In the modern era, the importance of medical tourism has increased significantly. Today, thanks to medical tourism, countries generate substantial economic revenues. Unfortunately, as a country, we are still unable to fully utilize our existing potential, despite having extensive opportunities for it.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Əhliman Əmiraslanov, Chairman of the Health Committee, at today's public hearing of the Milli Məclis Committee on Labor and Social Policy on the topic “Current State and Development Prospects of Tourism in Azerbaijan.”
“I believe that in this direction, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation should collaborate to prepare and implement a concrete action plan for the development of medical tourism.
It should be noted that the revenue generated from medical tourism can be 6–10 times higher compared to other types of tourism. In this regard, our country can obtain significant financial resources from this sector.”
The committee chairman stated that the active participation of experienced specialists and honored medical workers employed in clinics is of utmost importance in this field. In this regard, the deputy noted that they should undergo international certification:
“This certification should be based on several key criteria: which higher education institution the specialist graduated from, in which reputable medical centers they completed advanced training or internships, the publication of their articles in internationally recognized scientific journals in their field of work, and the recognition of their professional activity on international platforms and official medical resources.
Furthermore, he stated that the statistical indicators of treatments and surgical operations performed in clinics should also be openly presented.
He noted that the success rate of operations, complication rates, and patient satisfaction ratings should be displayed in clinics.
“Individuals wishing to come to the country for medical tourism make their choice based precisely on this information. No tourist arriving in the country looks at the prices in the clinic, but rather at these indicators.”
Ə.Əmiraslanov noted that if we want to develop medical tourism, it is crucial to establish modern rehabilitation centers in our country and systematically organize work in this area.
