Romatem shares its view of health tourism in Türkiye

Dr. Köksal Holoğlu, Chairman of Romatem Hospitals and President of the Health Tourism Development Council, discussed the current state and future of health tourism in Türkiye on Fatih Altaylı’s programme. He stressed Türkiye’s health infrastructure and its place in global competition, and spoke about the setbacks the sector faces and its worldwide potential.

Türkiye’s position and the challenges

Türkiye made a significant leap in health tourism in recent years, Holoğlu said, but in 2023 the sector fell by 40 percent compared with the previous year. He named fear after the earthquakes, rising accommodation costs and transport problems as the main reasons.

Why Türkiye stands out

He attributed the strength of the Turkish health sector to a long tradition of medical education and a strong public health system. With 98 percent coverage, Türkiye has a public health insurance system rarely matched elsewhere; the competition it creates between the public and private sectors delivers high-quality services at competitive prices.

What needs to happen

Promotion: larger promotion and advertising budgets so that Türkiye’s potential is presented more effectively abroad.

Quality control: a firm stance by the Ministry of Health on accreditation, regulation and inspection, to stop unlicensed and poor-quality practice.

International cooperation: strategic promotion by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and agreements with European countries so that their health insurers cover treatment in Türkiye.

Romatem’s part

Romatem works in physical therapy and rehabilitation for international and domestic patients, with a focus on lumbar and cervical disc disease, stroke rehabilitation, orthopaedic treatment and robotic rehabilitation technology. “We are aware of our responsibility in reaching these goals, and we continue to work for our country’s standing in health tourism,” Holoğlu said.