Türk medikal turizm sektöründe yapı, işleyiş ve sorunlar: Farklı paydaşlar gözünden bir değerlendirme
Structure, Operation and Problems in the Turkish Medical Tourism Sector: An Evaluation from the Perspective of Different Stakeholders

Summary/Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the sectoral structure, actors, functioning and problems of medical tourism in Turkey from the perspective of different stakeholders. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants (4 hospitals, 6 travel agencies, 5 VIP transportation companies and 1 consultancy firm official) who serve in the field of medical tourism in Turkey and were reached by snowball sampling technique. The data obtained were analyzed with thematic analysis approach, and the findings were presented using descriptive elements. Findings: Basic problems such as the existence of institutions providing services without accreditation, deficiencies in the quality of the workforce, the existence of enterprises that act as intermediaries without approval, promotion problems and deficiencies in the legislation have been identified. It has emerged that there are differences of opinion about the International Health Services Joint Stock Company (USHAŞ). Conclusion: The functioning of the medical tourism sector in Turkey is shaped by the interaction of legal regulations, the efforts of public actors and competitive forces. However, many factors that disrupt the functioning have been identified. In order to solve these problems, the necessity of effective control mechanisms as well as effective coordination among the actors emerges. Expectations from public authorities regarding these inspections are high.

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