Medical Tourism in Tunisia

Health is the backbone of any country, whether it is developed or developing. Usually, the government’s economic development depends on how well they apply health implementation. Health tourism is a considerable tool in broadening the economy of the country.

In later a long time, Tunisia has seen steady growth in this range which has moved it to the level of driving countries on the international scene.

Consequently, on the African landmass, Tunisia positions 2nd after South Africa in well-being tourism. Globally, Tunisia is the favorite destination for thalassotherapy after France.

What is Medical Tourism?

A person who travels across international borders to get medical treatment, which may include a full range of healthcare services or special treatments like IVF, dental care, surgery, etc., is known as a medical tourist.

The medical tourism industry is incredible and volatile. A range of factors, including the economic climate, domestic policy changes, political instability, travel restrictions, advertising practices, geopolitical shifts, and innovative and pioneering forms of treatment, may all contribute to the consumption and production of domestic and overseas health services.

Some wonderful facts about Tunisia 

• In the medical tourism industry, it is 34 out of 46 destinations rank.
• In providing facilities and services, it is 36 out of 46.
• Overall destination rank is 38 out of 46.
• 500,000 foreign patients consider inpatient CARE, while about 2.3 million consider outpatient care.
• Tunisia has around $315 million in healthcare tourism, which is growing yearly.
• Tunisia is one of the few Maghreb countries that are liberal in governance. The country strives for equality between men and women to enjoy rights. The country is proud to allow a woman to inherit land from her parents. In addition, the child can inherit both nationality and name from the mother.
• Matmata is a small town where people still prefer underground homes to modern homes.

Reasons why Tunisia is becoming a medical tourism attraction

There is no second thought that Tunisia is a beautiful country, and it is known for its wide diversity. Besides, there are several other factors because it is becoming a top priority for well-being tourism.

• Geographical strength:

It’s a simple yet powerful factor. The country is located along the Mediterranean Sea and is the north-most country of Africa. It has beautiful beaches, also known as the Golden beaches of Tunisia, beautiful weather, and luxuries at affordable prices.

Tunisia is a popular destination for tourists, who have chosen it because of its many attractions, including its status as a “3S” country (third-world, small, and safe). Tourism services and investments have both positive and negative effects on regional and local development.

People seeking healthcare get benefits from nature to heal fast.

• Health care facilities and affordability:

In Tunisia, there are more than 2000 primary healthcare centers and about 250 private facilities and clinics.

Health insurance can help cover unexpected expenses and make it easier to get care from some of the private clinics found only in the larger cities. Also, many healthcare providers require foreign visitors to pay in cash. Always keep proof of your medical expenses if you need to file a claim with your insurance company. It will make the process easier and hassle-free for both you and them.

The government’s valuable measures have further strengthened the healthcare system, including the abolition of value-added tax on health care for non-Tunisian residents, tax incentives for healthcare equipment, and a 50% tax cut on investment in healthcare infrastructure. The country is creating medical cities and investment zones with organizations that have specialized medical knowledge.

• Health resorts:

Health resorts are the main attraction for tourists going for medical purposes. Located in the natural environment and have all the health facilities like spas, therapies, yoga and meditation, and outdoor recreation facilities.

These resorts aim to make patients feel at home and happier, healthier, fitter, and more relaxed. All the facilities one might need are located within the spa, allowing guests to relax and focus on themselves. Some of these resorts specialize in certain health concerns.

Treatments like acupuncture, colonic cleansing, hypnotherapy, mineral and mud baths, climatic spas, seaside spas, etc., are the most relaxing way to recover fast.

• Thalassotherapy centers in Tunisia:

Tunisia started its therapeutic tourism in 1994 and has expanded this particular health sector through mergers; the comfort of a luxury ocean hotel is revived with mineral-rich thalassotherapy second place in the world’s top sea bathing destination.

• Cost-effective services:

Facelift costs about $ 10,000 to $ 11,000 in the UK. Similar treatments cost about $ 8,000 to $ 9,000 in the United States. Tunisia offers high-end facelift surgery along with neck lifts without straining the individual’s pockets. Treatment costs in Tunisia range from about $ 3,000 to $ 3,500.

Similarly, liposuction costs about $ 5,000 to $ 5,500 in the UK. Similar treatments in Tunisia cost about $ 2000 to $ 2500. Except for low-cost liposuction, patient-friendly policies make Tunisia a major destination for liposuction and other treatments.

The fun way of traveling to Tunisia for medical treatment

 We know that nature is the best healer, and with the right weather and perfect sightseeing, the miracle starts flourishing. With surprising coastlines, rugged mountains, and endless deserts, Tunisia is an absolute dream for adventuresome travelers.

In the north, the climate is best described as the “Mediterranean Sea” because it benefits from hot, long, dry summers and short, rainy winters. In warmer months, temperatures can reach 40 ° C. This can be considered mild compared to the more southern regions.

Going south, Tunisia crosses Sahara. Sahara will have much hotter weather with stunning views of the red sandy beaches.

Due to this, most of the big cities are in the northern part of the country, and many foreigners feel that the climate is very comfortable and the beaches are sunny almost all year round.

Treatment vastly available in Tunisia

Tunisia has 2000 primary health centers, 180 hospitals, and more than 100 private hospitals linked to a good network of pharmacies and prompt emergency medical services. All the medical treatments are available in these hospitals, including:

• Cosmetic Surgery: It includes:

Breast augmentation/mastopexy/breast reduction

Facelift/Blepharoplasty

Liposuction/body contouring

• Reproductive System treatment:

IVF

Hysterectomy Prostatectomy/transurethral resection

Gender reassignment procedures

• Organ and Tissue Transplantation

• Orthopedic Surgery and Spine Surgery

• Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Safety Measures While Traveling to Tunisia

 Traveling to another country is fun, but checking even little details about local laws is crucial. Here are some safety tips:

• Tunisian dress and behavior are conservative. Dress according to the circumstance. When visiting religious sites or remote areas, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

• Get permission from Tunisian authorities before traveling to desert areas in the south, including the Sahara. You must have a licensed guide.

• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. It is better to avoid public displays of affection. Victims of same-sex sexual assault may be charged and imprisoned.

• Do not travel to: Military zone south of the cities of El Volma and Dehiba. Within 30km from the border with Algeria. Within 40 km of the rest of the Libyan border area north of Dehiba, including the town of Ben Guerdane and its immediate vicinity.

Safety updates due to COVID-19

If you are fully vaccinated, you will need to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. If you are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated and are 18 years of age or older, you must have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of your trip or a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of your trip. The test must include the QR code.

One also needs to know details about hospitals availability in Tunisia, and here are a few top hospitals one can recommend:

• Institute Pasteur de Tunis:

Founded in 1893, IPT is a public health agency supervised by the Ministry of Health. It has three missions (public health and diagnosis, vaccine and serum production, research, and education). IPT plays an important role in policy dialogue at the national and international levels.

IPT is a member of many regional and international networks, Institut Pasteur International Network, ANDI, H3ABionet, NEPAD, Regional (EMRO) training center (WHO-TDR), etc. In this context, IPT welcomes researchers and students from North and Sub-Saharan Africa and also the Middle East.

• Hospital La Rabta:

Built-in EPS from 1994, its history dates back to the 19th century. At this time it was established during the smallpox epidemic that struck Tunisia in 1897, was designated as an infectious hospital in 1924, and was renamed ERNEST CONSEIL Hospital in 1930.

They provide a number of medical services:

Surgical specialties:

• Surgery A and Surgery B
• Cardiovascular Surgery and Orthopedic surgery
• ENT / Ortho-rhino laryngology and Urology

Medical specialties:

• Adult cardiology, Pediatric cardiology
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology, Functional exploration, and cardiac resuscitation
• Nephrology, Pediatrics, Pneumo-phthisiology, Medical reanimation

• Taoufik clinic:

Taoufik clinic, a pioneer in Africa since 1979, is now positioned at the level of screening and early diagnosis by setting up a multidisciplinary Check-up Center in day hospitalization.

This health facility has more than 100 partner physicians who are renowned in their field of expertise. They have a number of departments for medical assistance:

• Cardiac Surgery,
• Intervention Cardiology,
• Orthopedics, Gynecology,
• Thoracic and Vascular Surgery,
• Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

• El Manar Polyclinic:

El Manar Clinics has been welcoming patients from all over the world for 30 years and has always been involved in the process of innovation. This complex offers high-quality hospital hotel services with suites, single or double rooms, and bathrooms, ensuring comfort for all patients and their families.

Their specialties lie in:

• Reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Stomatology
• Traumatology
• Urology

Takeaway

In recent years, medical tourism in Tunisia has increased significantly. Rising medical costs in developed countries significantly lower prices and increase the availability of quality health care in emerging markets. Developing countries and improved communication technologies, especially the Internet, contributed to the expansion of industry and trade.

Significant economic benefits are associated with expanding medical tourism, including improved medical knowledge and technical services and increased availability of quality medical services. There is also evidence of new employment opportunities and high salaries.

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