Stereotypes versus Reality

Perception allows us to take the sensory information in and translate it into something meaningful. Through our perception of the world we also form stereotypes (and prejudices). According to psychologist Gordon Allport, prejudice and stereotypes are part of normal human thinking. In order to make sense of the world around us, it is important to sort information into mental categories. The stereotypes people form can either be positive or negative.

At Tourmedical we see this phenomenon reflected to the perception of our clinics and treatments. Unfortunately in particular the West-European perception of Turkey’s standard of health services, and more specific Tourmedical’s clinics and treatments, doesn’t do justice to reality. In reality Turkey has emerged as one of the top destinations for medical tourism, ranking sixth in the world.

Let’s take a look at the figures: according to the latest figures by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) out of roughly 35 million tourists who visited Turkey last year, around 188,095 came for procedures such as hair transplants, liposuction, dental treatments, and cancer treatment. The number of medical tourists who visited Turkey in the first six months of 2014 totaled 162,445 . They are mostly from western European countries like the U.K., Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as from Libya and United Arab Emirates. People from countries with heavily congested health systems like in West-Europe, welcome the opportunity to choose the time of their treatment together with a holiday and saving up to 40-70%. The patients from less-developed nations are attracted by western-trained medical professionals and new private healthcare services available in Turkey.

Being one of the key players in dental treatments, the reality at Tourmedical clinics is that patients from West-European countries prefer Turkey due to its low-cost labor, lower cost of living, and affordable holiday prices. Our patients can save up till 80% compared to their own country. And enjoy a relaxing holiday in Kusadasi, one of the most beautiful and historic holiday locations of Turkey. After been treated at Tourmedical our patients go back to their own country with a positive stereotype, based on a realistic perception…