23 May Medical Tourism, Death Highlights Critical Warning for All
The tragic death of 20-year-old Morgan Ribeiro, who passed away after traveling to Türkiye (formerly Turkey) as medical tourism for a gastric sleeve surgery, underscores the risks associated with seeking medical, cosmetic, Hair transplant or dental procedures, whether abroad or in the UK.
Ian Gargan, Chief Executive of the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), stated:
“Our thoughts are with Morgan’s family and anyone affected by similar tragedies resulting from medical tourism.”
“While we don’t collect data from outside the UK, it’s often reported that the media exaggerates the number of people traveling abroad for elective medical and cosmetic procedures. Therefore, people shouldn’t assume that it’s a widespread and inherently safe practice.”
“With NHS waiting lists at record highs, many are exploring alternatives, including the UK private sector. It’s understandable why the allure of cheaper options abroad, combined with a bit of sunshine, can be very tempting.”
“However, it’s crucial to recognize the varying standards and regulations across different countries, which can affect the quality of care and the recourse available if something goes wrong. Misleading advertising is also a concern, as highlighted in cases like this one. As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Traveling outside the UK for treatment isn’t necessarily problematic, as many countries boast excellent healthcare systems. Nonetheless, thorough research is vital. Also, consider the need for follow-up appointments, which could entail additional travel and accommodation expenses.”
Considering Health Tourism? Here’s What You Should Do:
Before deciding to join the ranks of medical tourists, ensure you gather reliable information about what to expect of this medical tourism. Investigate the qualifications and accreditations of healthcare providers and facilities in your chosen destination. Verify that medical professionals are certified and that the hospital or clinic meets international standards.
In the UK, an initial consultation is a key part of the process. It allows you to evaluate the healthcare facilities and understand:
- The proposed treatment plan
- The quality of care
- Potential risks
- Expected outcomes
Ensure you feel comfortable with the consultant who will conduct your procedure. If planning treatment abroad, ensure similar consultations are possible and that language barriers won’t impede communication.
Assess the overall safety of your medical tourism destination. Consider factors like the prevalence of infectious diseases, healthcare infrastructure quality, and the availability of emergency services. The government provides travel advice on gov.uk.
Follow-up care is crucial. Even if the procedure is flawless, post-operative care, including the timing of your return home, can affect your health. For instance, the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases with air travel following surgery. Ensure you have access to necessary medical services and medications upon return, as they may not always be readily available in the UK.
Additional Costs of Medical Tourism
When medical tourism goes wrong, the financial burden on the NHS can be significant, with estimates suggesting it costs around £50 million annually. NHS Scotland provides emergency care when needed but isn’t obligated to offer further routine treatment.
At Tajmeel Clinic, the consultations, hair transplant procedure and follow up are only performed by the surgeon.
The Surgeon is an affiliate member of British Association of hair transplant surgery (BAHRS).
Tajmeel Clinic serves patients mainly from the south-west and England at Bournemouth office
6 Kingswell Road, BH10 5DH ,Bournemout, Dorset, Uk.
please call us to schedule a face to face consultation with the surgeon on
01202 245033
07474076830
or send an email to [email protected]
