MEDICAL TOURISM

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Health Tourism, Turkey

Turkey is one of the world’s premier destinations for medical tourism. On top of the high quality facilities available, medical tourists have access to thermal spas and wellness services which incorporate five-star hotel accommodation into their packages. Turkey has become a destination of choice for medical tourists coming from European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Germany, England, Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria and others, as well as Middle Eastern and Latin American countries.

Turkey's Healthcare System

Turkey is currently seeking to join the European Union in the near future. In preparation for this, both government and private healthcare institutions are conducting strict implementation of quality, technical and medical standards. These standards are constantly monitored by independent watchdogs established by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health, together with an Independent Turkish Medical Associations, sets the local standards and guidelines that are followed by hospitals, healthcare facilities and medical practitioners.

The Turkish Ministry of Health owns and operates approximately 55% of Turkey's 1200+ hospitals, whilst the rest are owned by universities, private companies and foreign entities. Many hospitals have local and international accreditations, including the JCI (Joint Commissions International), the JACHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and affiliations with Western medical groups and facilities.

Most hospitals in Turkey have English-speaking doctors and medical staff that are certified by the Turkish Medical Association as well as being members of organizations according to their specializations, including the Turkish Dental Association , Turkish Gynecologist & Obstetric Association , Turkish Orthopedic and Traumatology Association , Turkish Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Society , Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery , and other specialized associations.

Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Turkey

Turkey boasts of more than 30 medical facilities that are accredited by the Joint Commission International. This is the largest accreditation that any country has ever achieved.

Some hospitals are affiliated with top US medical providers such as the Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medicine, amongst others.

Hospitals catering to medical tourism in Turkey are equipped with the latest medical technologies and have board-certified staff, with over 35% of physicians trained in the Western countries.

Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Turkey

For generations, Turkey has been known for its excellent thermal spa resorts, some of which have been in existence since the time of the Romans. In modern times, the hospitals and healthcare facilities in Turkey offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:

Accommodation Options in Turkey.

There are various options as Turkey provides a wide range of premium hotels and flats depending on the range the patients are willing to spend. This is usually included in the package or can be charged separately depending on the preferences. An average price to a 2+1 apartment well equipped with all necessary amenities ranges from $50-$85 per night. Furthermore the option for hotels still are based on the requirements and preferences of the customer.

Pros

JCI-accredited medical centers

With the highest number of JCI-accredited health facilities, medical tourists to Turkey are assured of high quality infrastructure and services by these hospitals and their medical staff.

Competitive prices

Prices of medical care in Turkey are very competitive compared to Western European countries like the UK, Ireland, Austria and Italy.

Hospitality and culture

Turkey has long been a gateway between the East and the West. The warmth and hospitality of its people is well known.

Cons

Language deficiency

Amongst personnel dealing with medical tourists, there exists a deficiency in their English skills

Medical records and documentation

Some hospitals lack the required knowledge in regard to documentations that should be issued to medical tourists.

Traveling to Turkey

Turkey is easily accessed by all airlines coming from Europe. A total of more than 300 flights come from various countries and arrive in one of Turkey's five major airports on a daily basis.

Average estimated travel time in hours

From/To

Turkey (Istanbul)

UK (London)

Nigeria

Entry and Exit Requirements to Turkey

In general, a valid passport and a corresponding visa are required for all travelers making their entry to Turkey. Depending on the country of destination, as listed in Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, entry visas can be obtained upon arrival in Turkey. They can also be obtained from the Turkish Consulates located in the country of origin.

In general, citizens of Nigeria…

Specific visa requirements for your country can be found at the Turkish MFA website.

Statistics for Medical Tourism in Turkey

Located in a strategic area that borders Asia and Europe, Turkey is fast becoming a popular destination for medical travelers. Figures show that approximately 270,000 medical tourists arrived in 2012 for various surgical procedures ranging from the cosmetic procedures to treating serious conditions. These numbers would have increased substantially since 2012.

According to Turkey's Ministry of Health, the country has become the tenth most visited country in the world for medical tourism due to the quality of the doctors, the use of advanced medical equipment and the lower cost in comparison to the U.S. and to many European countries.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

We offer a wide range of medical equipment and facilities to suit your specific needs. Our experienced staff can help you find the perfect medical equipment and supplies to ensure that you have the best medical care available. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and excellent customer service.

Medical equipment list for hospitals, clinics and other professionals

All medical care facilities should have standard medical equipment easily available in order to treat patients quickly and effectively. Here are some of the most commonly used medical equipment items in a hospital.

Storage/transport equipment

All hospitals require equipment for safely transporting patients and moving/storing supplies. Some important equipment items may include:

Storage cabinets
Movable shelving units
Disposal bins and systems
Stretchers and wheelchairs
Surgical tables

Diagnostic equipment

Diagnostic equipment items are important to help understand a patient’s condition. While laboratories may work with specialised equipment such as microscopes, specimen storage units and special machines to assist in analysing specimens, some more generally used equipment items are:

Medical imaging machines
Pulse oximeters
X-ray machines
CT machines
MRI machines
Ultrasound equipment
Stethoscopes

General-use equipment and supplies

Most procedures will require a range of general equipment and single-use supplies, including essentials such as:

Bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Gauze
Tweezers
Hypodermic needles
Anaesthesia machines

Emergency equipment

Occasionally a medical professional will have to use emergency equipment in the hospital to ensure the best outcome for their patient. When that happens, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand, including:

Oxygen tanks and masks
Resuscitation bags
Defibrillators
Airway suction units
Ventilators
Life support equipment

Sterilisation equipment

Hospitals and clinics naturally see high numbers of ill patients, some of whom may need treatment for contagious infections or diseases, and others who can easily be affected by germs. Keeping a clean and sterile environment is a must and calls for equipment such as:

Autoclaves
Disinfectant wipes
Disinfectant soaps, sanitisers, etc.
Sterilisation supplies

Wearables

All medical professionals must wear the proper protective equipment, which may include items like:

Disposable gloves
Face masks
Eyewear
Medical gowns, aprons, etc.
Patient clothing
Hair covers

Other areas such as surgery, obstetrics and maternity, optometry and therapy may require additional specialised equipment. This includes electrosurgical units, surgical tables and lights, infant care supplies, exercise equipment and more.

Essential medical equipment for home caregivers

Medical equipment for home use varies from patient to patient. The main difference between at-home and in-hospital equipment is that medical equipment for the home is often more all-purpose and does not require a professional to operate or use the items.

Whether you’re providing home care for a family member undergoing oxygen therapy, recovering from surgery or otherwise caring for yourself or another out of the clinic, some common home medical supplies that you should have on hand include:

Durable medical equipment (DME). These include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, lifts, etc., as needed.
First aid kits. Every home needs a comprehensive aid kit with common medical-grade supplies such as bandages, antibiotics, burn gel, CPR masks, cold packs, over-the-counter pain medications and antihistamines, among other things.
Humidifier. A high-quality humidifier helps protect yourself from dry air and airborne diseases.
Blood-glucose monitors. These are must-have monitoring tools for those diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Thermometers. These devices are essential in every home, especially during seasons when illness is more common.
Oxygen equipment. If the patient is undergoing oxygen therapy, an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator and the related supplies (oxygen mask, nasal cannula, tubing, etc.) should always be on hand.