New Health Tourism Regulation Published

New Regulation for International Health Tourism

A significant step has been taken to strengthen Turkey's position in the global health tourism market. The "Regulation on International Health Tourism and Tourist Health," published in the Official Gazette, aims to increase service quality in the sector, ensure patient safety, and enhance the country's competitiveness in this field. This new legislation sets the standards for health services offered within the scope of international health tourism, while safeguarding tourists' healthcare experiences in Turkey.

Comprehensive Standards for the Sector

The regulation introduces detailed rules for healthcare institutions, intermediary agencies, and health professionals that will provide international health tourism services. Accordingly, healthcare institutions and intermediary agencies wishing to obtain an international health tourism authorization certificate will need to meet specific physical, technical, and personnel qualifications. This will ensure that service providers operate within a professional framework and that patients coming from abroad receive reliable and high-quality services.

Within the scope of the regulation, it is of great importance that health tourism activities are conducted within ethical rules, unfair competition is prevented, and patient information processes are transparent. Specifically, individuals receiving health services are mandated to be provided with complete information regarding treatment processes, potential risks, costs, and alternative treatment options. This principle of transparency supports patients in making informed decisions while also increasing the responsibilities of service providers.

Patient Safety and Rights Prioritized

The new regulation places patient safety at its core. It aims for patients coming to Turkey as international health tourists to receive services equivalent to, or even superior to, healthcare standards in their own countries. In this context, the adoption of internationally recognized best practices in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes is encouraged. Furthermore, issues such as patients' privacy rights, protection of personal data, and access to complaint mechanisms are also among the important articles of the regulation.

The regulation also governs promotional and marketing activities carried out within the scope of health tourism. Measures are being taken against misleading or exaggerated advertisements, aiming to provide potential patients with realistic and accurate information. This will help protect Turkey's image in the field of health tourism and ensure it is perceived as a reliable destination.

Turkey's Health Tourism Potential

Turkey possesses significant potential in health tourism due to its geographical location, skilled workforce, modern healthcare infrastructure, and competitive pricing advantages. This new regulation will further advance this existing potential, making Turkey a stronger player in the international arena. The introduction of clear rules and oversight mechanisms for industry stakeholders will create a more predictable and secure environment for all parties. This regulation will also indirectly contribute to Turkey's tourism sector by establishing specific standards for tourists' access to general healthcare services in the country.

Highlights

• The "Regulation on International Health Tourism and Tourist Health" was published in the Official Gazette.
• The regulation sets the quality and safety standards for health tourism services.
• The conditions for obtaining an international health tourism authorization certificate have been detailed for healthcare institutions and intermediary agencies.
• Patient safety, rights, and transparent information processes have been prioritized.
• Measures have been introduced against misleading promotional and marketing activities.