Islamabad – Shiraz, long celebrated as a city of culture, history, and poetry, is now emerging as a powerhouse in the field of health and medical tourism, further strengthening Iran’s position as a leading regional healthcare hub.
Equipped with world-class hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals, and state-of-the-art facilities, Shiraz is drawing increasing numbers of patients from neighboring countries and beyond. According to Mohsen Ziaei, Tourism Chief of Fars Province, the city now offers an integrated medical tourism system that connects international patients with accredited hospitals, licensed travel agencies, and certified tour guides—ensuring not only quality care but also transparency and trust in services.
“This centralized system guarantees efficiency, accountability, and the highest standards of medical services for international patients,” Ziaei emphasized, noting that complaints will be addressed through a strict legal mechanism, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to patient rights and professional ethics.
The city’s rising reputation has attracted keen international interest. Officials from Oman have expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with Shiraz in the health tourism sector, recognizing the city’s medical excellence and strategic location. This reflects the growing recognition among regional partners that Iran is becoming the preferred destination for specialized healthcare.
At the national level, Iran is implementing an ambitious strategy to expand health tourism. Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei highlighted that integrated health tourism systems have already been launched in Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, and Fars provinces, with expansion plans covering the entire country. The initiative brings together the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accredited hospitals with International Patient Departments (IPDs), licensed travel agencies, and professional medical teams.
This holistic approach is designed to streamline patient services, enhance transparency, and position Iran as a trusted leader in the fast-growing Middle Eastern health tourism market.
A €6 Billion Vision for Medical Tourism
Iran’s vision for health tourism extends well beyond current achievements. Mohammad-Reza Vaez-Mahdavi, Chairman of Iran’s Scientific Association of Health Economy, has projected that the Islamic Republic can generate up to €6 billion annually from medical tourism with comprehensive planning and investment. He underscored Iran’s potential to become West Asia’s central healthcare hub, with targets including €1 billion in annual exports of vaccines and advanced medical equipment.
Currently, Iran exports medicine worth approximately €200 million annually, and the demand is rapidly increasing. According to a Health Ministry report released in August 2023, the country already attracts close to one million foreign patients each year—seeking treatments ranging from advanced surgeries and fertility care to cosmetic procedures and organ transplants.
The majority of these patients come from neighboring nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Armenia, and Tajikistan, reaffirming Iran’s position as a trusted regional healthcare destination.
With Shiraz leading the way, Iran’s dynamic health tourism sector is not only strengthening the nation’s economy but also building bridges of friendship, trust, and cooperation across the region—solidifying its role as a medical and cultural beacon in West Asia.
BY: The Times Union
