In recent years, health tourism in Iran has experienced significant growth.
With a rich legacy of medical expertise, advanced healthcare facilities and breathtaking natural landscapes, Iran offers a unique blend of modern medical treatments and natural healing resources.
Iran’s medical tourism sector is renowned for combining high-quality services with affordability.
The country boasts state-of-the-art hospitals and specialized treatment centers equipped with the latest medical technology.
Iranian healthcare services cover a wide range of treatments, from cosmetic surgeries and cardiovascular care to infertility treatments, cancer diagnosis and dental practices.
Patients often receive prompt, VIP-level care without long waiting times, which contrasts sharply with some overcrowded public healthcare systems.
Iran’s strengths in health tourism are underscored by several key achievements.
The country ranks first in the region for IVF research and infertility treatments and is among the top ten globally for cosmetic surgeries.
Cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd and Mashhad have become hubs for specialized services such as heart, eye and organ transplant treatments.
Dr Davood Khoshshekan, Director of Health Tourism, told Dhaka Tribune: “Patients from over 100 countries come to Iran for medical services. We offer organ transplantation, advanced surgeries, cosmetic surgery, and pediatric care. Compared to India and Turkey, our costs are about one-third, and just one-tenth of those in Europe.”
Iran’s offerings for Bangladeshis
Bangladesh has long seen a steady flow of patients traveling abroad in search of advanced healthcare solutions.
Many Bangladeshi patients often opt for destinations like India, Thailand or Singapore due to factors such as long waiting times, limited availability of cutting-edge treatments or perceived higher quality care abroad.
In this context, Iran presents a compelling alternative for Bangladeshi health tourists for several reasons:
- Iranian hospitals offer quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries.
- With achievements in areas like IVF, cosmetic procedures and specialized surgeries, Iran provides treatments on par with global standards.
- Iran’s rich cultural heritage and geographic proximity to Bangladesh add to its appeal. Bangladeshi patients might find familiarity in the cultural nuances and appreciate the shorter travel times.
- Iran offers a variety of wellness and curative tourism options, such as mineral springs, therapeutic beaches, and desert retreats, supporting recovery and holistic well-being.
Dr Khoshshekan said: “Many patients from Bangladesh currently travel to India, Thailand and Europe for medical tourism, but there’s limited awareness in Bangladesh about Iran’s advancements in medical science. Iran has excellent doctors, but one issue for Bangladeshi patients is the lack of direct flights between Iran and Bangladesh. Our hospitals have special accommodations for patients needing long-term treatments.”
“Additionally, we have contracts with hotels to provide comfortable stays for patients during their treatment period.”
Trends in Bangladeshi health tourism
Recent trends indicate an increasing number of Bangladeshi patients opting for treatment overseas.
Challenges within Bangladesh’s public healthcare system—such as long waiting periods and limited specialty services—drive patients to seek alternatives.
Studies and surveys have shown that a significant proportion of Bangladeshi patients consider cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and accessibility as key factors in choosing a health tourism destination.
In this environment, Iran’s advancements and competitive advantages in medical tourism could capture a larger share of the Bangladeshi market.
Healthcare experts estimate that thousands of patients could potentially benefit from accessing Iran’s specialized treatments, further supported by improved connectivity and growing awareness of Iran’s health tourism sector.
With its established reputation for quality, affordability, and a broad spectrum of advanced treatments, Iran is well-positioned to become an attractive destination for Bangladeshi health tourists.
As increasing numbers of Bangladeshi patients look beyond domestic care for better options, Iran’s unique combination of modern medical services and natural healing resources might provide the ideal solution—bolstering its standing as a global leader in the health tourism industry.
This growing cross-border health tourism relationship not only offers a practical solution to Bangladesh’s healthcare challenges but also has the potential to strengthen bilateral ties, benefiting both nations economically and culturally.
For Iran, attracting Bangladeshi patients could bolster its health tourism revenue, which already draws over a million annual visitors.
For Bangladesh, it offers relief to its overburdened healthcare system and provides cost-effective alternatives for its citizens.
The rising trend of health tourism could help address the healthcare needs of millions while fostering deeper economic and cultural ties between the two nations, paving the way for innovative collaborations in the future.
