The 5th International Health Congress of Islamic countries scheduled for 7th-9th November in Tehran could not come at a better moment. The global medical tourism is gearing up for a faster resurgence tapping every opportunity that lie ahead right now. I am invited to deliver a keynote speech on ‘Developing sustainable medical tourism in Islamic countries’ and conduct a masterclass on “Medical Tourism and Wellness Tourism”.
I have repeatedly stressed that medical tourism cannot be held up for a long time. As expected, it is picking up with the staggered lifting of travel restrictions.The pent-up demand is huge, led by the massive cancellation of 28.5 million elective surgeries globally and endless deferment of treatments. Patient waiting lists have lengthened beyond comprehension. Stress and anxiety tripled during the pandemic, forcing people to take a sustainable approach to health and wellbeing. Amid such a scenario, how can Islamic countries create a sustainable medical tourism market? Read more