Analysis of Medical Tourism Industry Stakeholders: Providing Effective Strategies in Isfahan, Iran*

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Jabbari 1
Masoud Ferdosi 1
Mahmoud Keyvanara 2
Zahra Agharahimi 3
1 Assistant Professor, Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Information, Health Management and Economic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Medical Sociology, School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 MSc Student, Student Research Committee, Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Corresponding Author) Email: z_agharahimi@ yahoo.com
Abstract
Introduction: Policy makers and decision makers of medical tourism must identify stakeholders who can
be affected by and can affect this industry and determine their status for partnership. The aim of this study
was to identify and analyze the main stakeholders of medical tourism in Isfahan, and provide strategies for
developing this industry.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2011. At first, key stakeholders of medical tourism in
Isfahan were identified according to experts idea and literature review. Then we interviewed these key
stakeholders. Data analysis was conducted using stakeholder analysis and development strategies were
provided for medical tourism.
Results: The key stakeholders of medical tourism in Isfahan were divided into 9 categories. They
consisted of Governor of Isfahan Province, Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization of
Isfahan, Chamber of Commerce, State Medical Council, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, health
services providers, tourism services providers, private investors, and the Export Development Bank of
Iran. Stakeholders’ characteristics showed that Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization of
Isfahan, clinic, and International Relations Office of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences had full
knowledge of the government policy about medical tourism. Private hospital, State Medical Council,
investors, and University of Medical Sciences had great power. Private hospital, clinic, Cultural Heritage,
Handcraft and Tourism Organization of Isfahan, and University of Medical Sciences had a supportive
position. Effective strategies included strategies focused on increasing power, increasing support, and
maintaining their position.
Conclusion: There are different stakeholders in the medical tourism industry of Isfahan. Therefore, policy
makers can plan, make policies and decisions, and use effective strategies in order to develop medical
tourism by designing a medical tourism stakeholders’ network and a medical tourism provincial council,
and by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.

Keywords

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Health Information Management
Volume 9, Issue 6
Winter 2012
Pages 878-886