Global leaders have been advised to commence preparation against the next pandemic so as to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic experience.
Speaking during a conference, organized by the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) which brought together representatives from 56 countries in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Founding Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council, Emin Çakmak, said: “The world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises,”
Çakmak, was in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company, Chuks Melville Chibundu, to have explained the growth of the Turkish medical tourism industry and its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to international patients.
He said: “In the last 20 years, Turkey has invested over $50 billion in new hospitals and latest technologies. We have over 15,000 doctors who graduated from Western and Turkish medical universities and now serve patients in world-class Turkish hospitals.”
“We are fortunate in logistics as Turkish Airlines connects Turkey with over 350 international destinations through direct flights, facilitating medical travel.”
Çakmak added that due to “world-class medical services, hospitality infrastructure, geographic convenience and natural beauty, Turkey has become a preferred global healthcare destination across medical treatment, wellness, spa, thermalism, sports medicine, retirement and accessible tourism segments.”
He credited Turkey’s resilient pandemic response for its continued growth in medical tourism, noting that: “During COVID-19, we suffered fewer losses than other nations due to timely safety protocols. After a 4-month pause, we reopened borders for international patients as we had ample hospital infrastructure and personnel to serve both Turkish citizens and global medical travelers.”
He however warned that “the world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises.”
DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company and the Nigerian network partner of the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council (THTC), participated in the 6th Global Healthcare Travel Forum (GHTF) conference.
DoctorCare247 was represented at the conference by its MD/CEO, Chuks Melville Chibundu, and other staff members.
In his remarks at the end of the conference, Chibundu highlighted the meeting’s key takeaways and how the company will leverage them to further its mission of providing Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare.
The theme of the 6th GHTF conference was “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism.” Chibundu said DoctorCare247 is committed to exploring partnerships with the THTC to bring innovative healthcare technologies to Nigerians seeking medical care abroad.
“Our partnership with the THTC is a cornerstone of our mission to provide Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare,” Chibundu said. “Through this collaboration, we can leverage the expertise and resources of the Turkish healthcare system to offer Nigerians cutting-edge technologies and highly qualified specialists in Turkey, all at cost-effective prices.”
The conference was opened by Fikri Ataoğlu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Mr. Ataoğlu spoke about the TRNC’s vision for health tourism and its commitment to international cooperation in this field saying “We are working with our stakeholders with the vision of creating a brand in health tourism and strengthening our global position in this field.”
“Our country stands out in health tourism with its Mediterranean climate, natural beauties, rich history, and cultural heritage, as well as modern health services and high-quality treatment options offered both to protect, improve and regain health.”
“Our aim is to create a sought-after destination that offers accessible, high-quality and people-oriented services to every health tourist who prefers the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council and President of the Cyprus Healthcare Travel Council, Dr. Ahmet Savaşan said there is a rapid growth of health tourism internationally and called for more collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.
Dr. Savaşan said the conference’s timely theme of “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism” is aimed at “producing innovative solutions to challenges in our sector, supporting sustainable development and creating a strong synergy for its future.”