3 October 2008
Tunis — Tunisia's pristine beaches, blue seas, and historical treasures are not the only source of attraction for the 6 million tourists who, on average, visit the country each year.
Slowly but surely, Tunisia is carving out a place for itself as a major health tourism destination. Cheaper costs and professional treatment are attracting more and more health tourists to the country.
Figures recently released by the ministry of health, show that in 2007 some 102,000 foreign patients from different nationalities have come to Tunisia for treatment. In 2006 they were 81,500 and in 2005, 55,000.
Patients from African and Arab countries usually sign up for heart surgery, eye treatment, neurological and orthopaedic cure, whereas European health tourists come for liposuction, capillary implants, mammal implants, and dental surgery.
Tunisia currently counts 80 private clinics, equipped with cutting edge technology and staffed with highly competent medical teams.
The majority of these clinics are ISO certified and have all taken part in the national upgrading program destined to ensure further quality at more competitive prices.
In the sector of thalasso therapy and spas, Tunisia is the second destination in the world, after France. In 2007, Tunisian thalasso therapy centres welcomed some 150,000 visitors, mostly from Europe.
Specialists rank Tunisia second in Africa after South Africa in terms of health tourism.
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