Health tourism is increasingly becoming a strategic growth area for the Turkish economy. Turkey is a global center of attraction in health tourism thanks to its geographical advantage, modern health infrastructure, use of advanced technology and expert physician staff. Providing information on the economic contribution of health tourism to the country, Dr. Köksal Holoğlu, Founder of Romatem Healthcare Group and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Turkish Health Tourism Development Council, said, "Annual revenues from health tourism are expected to reach $50 billion by 2024."
Emphasizing that in addition to the economic income provided by health tourism, Turkey has gained worldwide recognition by increasing its international prestige, Holoğlu says, "Turkey is a priority point of preference on a global scale, especially in areas such as physical therapy, aesthetic surgery and organ transplantation." He points out that Turkey is in an important position in the world in health tourism.
Stating that Romatem Health Group contributes to the growth in health tourism with innovative service models, Holoğlu said, "Romatem Move project, Turkey's first Hotel & Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center concept, offers a groundbreaking model for health tourism. Thanks to the online hotline we launched during the pandemic, we were able to provide safe and accessible healthcare services to our patients abroad, and we achieved a significant increase in the number of international patients with this service."
HEALTH INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EU
Stating that Turkey has unique advantages to become a global leader in health tourism, Holoğlu says that there are important steps to be taken to make this success sustainable and leave other countries behind. "The lack of health insurance agreements, especially in the European market, stands out as an obstacle limiting the growth in the number of international patients. Cooperation with the European Union (EU) on health insurance regulations will provide Turkey with a major competitive advantage in this area."
EXPRESSING HIS VIEWS ON SUSTAINABLE HEALTH TOURISM, HOLOĞLU SAYS, "OUR ROMATEM MOVE FACILITY OFFERS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HEALTH MODEL WITH ITS RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, WATER-SAVING SYSTEMS AND RECYCLING PRACTICES."
Emphasizing the need to increase promotional activities in health tourism, Holoğlu said: "It is important that organizations such as TÜRSAB make transparent and effective contributions to the sector and further develop international quality standards. Technological infrastructure investments and digital health solutions are among the other factors that will increase Turkey's competitiveness on the path to global leadership. Turkey can strengthen its claim in this field with patient safety, innovative treatment methods and remote access solutions."
THE GOAL IS TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER IN HEALTH TOURISM
Holoğlu stated that sustainable healthcare services are one of the cornerstones of modern healthcare systems, adding, "Turkey is taking significant steps in this area with its investments in digital healthcare solutions, environmentally friendly applications, and innovative business models. As Romatem Health Group, we are leading the sector in sustainability. In particular, our Romatem Move facility in Istanbul offers an environmentally conscious healthcare model with renewable energy sources, water-saving systems, and recycling practices." He continues:
"One of our pioneering services in the field of digitalization, tele-rehabilitation, is an important example of sustainable healthcare services. This system allows us to offer our patients remote and effective solutions while optimizing resource use. Furthermore, with our technological infrastructure and robotic rehabilitation devices, we provide our patients with personalized treatment processes, ensuring long-term effectiveness in healthcare services."
Emphasizing that Romatem Health Group makes a difference with its investments in innovative technologies in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Holoğlu said, "Robotic rehabilitation devices used in our treatment processes increase the mobility of our patients while supporting their independence. Devices such as Lokomat, Armeo and Exoskeleton not only provide physical recovery but also offer solutions that support cognitive skills. In addition, virtual reality (VR) supported therapies and personalized treatment methods offer our patients faster and more effective recovery processes."
Underlining that projects such as Romatem Move offer a model that meets international standards in sustainable healthcare services, Holoğlu said, "As Romatem, we are taking firm steps towards becoming a global leader in health tourism with our investments in technology and our patient-oriented approach."
FUTURE GOALS OF ROMATEM HEALTH GROUP
- Opening new inpatient rehabilitation centers in Germany and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- To develop innovative treatment methods such as robotic rehabilitation and digital health solutions through R&D investments.
- Further expand tele-rehabilitation systems in digital healthcare.
- Focusing on further growth across Turkey by expanding its service network and increasing the number of staff at its existing hospitals.
