London based health tour operator Health Store Turkey has warned Irish patients about the rise of “fake” hospitals and unverified clinics in Turkey.
Patients are promised treatments in reputable hospitals but are diverted at the last minute to unknown places.
Medical tourism agencies and clinics are sprouting up, but many are not legitimate.
Patients should be cautious of fabricated testimonials on websites.
Some Turkish medical tourism agencies do not have official recognition or licensing from the government.
Procedures, such as bariatric surgery, are being carried out in clinics without an intensive care unit, posing risks.
In the past three years, at least 10 Irish people who travelled to Turkey for procedures have died.
Inflation has increased in Turkey, but some clinics have not increased their prices, possibly indicating corners being cut.
Young Irish women seeking cheap procedures may face long-term implications.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises conducting independent research on service providers and refers to the Turkish government’s website for accredited facilities.
