The growing trend of medical tourism has reshaped how patients seek healthcare across borders, blending high-quality treatments with the convenience of travel. One of the key figures in bridging the gap between countries in this sector is Dali Nesuashvili, Deputy Director of Business Development and International Relations at MLP Care, which operates a network of Medical Park and Liv Hospitals in Turkey. With a rich background in medical education and management, Nesuashvili has played an integral role in shaping the future of medical tourism, particularly between Turkey and Georgia.
A Journey from Medicine to Medical Management
Dako Nesuashvili’s path into the Turkish medical tourism industry was not a straightforward one. Initially, her career was focused on clinical medicine. “I graduated from Tbilisi State Medical University and was doing my internship at Mardaleishvili Clinic in the field of maxillofacial surgery,” she explains. “This was not really my goal at the time.” However, a student exchange program to Turkey changed her trajectory, offering an experience that she described as “the best experience, in the best clinic, in the best professional environment.”
It was here that she realized her potential for success in the Turkish healthcare system. “I realized that I could become a good professional here,” she says. The more she immersed herself in the Turkish medical field, the more she noticed key differences between the two countries: “We had no less professional and often better doctors in Georgia. What we lacked was service, medical management.” This insight led her to study Turkish and pursue a master’s degree in medical management. “I had to take this opportunity, because the competition with Georgian doctors would not be easy,” she remarks, emphasizing her decision to pursue medical management as a key turning point in her career.
Medical Tourism – More than Just Patient Care
For Nesuashvili, medical tourism goes beyond just patient care. “Medical tourism also includes exchange programs to improve the qualifications of doctors, training workshops and seminars for students, joint conferences and seminars, and many other projects, which are currently being implemented with great success between Georgia and Turkey,” she explains. Her efforts are not limited to treating patients but extend to fostering collaboration between nations and healthcare professionals.
This is evident in her work with the Medical Park network, where they invite doctors from Georgia to join their clinics, and Turkish doctors provide free consultations in Georgia. “We try to balance the inflow of patients, and more than one doctor has been invited from Georgia to our clinic,” Nesuashvili says, highlighting how these cross-border initiatives strengthen medical ties.
Building Trust and Ensuring Satisfaction
A major factor in the success of medical tourism lies in building trust with international patients. “Patients need to be convinced that the medical services received in Turkey are of high quality, safe and financially justified for them,” Nesuashvili states. The Medical Park network, which holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, a mark of excellence in the medical field, plays a vital role in establishing that trust.
Her approach is patient-centric, offering services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. “Our strategy is a patient-tailored service,” she explains. This includes having dedicated teams for foreign patients, including translators, coordinators, and managers who assist with everything from the first inquiry to post-treatment recovery. For Georgian patients, in particular, the availability of Georgian-speaking staff ensures that patients feel comfortable and at ease in a foreign environment. “Our Georgian translators, some of whom have medical education, provide quality and comfortable service to patients,” Nesuashvili adds.
Adapting to the Competitive Global Healthcare Market
The global healthcare market is highly competitive, and Nesuashvili acknowledges the challenges it presents, especially in the Turkey-Georgia medical tourism sector. “There are many good clinics and many good doctors in Turkey, but I would not say that all of them are good, so gaining and then maintaining trust is not easy,” she explains. Her strategy involves maintaining constant communication with patients and providing accurate, transparent information about the services offered.
She emphasizes the need to make the right choices in a saturated market: “It is very difficult to make the right choice, many medical tourism companies offer unverified services to customers,” she points out. To stand out, Nesuashvili stresses the importance of clear communication, using the right channels, and highlighting the advantages of Turkish-Georgian cooperation. “Our task is to offer them special advantages through Georgian-Turkish cooperation, such as close ties with clinics, full organization, and a personalized approach,” she says.
Trends in Medical Tourism: Technology, Personalization, and Prevention
Looking ahead, Nesuashvili sees several important trends shaping the future of medical tourism. “Patients are increasingly looking for online consultations, virtual treatment plans, and remote support,” she notes, emphasizing the growing role of digital technology in healthcare. In response, Nesuashvili plans to strengthen digital communication efforts, including online consultations, to ensure that patients receive timely and comprehensive care.
Another key trend is the growing emphasis on a personalized patient experience. “Patients now expect more than just treatment. They value comfort, a personal manager, transfers, and the combination of relaxation and recreational tourism,” she explains. In this context, Medical Park is refining its service offerings to provide comprehensive packages that go beyond medical care, focusing on the entire experience for the patient.
Finally, she observes an increasing focus on preventive and alternative medicine. “We plan to strengthen market-demanding areas such as oncology screening, plastic surgery, neurological rehabilitation, and reproductive medicine,” Nesuashvili adds. These services are gaining traction globally as patients become more proactive in seeking preventative care and long-term health solutions.
Georgia’s Growing Potential in Medical Tourism
Nesuashvili sees significant potential for Georgia to become a key player in the medical tourism sector. “Georgia is strategically important as a link between Europe and Asia. This makes it attractive for medical tourism, especially from neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries,” she explains.
The quality of medical services in Georgia has also improved dramatically in recent years, particularly in fields like dentistry, plastic surgery, and reproductive medicine. “The quality of clinics in the country has increased, modern technologies and services that meet international standards have been introduced,” she notes. Combined with the natural healing resources of Georgia, such as its balneological resorts and mineral waters, the country is positioned to attract more medical tourists.
Despite Georgia’s rising potential, Nesuashvili recognizes the need for further development in the sector: “I personally see my future in this light, my goal is to be able to fully utilize this potential and establish Georgia more clearly on the medical tourism map.” For now, her focus remains on strengthening the Turkey-Georgia medical tourism relationship, ensuring that it offers patients a seamless and safe experience.
A Vision for the Future
Dako Nesuashvili’s work in the Turkish medical tourism sector has positioned her as a leader in shaping the future of healthcare across borders. With a focus on trust, patient experience, and international collaboration, she is helping to build a sustainable model for medical tourism that benefits both patients and healthcare providers.
Looking ahead, Nesuashvili is determined to further elevate the sector by embracing technological advancements, improving personalized care, and strengthening preventive medicine initiatives. “Our goal is to make Turkey-Georgia medical tourism even more flexible, accessible, and patient-oriented,” she concludes, underscoring her commitment to making a positive impact in the medical tourism landscape.
By Kesaria Katcharava
