Blessed with natural hot baths and mineral springs from the time of Carthage, Tunisia aims at becoming a leading regional medical tourism destination, by attracting investment in the medical tourism sector and by boosting its presence in international medical Societies.
In 2007, Tunisia joined the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and in March 2010 it became officially represented by a National Secretary.
Founded in the 1970's in New York City, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) counts among its members some1800 certified surgeons from 85 different countries.
It aims at providing up-to-date medical education for surgeons, disseminating accurate and current information to the public and media as well as to promote safe cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Bouraoui Kotti is the first Doctor to represent Tunisia and to become its first national secretary at the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He is also a certified doctor by the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery as well as a member of the French Board of Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
In a statement to Tunisiaonlinenews, Dr. Kotti expressed the significance of Tunisia's membership in such international society which will further boost Tunisia's image abroad in the medical tourism sector, and which represents one of the country's "sources of currency.
"The high level of Tunisian plastic surgeons and the cost of surgery, which remain cheaper than in Europe make of Tunisia an attractive alternative to India and Thailand, for those who want to avoid long-haul flights", said Dr. Kotti.
Tunisia attracts an increasing number of British, Germans, Italians, French, Belgians, Swiss, Portuguese, and Spaniards. It is also a medical hub for foreign patients coming from Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Mali and Burundi, Algeria and Libya, said Dr. Bouraoui Kotti.
In a survey published in the French edition of the January-February issue, "African Business" reports that 250, 000 foreign patients came to Tunisia in 2009 for treatment, including from Libya, Algeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Western patients represent 18%, of the number; they come to Tunisia for cosmetic surgeries, including plastic surgery.
The survey adds that medical tourism, represents 5% of the country's exports of services. It represents 24% of turnover of private clinics, amounting to 175 million Euros. Patients spend on average 4000 Euros, whereas the standard tourist only spends 300 Euros.
© Tunisia Online News 2010
