Greece Lacks In Medical Tourism Despite Potential

Medical tourism has been a fast growing sector worldwide over the last 15 years and while Greece has potential to compete in the rapidly growing ‘middle market’ of medical tourism, the country lacks a comprehensive national sector growth strategy, according to a recent study by the Mckinsey and Company consulting firm.

According to the study, Greece has only one inpatient facility accredited by the Joint Committee International (an international monitoring body), compared with 43 in Turkey, 21 in Italy and 14 in Thailand.

“Greek hospitals lack collaborative agreements with leading international medical institutions, which would raise the country’s profile internationally,” the Mckinsey study said.

In outpatient segments, although Greece has available resources, know-how and occasionally a competitive price advantage (e.g. in fields such as reproductive fertility), it still needs to establish a reputation as a “quality destination.”