Management of Infectious Diseases and Epidemics in the Medical Tourism Industry

The growing industry of medical tourism brings unique challenges as well as opportunities; especially in relation to infectious disease management. The potential risk of infectious disease associated with medical tourism is complex, shaped by globalization and other cross-cutting medical and ethical issues, as outlined by the literature review below, which highlights an increasing number of articles on this topic, reflecting cross-border travel for medical treatments. This risk is further compounded by factors associated with medical tourism, including cost-benefit elements, access to advanced medical technology, and reduced waiting times for procedures. The increase in patients traveling to other locations for medical treatment presents an important risk of surgical site infections, blood-borne infections, and travel-related infections. Movement of medical tourists bring pathogens across borders, with documented cases of exposures to infections after procedures abroad. In response to these challenges, this article proposes specific approaches, including health education before travel, strict prevention of infection in the country of visit and effective post-travel monitoring. In addition, it highlights the need for ongoing international cooperation around public health measures and ethical guidelines to safeguard patients as they navigate a rapidly changing environment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Medical tourism ، infectious diseases ، surgical site infections ، blood-borne infections ، travel-related infections ، public health strategies ، ethical guidelines