Zubeyde Akdas, the creative mind behind iMed Medical, an agency centred in Istanbul that specializes in health tourism, has introduced a groundbreaking approach to medical travel, offering services comparable to a personal health assistant for tourists in Türkiye. She highlighted the cost-effectiveness of medical treatments in Türkiye, which are markedly lower by at least 30-40% than in the UK, Europe, and the US, thus making Istanbul a highly attractive destination for health tourists.
Akdas spoke about their targeted efforts to enhance Türkiye’s share in the global health tourism market by bridging the gap between foreign patients and Türkiye’s premier health institutions and specialists, stating: “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 Growing Influence in Health Tourism
A report by Future Market Insights, a US-based consultancy, forecasts a 6.6% increase in Türkiye’s health tourism revenue, from 3,751.6 million dollars in 2023 to the close of 2033.
Akdaş commented on the rising prominence of Türkiye in health tourism, 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.”
Tailored Patient Services: Interpreters and Nursing Care
Zubeyde Akdas, the architect of iMed Medical, highlighted their wide-ranging services in the health tourism sector, covering cosmetic surgeries, hair restoration, and obesity treatments, and elaborated:
“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 Naturalistic Aesthetic Procedures
Focusing on Natural Beauty and Patient Well-being
In closing, Akdas reiterated their commitment to patient satisfaction and the delivery of customised services in collaboration with top medical professionals, clinics, and hospitals: