Health tourism as a strategic growth area for Türkiye

Health tourism is becoming a strategic growth area for the Turkish economy. With its geography, health infrastructure, technology and physicians, Türkiye is a destination of global scale. Dr. Köksal Holoğlu, founder of Romatem Health Group and Executive Board Chairman of the Türkiye Health Tourism Development Council, said annual revenue from health tourism was expected to reach 50 billion US dollars as of 2024.

Beyond revenue, he said, health tourism raises Türkiye’s international standing: “Especially in physical therapy, aesthetic surgery and organ transplantation, Türkiye is a preferred destination on a global scale.”

On Romatem’s part, Holoğlu pointed to Romatem Move, a hotel and rehabilitation centre concept, as a new model for health tourism, and to the online consultation line started during the pandemic, which allowed patients abroad to reach the group safely and increased the number of international patients.

Insurance arrangements with the EU

“The lack of health insurance agreements, especially in the European market, stands out as a barrier that limits growth in international patient numbers. Cooperation with the European Union on health insurance arrangements would give Türkiye a major competitive advantage,” he said.

He also called for more promotion, transparent contributions from bodies such as TÜRSAB, stronger international quality standards, and investment in technology and digital health, so that Türkiye can strengthen its position through patient safety, innovative treatment and remote access.

Sustainability and technology

“Our Romatem Move facility in İstanbul offers an environmentally conscious model with renewable energy sources, water-saving systems and recycling,” Holoğlu said. He described tele-rehabilitation as an example of sustainable care that reaches patients remotely while optimising resources.

On technology: “The robotic rehabilitation devices used in our treatment processes increase our patients’ mobility and support their independence. Devices such as Lokomat, Armeo and exoskeletons provide not only physical recovery but solutions that support cognitive skills. Together with virtual reality therapy and personalised treatment, they offer faster and more effective recovery.”

Where the group plans to grow

New inpatient rehabilitation centres in Germany and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Research and development in robotic rehabilitation and digital health.

Wider use of tele-rehabilitation.

A larger service network and more staff at existing hospitals across Türkiye.