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22 November 2022 in The Health Store Handbook

Benefits of Medical Treatment in Turkey

Benefits of Medical Tourism In Turkey

“Without doubt, the need for medical tourism is a direct result of lengthy waiting lists in the UK and Ireland”

The recent move to recognise obesity as a disease by the HSE in Ireland is a landmark decision for those suffering from the complex and challenging impact of the condition. No longer viewed simply as a lifestyle illness, obesity is now considered in the same manner as other chronic diseases.
It is a huge step forward to acknowledging the serious health implications of obesity and the varied social, environmental, and psychological factors that affect patient outcomes. These new clinical
practice guidelines for the treatment of obesity are a fundamental shift towards reducing the stigma associated with the disease while recognising the need for proper management and care.
As a result, health professionals in Ireland will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, highlighting the benefits of both medical and surgical options, based on patient need. While this is a welcome relief for many, lengthy waiting lists in both Ireland and the UK are a serious cause for concern.

THE NEED FOR MEDICAL TOURISM

Consequently, the need for medical tourism for patients living in Ireland and the UK is at an all-time high. As the co-founder and CEO of The Health Store Turkey, Nihal Terzi is part of a dedicated team, who pride themselves on the quality of work and care they give to everyone who chooses them as the provider of choice in Turkey for weight loss surgery.

“Without doubt, the need for medical tourism is a direct result of lengthy waiting lists in the UK and Ireland,” says Nihal.

“This is a 21 st century disease. You cannot just tell people to simply lose weight. They need help. Excessive weight can cause blood pressure, heart and breathing issues, as well as wear and tear on joints causing pain.”

AWARD WINNING SERVICE

The award-winning Terzi has been commended for her work and expertise in the field, ensuring The Health Store Turkey is leading the way for medical tourism internationally. Among the accolades achieved by the team in 2022 is recognition from the London Chamber of Commerce as The Best Medical Tourism Agency of the year.

“I want the best service for my patients,” she explains.

“Choosing a good medical tourism agency is a far better option than going directly with a hospital in Turkey. I always get the best out of my hospitals. And we support our patients both before and after any procedure.”

It is this professionalism and dedication to every patient that has ensured The Health Store Turkey retains its reputation for excellence. With experienced teams on hand to deliver up to 4,500 weight loss surgeries per year, their standard of care is exemplary – gaining international recognition from London, Turkey, and Istanbul. The numbers speak for themselves.

“In Ireland, and similarly in the UK, they perform up to 150 similar surgeries per year,” says Nihal.

“We deliver that in one month alone, with 4,500 surgeries available per year. This allows patients in both Ireland and the UK access to a world-class level of surgical expertise without the prolonged waiting time. This is the ideal solution, especially for patients already on waiting lists. Here, we can dramatically improve their quality of life at a price that is affordable.”

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PATIENT FIRST APPROACH

Acknowledging that the benefits of weight loss surgical intervention are lifechanging, The Health Store Turkey employs a patient-first approach, ensuring that strict requirements are met before anyone is considered. For example, patients must have a BMI of 30+ and have two underlying health issues caused directly by obesity.

“If there is any risk to a patient, we will not perform surgery,” she Nihal. “We have significant checks and balances before anyone is put forward for an operation.”

In addition, the team at The Health Store Turkey maintain an open channel of communication with the patient’s GP. This is vital to ensure all medications are managed correctly in advance of surgery and to minimise any potential risk for complications.

By taking into consideration individual GP recommendations, ensuring all pre-operative checks are passed in keeping with best practice and delivering the highest standard of care, patient outcomes are vastly improved. Not only that, but the aftercare process is equally important for successful results.

EDUCATE AND INFORM

Unfortunately, the rise in Turkey’s popularity as a destination for medical tourism has led to a knock- on effect whereby rogue operators target the vulnerable. Using sub-standard facilities and cash driven business models, they often lure unsuspecting clientele via engaging websites, social media, and discounted packages.

In light of this, enlisting the services of a professional and reputable organisation, such as The Health Store Turkey, is even more vital. For Nihal, education is the only way to counteract the damage caused by rogue agents. To do this, she has compiled a complete checklist of dos and don’ts before considering travelling to Turkey for weight loss surgery.

CHECKLIST

DON’T ❌

Pay In Cash: There is no recompense or method of tracking for those who pay in cash. If paying in cash, you may not exist on paper. Once consent forms are signed, families are burdened with all the risk, with no way of following the cash trail if serious and life changing issues arise.

  •   Do not accept any situation where you are not given a proper invoice and receipt.
  •   Be aware that discounted rates may be encouraged in return for cash payments. Don’t fall for this.

Accept Poor Communication. Surgeons who communicate using only mobile phones, social media apps or gmail accounts alone should immediately cause concern.  If you wouldn’t organise an operation in this way in Ireland or the UK, don’t accept it as the norm in Turkey.  It isn’t.

  •   If your medical tourism representative is not responsive in a professional and timely manner, this is also a red flag.
  •   Your medical tourism representative and medical team must communicate with your GP. Don’t go ahead unless this is the case. Your medical tourism representative should encourage you to go and get permission from your Doctor.
  •   Don’t sign anything in Turkish if you don’t understand the language. Hospital documents should be in a language you speak, as with all pre and post operative medical records.

Fall for Heavily Discounted Rates and Packages: If your provider is considerably cheaper than other operators, this is cause for concern. They may be cutting costs elsewhere by using substandard or uncertified medical devices.  If traveling from the UK and Ireland, ensure medical equipment is of accepted European standards.

Underestimate the Procedure: Any elective and invasive surgery comes with potential health risks.  If a provider is selling the procedure as an easy solution, this is cause for concern.

Skimp on Due Diligence: If you are unable to find the name of the owner of the company, don’t put your life in their hands.

  •   You must have the correct name of the doctor conducting the procedure, the correct date and place of the surgery – in writing.
  •   Don’t rely on website links sent directly to you; they could be false. Don’t continue without checking all certification and licensing on official government or department websites.
  •   Don’t accept airport transfers unless the company is licensed to carry you.  You won’t be insured.

·   Don’t accept online reviews at face value. Reach out and join the conversation.  If negative reviews are blocked, or comments disabled, this is a red flag.

DO

Bank Account:  Pay directly into a UK or Irish bank account.

Company Registration: Ensure the company is registered correctly in the UK, Ireland and Turkey.

Licenses: Medical Tourism Agencies in Turkey require a TURSAB license.

Certificates: Ensure your provider has:

  •   An International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate.
  • A Travel Agent Certificate.

Reviews: Check that online reviews are genuine by joining online support groups and reaching out to others for their experiences.

Official Quotation: Get an official quotation in writing which should include:

  •   Treatment/Procedure
  •   Hospital
  •   Doctor’s name
  •   Medication
  •   Length of stay
  •   Price
  •   Cost of transfers
  •   Cancellation Policy

Proof of Payment: Get an invoice and proof of payment, not a cash receipt. 

GP Contact Details: Your provider should request your GP contact details as routine.

Documentation: Only sign documents written in your own language. Confirm that hospital documents and post operative reports will be in your language.

Aftercare: Check what the aftercare policy is. If an issue arises and your stay is extended unexpectedly, ensure you know where you will be staying, who will continue to look after you, and what, if any, added costs are expected.  This should all be agreed in advance in writing.

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