Melis Indirkas, Business Development Director at MLPCARE, shares her thoughts on the evolving medical tourism industry, the potential of Georgia in this sector, and how international healthcare networks like MLPCARE can help enhance Georgia’s standing in the global market.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved in the medical tourism industry?
I have been involved in international healthcare services for several years, with a focus on healthcare marketing and international patient services. My journey into medical tourism began with a passion for improving access to quality healthcare around the world. Working at MLPCARE, I saw the incredible potential for international collaboration in providing life-changing treatments. That experience motivated me to pursue a career in building strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients globally. My role gives me the opportunity to expand these partnerships and create meaningful, long-term solutions that benefit both patients and healthcare providers.
What are your key responsibilities and challenges in your role as Director of International Relations at MLPCARE?
As Director of International Relations, my primary responsibilities involve managing global partnerships, ensuring smooth coordination for international patients, and working on expanding our presence in emerging markets. One of the key challenges I face is ensuring that we maintain a high standard of service across such a diverse range of cultural, regulatory, and healthcare environments. This involves navigating complex legal frameworks, maintaining patient trust, and solving logistical problems that arise when patients are receiving care abroad. Additionally, I’m constantly looking for new markets where MLPCARE can expand its network of healthcare providers to ensure more people have access to the quality treatments we offer.
How have you seen the medical tourism industry evolve over the years?
The most significant change in the medical tourism industry has been the integration of technology in patient care. The rise of telemedicine, digital consultations, and AI-driven diagnostics has made it easier for international patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely. This technological shift allows us to offer preliminary consultations and follow-ups to patients even before they travel, making the process smoother and more efficient. Moreover, there has been an increasing focus on personalized treatment plans, which are crucial in improving patient outcomes. Post-treatment follow-ups and continuity of care are now better supported by digital tools, ensuring that patients continue to receive support even once they’ve returned home.
As a Turkish national, how have you seen the medical tourism industry evolve in Turkey, and what role do you think it plays globally?
Turkey has become a global leader in medical tourism, mainly because of the combination of highly skilled doctors, state-of-the-art medical technology, and affordable treatment options. Over the years, the Turkish government has also played a vital role by introducing supportive policies and investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure. These efforts have made Turkey a top destination for medical treatments like organ transplants, oncology care, and cosmetic surgeries, all of which are comparable in quality to what patients would receive in Western countries. The country has positioned itself as a hub for medical tourism, serving a diverse international patient base. As a Turkish national, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made, and I believe Turkey will continue to be a key player in the global healthcare market.
What do patients typically consider when choosing a medical tourism destination?
When patients are choosing a medical tourism destination, they generally consider several key factors. First and foremost is the quality of healthcare services and whether the hospital or clinic is accredited by internationally recognized organizations, such as JCI. Cost-effectiveness is another significant factor, as many patients seek affordable treatment options compared to what they would pay in their home countries. The reputation of doctors and healthcare institutions also plays a crucial role, as patients want reassurance that they will receive high-quality care. Additional factors like comprehensive support services—ranging from translators to travel assistance—and the availability of post-operative care are also important. Ensuring that a patient’s recovery process is well-managed after returning home is critical to their decision-making process.
What are some of the most common procedures sought by international patients?
International patients often seek a variety of procedures, but some of the most common include:
- Oncology treatments: Cancer care is a significant reason patients travel abroad, as many seek cutting-edge treatments that may not be available in their home country.
- Organ and bone marrow transplants: These complex procedures require highly specialized care, and many patients travel for access to well-established transplant programs.
- Orthopedic and neurosurgery: Patients in need of surgeries like spinal operations, joint replacements, or complex neurological procedures often look to medical tourism for specialized expertise.
- Cosmetic surgeries: Procedures such as hair transplants, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation are increasingly sought after, especially in destinations with advanced cosmetic surgery offerings.
- Weight loss surgeries: Treatments like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are among the popular weight-loss surgeries attracting medical tourists.
- Fertility treatments: Many patients travel for IVF and other fertility treatments, which can sometimes be more affordable or advanced in other countries.
How do you view the current state of medical tourism in Georgia, and what potential do you see for its growth in the future?
Georgia has shown significant potential for growth in medical tourism. The country benefits from a combination of affordable healthcare services, skilled medical professionals, and a strategic geographic location that attracts patients from neighboring regions. While Georgia’s healthcare infrastructure is still growing compared to more established medical tourism hubs like Turkey, it has the right ingredients to become a strong player in the market, especially in fields like wellness tourism, dental care, and cosmetic treatments. By building stronger collaborations with global healthcare networks like MLPCARE, Georgia can enhance its position in the global medical tourism market and become an even more attractive destination for international patients.
How do you see the integration of wellness and medical tourism evolving in the future?
There is an increasing convergence between wellness and medical tourism. Patients are no longer simply seeking medical treatments; they are also looking for ways to improve their overall well-being. I see this trend continuing, with more services like detox programs, mental health retreats, rehabilitation services, and preventive health check-ups becoming integrated into the medical tourism experience. This shift toward wellness-oriented services aligns with patients’ growing interest in holistic care. At MLPCARE, we are already developing programs that combine medical treatments with wellness services, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our patients.
What’s one misconception about medical tourism, and how would you clarify it?
One common misconception about medical tourism is that it is risky or that the quality of care is subpar. In reality, many established healthcare providers, like MLPCARE, follow strict international standards. We offer care that is on par with the best institutions in Western countries, ensuring that patients receive top-quality treatment. From the initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up, we ensure that patients receive comprehensive and transparent care throughout their journey. Our experienced teams and multilingual staff work closely with patients to ensure they are well-supported every step of the way, making medical tourism a safe and reliable option for many people.
Melis Indirkas’ insights shed light on Georgia’s growing potential in the medical tourism industry and the importance of international collaboration. By focusing on quality care, technology, and expanding wellness services, medical tourism will continue to thrive globally, with countries like Georgia poised to benefit from the increasing demand.
