1st Islamic Medical Tourism conference marked success as a draft MoU wassigned to form Islamic Medical Tourism Association
Region’s biggest gathering of distinguished delegates from Islamic countriesand international experts marked a successful congress as official representatives from many Islamic countries met together to facilitate an active exchange of ideas, insights and reflections. The conference specifically aimed to explore the concept of health and medical tourism and to foster interaction between Islamic counties in medical tourism industry to further strengthen the relationships and networking opportunities. A draft MoU was signed by officials of Islamic countries during congress to form Islamic Medical Tourism Association.
“Due to vast opportunity in this sector, Islamic countries decided to establish this congress and move forward towards establishing Islamic Medical Tourism Association. This is a step in a way to learn opportunities and challenges in health tourism and how Islamic countries can network together to grow further” said Dr. Mohd Reza Karbasi, secretariat of the congress and Director General of Islamic Chamber, Iran.
This conference brought together health, travel and tourism organizations indetermining various areas in the development of alliances and building network relationships for the future of the Health Tourism industry in Islamic countries. International and local prominent speakers were invited to deliver keynote addresses during the conference.
Giving a keynote address in presence of 600 delegates from 25 countries, Dr Prem Jagyasi, a renowned Medical Tourism Expert spoke about potential of Health Tourism and how Islamic countries can participate in this growing industry. “Medical Tourism is a truly Global Industry, it’s not restricted for one geography or one segment, Islamic countries can also capture opportunities just like other countries are participating” said Dr Prem Jagyasi also founder of Global Healthcare Network.
“However, it is important to develop strategies to create a valuable medicaltourism system considering perception of destination, existing tourismtrends, quality healthcare services and strategic marketing initiatives”added Dr Prem Jagyasi
The congress highlighted the quality of service and treatment that the hospitals, clinics and wellness companies in Islamic countries can offer, the congress also encouraged open and frank discussions from all sectors of medical tourism industry. The platform of discussion on Islamic standards for medical tourism was created, while it was also discussed about how to build-up Islamic medical tourism network.
The congress was held at holy city of Mashad from 2nd to 4th November 2010. The congress was sponsored by Al Razavi hospital. It was stated that this congress will become annual health tourism congress for Islamic countries.