Integrating Telemedicine and Cost-Effective Neurosurgical Services: Iran’s Strategic Role in Advancing Global Health Tourism

Background and Aims: Neurosurgical services in developed countries are often prohibitively expensive, restricting access to advanced care for many patients globally. Iran, however, provides high-quality neurosurgical procedures at significantly lower costs, creating an opportunity to enhance global health tourism. This study aims to explore how Iran can leverage its cost-effective healthcare and telemedicine innovations to become a leading destination for international patients seeking affordable, high-quality neurosurgery. Methods: The research evaluates a newly developed platform that integrates telemedicine with neurosurgical expertise in Iran. The sample includes international patients accessing online consultations, top Iranian neurosurgeons, and collaborating hospitals. The platform employs advanced telemedicine tools, such as secure radiology transfer systems, and offers comprehensive health tourism services, including visa support, luxury accommodations, and post-operative care. Data were collected on service quality, cost comparisons, and patient satisfaction through platform usage and feedback analysis. Results: Findings reveal that Iran offers neurosurgical procedures at a fraction of the cost in developed nations, with no compromise in quality, often surpassing international standards. The telemedicine platform successfully facilitated remote consultations, rapid medical image sharing, and personalized treatment plans for over ۸۰% of sampled patients. Patient satisfaction rates exceeded ۹۰%, driven by affordability, convenience, and comprehensive support services. The platform also generated significant foreign currency revenue, boosting Iran’s medical tourism sector. Conclusion: This innovative integration of telemedicine and cost-effective neurosurgery positions Iran as a global leader in health tourism. The findings suggest that affordable, high-quality healthcare can be made accessible worldwide through strategic use of technology and competitive pricing. This model not only improves patient outcomes but also drives economic growth in Iran by attracting international patients. Future efforts should focus on expanding the platform’s reach and enhancing collaborations with global medical institutions to further elevate standards and scalability.