Kazakhstan becomes center of medical tourism in Central Asia
From diagnostics to high-risk surgeries on heart, spine and brain. Probably the most demanded medical tourism is gaining momentum in Kazakhstan. Every year, several thousand foreign nationals come here to receive any service. At the same time, in addition to the large difference in the cost of treatment, residents of other countries are impressed by the fact that Kazakh organizations have international accreditation, modern medical technologies, equipment and, of course, the long-standing positive reputation of doctors.
“We have centers that meet international standards, for example, a tomotherapy center, which means a diagnostics of radiation therapy, and this is our particular advantage. Actually, like some of our natural attractions, such as thermal springs, radon baths in Chundzha, a village in Almaty region. Kazakhstan is also attractive for several countries with cardio and neurosurgery, orthopedics, oncology, IVF reproductive medicine, as well as dentistry, cosmetology,” said Yernur Kenzhebekov, Press Secretary of Kazakh Tourism National Company.
Over 160 patients from other countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, India, the United Kingdom and Canada entrusted their hearts to the cardiac surgery unit in the Second General Hospital. Seil Mukhametkaliyev, a doctor with over 20 years of experience, performed the most difficult open- and closed-hearted surgeries. Thanks to this, their hearts keep beating.
“We performed surgeries on the aorta, branches of the aorta, heart valves for these patients. We have created all the conditions for those who want to receive any service in our hospital. We provide a full range of services for cardiac surgery, cardiology, vascular surgery,” noted Seil Mukhametkaliyev, Director of the Center of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.
IFV is also in the top of services for foreigners. The cost of in vitro fertilization in clinics in Kazakhstan is estimated at US$2,500. In Europe, a similar procedure will cost approximately US$15,000, and even more expensive in clinics in the United States and Canada. Often, citizens of other countries also come to Kazakh dentists, whose services are up to 15 times cheaper than in Europe, but they are in no way inferior in quality. According to experts, medical and health tourisms have great potential. Thus, 16 million people travel the world every year to improve their health.
Translation by Saniya Sakenova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
