do the business in the dark . However, the fees they receive have neither a legal equivalent nor do they pay taxes. This situation may interrupt health tourism and even shift Turkiye’s market share to Eastern European countries. We believe that the fight of our Ministries of Health and Trade against such threats will become stronger and eliminate these threats in 2024.”
Source: Patronlardunyasi / Prepared by Irem Yildiz