Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Health Services Administration, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Policy makers and decision makers must identify the stakeholders in medical
tourism, who will be affected by and/or affect this industry, and determine their status
for partnership. The aim of this study was to identify the main stakeholders in Isfahan’s
medical tourism, analyze them, and provide strategies for developing this industry.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2011. At first, the key stakeholders
in medical tourism were identified in accordance with the experts’ idea and literature review.
Then we interviewed the key stakeholders. Data analysis was conducted using the stakeholders’
analyses, which helped in developing strategies. Results: The result showed that the key
stakeholders were made up of nine groups. They included the provincial governance of Isfahan,
the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Isfahan, the Chamber of Commerce, the
Medical Council, the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, health service providers, tourism
services providers, investors, and the Tosea Saderat Bank. The rate of knowledge of the Cultural
Heritage and Tourism Organization of Isfahan, clinic and international relationship of Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences from government policy about medical tourism were very
much. Private Hospitals, the Medical Council, investors, and the University of Medical Sciences
had great power. Private hospitals, clinics, the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of
Isfahan, and the University of Medical Sciences were in the supporter position. The effected
strategies were the included strategies, focused on increasing power; increasing support,
and on maintaining the position. Conclusion: There are different stakeholders in the medical
tourism industry. Thus, policy makers can plan, make a policy and decision, and use effective
strategies to develop medical tourism by designing a medical tourism stakeholders’ network,
a medical tourism provincial council, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.
Keywords
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