Today, Astana hosted the first international conference titled “Development of Medical Tourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Prospects and Opportunities,” which brought together over 500 specialists from around the world — ambassadors from 30 countries, representatives of the Ministry of Health, international organizations, leading experts, medical agents, and buyers from 13 countries.

Medical tourism is one of the strategic directions for the development of healthcare in Kazakhstan.

The Ministry of Health has outlined the following steps for the development of medical tourism:

- Establishment of natural-and-medical clusters in the regions;

- Development of specialized rehabilitation programs taking into account natural resources;

- Promotion of Kazakhstan on the international market as a center of integrated medical and wellness tourism.

The next stage is to strengthen the role of the regions and enhance intersectoral coordination. The roadmaps for the development of medical tourism provide for bringing tourist facilities to proper standards, identifying promising areas, and creating favorable conditions for investment.

This refers to a comprehensive system that includes all necessary elements (medical institutions, hotels, transport companies, travel agencies, as well as information and communication systems) that ensure full service for foreign and non-resident patients seeking medical care, rehabilitation, or wellness services within the region and the country.

The Ministry of Health, together with government agencies, local executive bodies, and the business community, is ready to provide comprehensive support for the development of medical tourism.

Source: www.gov.kz