Tunisian health and medical tourism showing steady growth

The number of medical tourists visiting Tunisia is increasing every year. The majority come from Libya because of the better level of care available in Tunisia and the wrecked state of Libyan healthcare. Even before the 2011 revolution, many Libyans would visit private Tunisian hospitals for a regular check-up, with their government footing the bill. Even now, many have their medical care paid for by the state as long as they can provide evidence from a Libyan doctor that they are unwell.

The number of medical tourists visiting Tunisia is increasing every year. The majority come from Libya because of the better level of care available in Tunisia and the wrecked state of Libyan healthcare. Even before the 2011 revolution, many Libyans would visit private Tunisian hospitals for a regular check-up, with their government footing the bill. Even now, many have their medical care paid for by the state as long as they can provide evidence from a Libyan doctor that they are unwell.

Tunisia seeks to become a major regional destination for medical and health tourism.155,000 foreign patients went to Tunisia in 2013 according to health minister Mohamed Salah Ben Ammar. European patients also visit Tunisia, mostly for health tourism and holidays at hotels providing spas and medical centres in their facilities.

Cosmetic surgery and dental treatment are other reasons the country attracts many patients from Europe, the Gulf and Asia, with the number increasing year by year. Within Tunisia the main locations are on the coast including Tunis, Bizerte, Tabarka, Sousse, Sfax, Gabes, and Jerba.

Tunisia is also famous for its hot water springs in Tunis, Hammam-Lif, Korbous, Jebel Oust, Ezzeriba, Zaghouan, Hammam Ejjedidi, Nafta, and Hamma Gabes. The temperature of these hot water springs can reach 65 degrees celsius and are believed to be a good remedy for rheumatism and other diseases. The Ministry of Tourism is reluctant to promote these as attractive tourist destinations, as they are concerned that the quality of care and accommodation is not yet acceptable to modern tourists.