Zubeyde Akdas, the innovator behind iMed Medical in Istanbul, shared insights into their approach to health tourism, likening their service to a personal assistant for health tourists in Türkiye. She highlighted the affordability of medical services in Türkiye, which are significantly lower by at least 30-40% compared to costs in the UK, Europe, and the US, making Istanbul a preferred destination for health tourists.
Akdas discussed their strategic efforts to boost Türkiye’s presence in the global health tourism market by linking international patients with the country’s top-notch health facilities and professionals, noting: “We have the International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We provide services in plastic surgery, obesity and hair transplantation. Those who prefer Istanbul can plan their course of treatment by phone, online, or in consultation with our personal counselors in the Netherlands and Belgium.”
Türkiye’s Rising Profile in Health Tourism
A report from Future Market Insights, based in the US, predicts a growth of 6.6% in Türkiye’s health tourism revenue, from 3,751.6 million dollars in 2023 to the end of 2033.
Akdaş commented on the increasing appeal of Türkiye in the health tourism sector, stating:
“With its geographical location, cultural beauties, professional health personnel, and clinics, Türkiye, and mainly Istanbul, is the address of choice for people who desire to have better treatment services at more affordable prices. Turkish clinics that follow world trends enhance patient satisfaction with innovative treatments.”
Enhanced Support Services: Interpreters and Personal Nurses
Zubeyde Akdas, founder of iMed Medical, emphasised their comprehensive service offerings in various medical tourism fields, from cosmetic surgery to hair transplants and obesity treatments, adding:
“Procedures do not only refer to surgical procedures for us. It is also a step towards redefining the beauty standards of individuals on their own terms. With the latest surgical techniques and a patient-centered approach, we offer a journey that is both transformative and comfortable. We have a wide choice of hospitals, surgeons, and medical staff. That’s why we don’t have a waiting list. After the necessary and desired treatments are determined, we quickly schedule and invite our foreign patients to Istanbul. Our patients are accommodated in 5-star luxury hotels. During your stay, we provide personalized services with the support of our interpreter, private nurse and team. Our patients can easily integrate their visits with vacations or business trips.”
The Trend Towards Natural Beauty
Prioritising Natural Beauty and Patient Satisfaction
In her final remarks, Akdas reiterated their commitment to patient satisfaction and the provision of VIP services in cooperation with elite physicians, clinics, and A+ hospitals:
