Iran launches national health tourism platform to attract foreign patients
Iran officially launched a national health tourism platform aimed at streamlining the reception of international patients, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts announced.
The system, which began as a pilot in Khorasan Razavi Province, is now operational in Tehran and Fars, with plans for nationwide implementation by the end of the Iranian month of Shahrivar (September 21). It integrates multiple stakeholders—including the ministries of tourism, health, and foreign affairs, as well as authorized medical centers, travel agencies, and translators—into a unified digital platform. The project aims to eliminate unauthorized intermediaries and enhance transparency in the sector. Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpey emphasized that the system is a "comprehensive, inter-agency platform" designed to safeguard patient data and ensure regulatory compliance.
He noted that the platform's security features are aligned with international standards, providing a secure environment for both patients and service providers. Sajad Razavi, Deputy Health Minister, highlighted the system's role in expediting the treatment process for foreign patients. He added that medical centers in Tehran and Fars are now required to process international patient requests through the platform within 24 hours, aiming to "accelerate acceptance and treatment" while ensuring "transparency and legality." The health tourism sector has become a significant contributor to Iran's economy. In 2022, the country attracted approximately 1 million health tourists, generating €2 billion in revenue. The government is also establishing health tourism offices in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait to further promote the sector.