Compilation of Medical Tourism Map of Iran

Masume  Mohammadzade; Mohammad  Mirehei; Meysam  Shafiee; Mohammadreza  Tarjoman; Khadije  Danaei

doi:10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21725

Masume Mohammadzade Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Colleges, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
Mohammad Mirehei Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Meysam Shafiee Department of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Colleges, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
Mohammadreza Tarjoman Deputy of Treatment, Center for Supervision and Accreditation of Medical Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.
Khadije Danaei Deputy of Treatment, Center for Supervision and Accreditation of Medical Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21725

Keywords: Health Tourism, Medical Tourism, Medical Tourist, Iran, Map.

Abstract

Introduction: Today, medical tourism represents a significant segment of the global tourism industry. It combines two key elements: travel and the provision of medical and therapeutic services. In recent years, this field of tourism has developed into an attractive economic industry that not only contributes to national income but also promotes cultural exchange and may generate political advantages for countries. The present research aimed to investigate the medical tourism hubs in Iran while introducing and importance of the medical tourism industry. Designing a comprehensive map of medical tourism is a road map that refers to policy making in this field, planning for attracting, introducing capabilities and capabilities of this field. This research was applied in nature and followed an exploratory as well as descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected using documentary and library sources along with official records from the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was conducted through the VICOR decision-making method, and the results were integrated and visualized through Arc GIS software to determine the best provinces to create and promote medical tourism.

In this research, the best destination is Razavi Khorasan province with a VIKOR index equal to 0.0086 and finally North Khorasan province with a rank of 0.9997 is a destination that lacks medical tourists. Among the cities, Mashhad holds the leading position in receiving international patients, largely due to its advanced medical facilities and hospitals as well as the presence of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S), which significantly enhances its appeal to visitors.