Government to Reduce Trade, Administrative, and Visa Barriers for Foreign Patients

According to Hegta Public Relations, Ahmad Meydari, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, emphasized during the event that the government’s plan to develop medical tourism and utilize Iran’s medical capacities is a key step toward strengthening the economy, enhancing international interactions, and improving the country's healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

He stated that with appropriate investments, reduced trade and administrative barriers, and active private sector participation, the medical tourism industry could become one of the main pillars of Iran’s economy.

Meydari further noted that holding the International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Medical Tourism (Khorramshahr and Abadan) reflects the Thirteenth Government’s policy of boosting international interactions, expanding ties with neighboring countries, and leveraging Iran’s medical expertise to develop medical tourism.

Government to Reduce Trade, Administrative, and Visa Barriers for Foreign Patients

According to Hegta Public Relations, Ahmad Meydari, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, emphasized during the event that the government’s plan to develop medical tourism and utilize Iran’s medical capacities is a key step toward strengthening the economy, enhancing international interactions, and improving the country's healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

He stated that with appropriate investments, reduced trade and administrative barriers, and active private sector participation, the medical tourism industry could become one of the main pillars of Iran’s economy.

Meydari further noted that holding the International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Medical Tourism (Khorramshahr and Abadan) reflects the Thirteenth Government’s policy of boosting international interactions, expanding ties with neighboring countries, and leveraging Iran’s medical expertise to develop medical tourism.

Iran's Global Position in Medical Services and Its Economic Potential

Highlighting Iran's globally recognized medical capabilities, particularly in organ transplants and advanced surgeries, Meydari stated that this policy could open new doors for foreign exchange revenues, job creation, and the expansion of healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

Referring to the government’s strategy to strengthen international relations and develop medical tourism, he noted that the Thirteenth Government, under the directives of the President, has formulated a comprehensive plan to expand regional cooperation. One of the key instruments of this policy is the enhancement of medical tourism, which not only generates economic benefits but also promotes public and cultural diplomacy.

Meydari pointed out Iran’s leading position in medical fields, including organ transplants, infertility treatments, cardiac surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and orthopedics, stating that numerous patients from neighboring and even distant countries seek medical services in Iran.

Khorramshahr and Abadan as Emerging Hubs for Medical Tourism

Emphasizing the role of border regions in developing medical tourism, Meydari announced that Abadan and Khorramshahr have been introduced as new medical tourism hubs. Given their geographical proximity to the Persian Gulf Arab states and Iraq, these regions can be strategically utilized. The government also aims to develop medical tourism infrastructure in other border areas.

The Minister of Social Welfare highlighted the significant role of the private sector in this sector, stating that representatives from Parliament, the Governor of Khuzestan, and private sector economic players attended the event, reflecting a strong synergy between the government and private sector in advancing medical tourism. In this regard, the Social Security Pension Fund, as a key entity, has adopted investment policies in the medical tourism sector.

Meydari added that the participation of Iran’s robust private sector in tourism could drive rapid transformation and expansion in this industry.

Government’s Strategy to Ease Entry for Medical Tourists

Addressing the removal of trade barriers and facilitation of medical tourism, the Minister emphasized that the government plans to reduce trade, administrative, and visa obstacles to ensure a smoother and faster entry for foreign patients. Moreover, a strong emphasis on human rights and access to healthcare services could help mitigate some international sanctions in this field.

Meydari also stressed the importance of enhanced air and land connectivity with neighboring countries and highlighted the cultural and civilizational dimensions of medical tourism. Iran and its neighboring countries share a common historical heritage, which can effectively strengthen medical and tourism relations.

Challenges and Global Competition in Medical Tourism

Despite political and economic obstacles imposed by competitors and adversaries, Iran continues to leverage its medical and cultural strengths to enhance international cooperation.

Meydari identified several key opportunities in this sector, including:

• Increased foreign exchange earnings through foreign patient admissions and healthcare services.
• Job creation in the medical, tourism, and transportation sectors.
• Strengthening Iran’s international medical brand.
• Enhancing cultural exchanges and public diplomacy through medical tourism.
• Developing healthcare and tourism infrastructure in border regions, contributing to local economic growth.

However, he also acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including:

• Financial and banking sanctions, which hinder international financial transactions.
• Visa restrictions and administrative barriers delaying swift entry for foreign patients.
• Lack of accommodation and transportation infrastructure in some border regions.
• Intense competition from countries such as Turkey, India, and the UAE, which have made significant investments in this sector.

A Vision for the Future of Medical Tourism in Iran

Meydari reaffirmed that the government’s strategy to develop medical tourism and utilize Iran’s advanced medical capabilities represents a major step toward economic growth, increased international engagement, and improved healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

With proper investment, reduction of trade and administrative barriers, and strong private sector participation, medical tourism could become a cornerstone of Iran’s economy.

A New Path for Health Tourism in Iran’s Border Provinces Begins

During the event, Alireza Tabesh, CEO of Hegta Holding, expressed his honor in being among esteemed experts, scholars, and professionals in the fields of tourism, health, and medical services. He emphasized that the presence of such distinguished attendees highlights the significance of medical tourism and the necessity of both domestic and international collaborations in this sector.

Tabesh stated: "As we celebrate the 46th anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution and embark on a new era of management at Hegta, one of our key priorities is a strong focus on health tourism. This priority aligns with the objectives set in the Seventh Development Plan, reflecting the strategic importance of this field, accompanied by precise forecasts and planning efforts."

He further stressed that Hegta, as a key player in the country’s tourism value chain, will enhance its role in facilitating investment in this critical industry.

The CEO of Hegta Holding highlighted Iran’s remarkable advancements in science and technology, attributing them to the establishment of religious democracy across the nation. He noted that Iran, once reliant on imported medical and paramedical services before the revolution, has now, thanks to its brilliant youth and distinguished experts, become a regional and global hub for advanced medical services.

Iran: A Leader in Advanced Medical Services

Tabesh underscored Iran’s leadership in infertility treatment and organ transplants, positioning it among the global frontrunners in these fields. Additionally, he pointed out that Iran is recognized as a pioneer in treating complex and life-threatening diseases in the West Asia region. With over 50 comprehensive medical universities and a robust network of specialized and sub-specialized medical professionals, Iran offers significant opportunities in this domain.

He shared an insight from his earlier discussion with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia during a visit to the International Tourism Exhibition: "In today’s world, particularly in West Asia, various coalitions are forming to promote stability and sustainable development. These range from security-driven alliances focused on military and geopolitical concerns to welfare-oriented coalitions aimed at improving quality of life."

Establishing a Health-Oriented Coalition

Tabesh introduced a new stage of regional cooperation, which he termed a "Health-Oriented Coalition", dedicated to enhancing public health, developing healthcare infrastructure, and improving accessibility to medical services across the region.

He emphasized that this collaboration would encompass knowledge and technology exchange, investment in healthcare projects, and the establishment of modern medical facilities. One of its most significant benefits would be increasing regional resilience against health crises and pandemics.

"Such cooperation can also foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for citizens across the region. Public health is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development, and this coalition can play a crucial role in achieving that goal," Tabesh remarked.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the Health-Oriented Coalition is not merely a response to healthcare challenges but also aligns with the broader developmental agendas of regional countries. Key initiatives include attracting both domestic and foreign investments to develop medical infrastructure, establishing educational programs to train healthcare professionals, and improving healthcare service standards across the region.

Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening Iran’s Position

The CEO acknowledged potential challenges, including political tensions among regional nations, financial constraints, and inadequate planning. However, he expressed confidence that synergy and positive engagement—as witnessed in other areas of regional cooperation—can help overcome these obstacles.

Tabesh reaffirmed Iran’s competitive edge in the medical tourism sector due to its state-of-the-art medical facilities, highly skilled healthcare professionals, and cost-effective treatments. Cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Isfahan have long been premier destinations for international patients, thanks to their well-equipped hospitals and high service standards.

In recent years, Khuzestan Province has emerged as a key destination for Iraqi medical tourists, seeking specialized treatments in Iran. Tabesh emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity by expanding infrastructure and enhancing service capabilities. This, in turn, would not only create employment opportunities for local communities but also foster deeper diplomatic and cultural ties between Iran and Iraq.

A New Beginning in Khorramshahr and Abadan

Tabesh announced that the first International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Medical Tourism will be held in Khorramshahr and Abadan in May, marking the start of a new journey.

"We will begin this initiative in Khuzestan, particularly in Khorramshahr and Abadan, and extend it to Iran’s free trade zones and border provinces—especially those with high potential for health tourism," he stated.

Investment opportunities in this sector include:

Establishing well-equipped hospitals
Expanding rehabilitation centers
Launching specialized medical clinics
Developing accommodation facilities for international patients
Creating health villages and eco-lodges
Building tourism and recreation centers linked to healthcare services

By leveraging public-private partnerships and targeted investments, Khorramshahr and Abadan can become major hubs for medical tourism in the region.

Paving the Way for Regional Healthcare Transformation

Tabesh concluded: "Today, we stand at the threshold of a major transformation in regional healthcare. The Health-Oriented Coalition offers an effective strategy to enhance healthcare systems, attract large-scale investments, and establish a sustainable development framework. Iran, as a leading medical tourism hub, is fully prepared to spearhead this initiative and maximize its potential through regional and international partnerships."

He expressed hope that this gathering would serve as a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and collaboration, ensuring optimal preparation for the upcoming conference and facilitating progress toward shared objectives.

Medical Tourism in Border Regions: A Key Driver of Iran’s Economic Development and Public Diplomacy

Arastoo Yari Hisar, Secretary of the First International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Medical Tourism, highlighted the significance of medical tourism as one of the most dynamic and profitable industries worldwide.

He stated, “This industry not only contributes to improving human health but also plays a crucial role in economic growth and enhancing international relations. With experienced physicians, leading medical universities, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and affordable medical costs, Iran has immense potential in this sector.”

Yari further emphasized that in recent years, Khuzestan Province, particularly the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, has emerged as a primary destination for medical tourists from Iraq and the Persian Gulf countries. Statistics indicate that, on average, 50,000 foreign patients travel to this province annually for medical services.

Four Key Objectives of the Conference

The secretary of the conference outlined four main goals:

1.       Strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors in medical tourism.

2.       Developing medical tourism infrastructure in Khuzestan, particularly in Khorramshahr and Abadan.

3.       Establishing networks between Iran and neighboring countries to attract medical tourists.

4.       Identifying investment opportunities and challenges while drafting infrastructure and technical projects in the field of health tourism.

Progress Made So Far

He elaborated on the actions taken over the past two months to advance these objectives, including:

• Establishing a policy-making council with representatives from government bodies, private sector investors, and international associations.
• Launching the conference secretariat and holding multiple meetings with local officials in Khuzestan.
• Assessing the province’s potential and the Arvand Free Zone as a hub for medical tourism.
• Inviting high-ranking officials and domestic and international investors to explore existing opportunities.

Expected Outcomes of the Conference

Referring to the anticipated results of the main conference in May 2025, Yari highlighted that one of the most critical goals is to draft a Medical Tourism Vision Document for Iran until 2035.

He added, “This vision will include strategic and operational plans for developing medical tourism, defining frameworks for cooperation between public and private entities, and creating investment packages for healthcare and medical tourism sectors.”

Additionally, the conference aims to attract domestic and foreign investors to strengthen Iran’s healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

The Future Outlook

The secretary of the conference underscored that medical tourism in Iran—especially in border regions like Khuzestan, Khorramshahr, and Abadan—can become a fundamental pillar of the country’s economic development and public diplomacy.

He noted, “This industry can significantly contribute to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and strengthening international relations by reducing trade barriers, improving medical and hospitality infrastructure, and facilitating the entry of foreign patients.”

Acknowledgment of Key Contributors

Yari concluded by expressing gratitude to the institutions and organizations involved in organizing the conference, including:

• Ministry of Welfare and Social Security
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism
• Khuzestan Provincial Government
• Khorramshahr Governorate
• Arvand Free Zone
• Homa Hotel Group
• International Supply Agency
• Health Tourism Associations
• Private sector investors and media professionals

Unveiling of the Conference Poster and Website

During the event, the official poster and website of the conference were unveiled.

Furthermore, four specialized panels were held as part of the pre-conference discussions, covering topics such as:

1.       Provincial discussions on opportunities and potential in Khuzestan.

2.       Medical tourism and private sector investment.

3.       Iran’s interactions with target countries in medical tourism.

4.       The role of government institutions in medical tourism.

It is worth noting that the First International Conference on Investment Opportunities in Medical Tourism will be held in May 2025 in Khorramshahr and Abadan, Khuzestan Province, Iran.