It’s an undeniable fact that globalization has become a part of our daily lives not only in economic terms but in personal terms as well. While capital and goods have become mobile around the world, so have people for various reasons; business, education, leisure and health.

Mankind has traveled for medical purposes for ages, but the phenomenon of what we name “Medical Tourism” has become a widespread practice in the last couple of decades not only due to the increased ease of travel but also due to the growing expectations of patients to receive better, faster and less costly treatment.

As the 15th largest economy of the world and a rising star in many industries, Turkey is also a very strong medical tourism destination. With the largest number of internationally accredited private hospitals outside of the U.S. and with a wide range of touristic facilities to suit every taste and preferences, Turkey is an ideal destination for international patients seeking cost effective, reliable, fast and accurate treatment at state of the art facilities.

As the President of TOBB (Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey) and DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey), which participate in countless international activities and undertake many tasks in institutions such as the Eurochambers, ICC, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Chambers Federation (WCF), Economic Cooperation Organization Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (ECOCCI), Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC), Association of the Black Sea Zone Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC), I hope that the valuable endeavors of the DEİK Health Committee will be instrumental for international patients to discover the benefits that the Turkish health platform has to offer and sincerely believe that international patients will be satisfied with their experience in our country.

M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
President
TOBB/DEİK