Greece – Ethiopia Explore Cooperation in Health Tourism

(center) Athens Medical Association (ISA) President George Patoulis and Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister Nasise Chali Jira. Photo source: Athens Medical Association

Attracting health tourism to Greece from the countries of Africa was the focus of the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute week held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this month.

The event, supported by the Athens Medical Association (ISA), ELITOUR – Greek Health Tourism Council, the health ministries of Greece and Ethiopia, the Tourism Ministry and the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, focused on ways to attract health tourism from African countries.

“Greece can and should become a health destination for residents of African countries who are now heading to Asia for medical tourism,” said ISA President George Patoulis.

Among others, the Greek and Ethiopian delegations explored ways to cooperate in the area of health and wellness tourism.

Photo source: Athens Medical Association

Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister Nasise Chali Jira also agreed to the exchange of expertise and guidance. “Data shows that a significant number of people from African countries come to Ethiopia every year for reasons related to their health. Ethiopia and Greece should strengthen their relations and deepen their cooperation in the field of tourism as well as in other economic and social fields,” she said.

In response, Patoulis said the scientific community in Greece was willing to cooperate and contribute to strengthening the country’s knowhow. “Greece offers high-level health services in various fields, including in new technologies of robotic surgery, assisted reproduction, etc,” said Patoulis referring to Greece’s key advantages in the field of medicine and health.