Yerevan hosts Global Conference on Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing directions in the tourism sector, Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, said at the Global Conference on Medical Tourism, “Travel for Care, Stay for Healing: When Patients Become Guests,” in Yerevan, Armenia.

“Medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of our sector. Patients are no longer only seeking treatment; they are becoming guests, and resorts should respond accordingly. In Armenia, three hospitals already have JCI certification, which enables patients with international health insurance to receive treatment in Armenia,” said Sheikha Al Nuwais.

Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan noted that medical tourism is today one of the rapidly developing directions, which combines healthcare, tourism and the economy.

“The number of people traveling to other countries to receive medical services, choosing the opportunity to have qualified specialists, modern technologies and high-quality service, is growing year by year. The development of health resort and medical tourism in Armenia is of strategic importance. Our country has a number of prerequisites necessary for the sector: highly qualified medical professionals, modern equipment, rich cultural and tourism potential,” the minister said.

According to him, in order to fully utilize the existing potential, it is necessary to form a reliable and competitive system in line with international standards. “This conference is a good opportunity to discuss the opportunities and existing challenges for the development of the sector and exchange international experience. I believe that the development of medical tourism can create new economic opportunities,” Papoyan noted.

According to Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia Samvel Kharazyan, each country has its own conditions for providing healthcare services, but it has become easier for people to travel to different countries and access healthcare services when the need arises.

He emphasized that, in the course of developing the healthcare system, Armenia is trying to contribute to ensuring that the services provided in the country are high-quality and affordable. “Today, Armenia is introducing universal health insurance, and over the next 3-4 years we plan to introduce insurance for the entire population, regardless of social status, so that people receive high-quality and accessible services,” Kharazyan said.

He also emphasized the process of licensing doctors, noting that it is an important tool for building trust in the healthcare system. “The process of licensing doctors is a very important tool in the system and for building trust in doctors, which makes people cross borders and receive healthcare services outside their borders. That is precisely why the Ministry of Health emphasizes the licensing process,” the deputy minister noted.

The Global Conference on Medical Tourism is being held in Yerevan on September 21-23. It is organized by the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of Armenia in cooperation with UN Tourism. The conference has brought together on one platform leading international and local representatives from the fields of healthcare, tourism, hospitality and innovation, promoting professional dialogue and cooperation.