Volume 28, Issue 1 (5-2025)
jha 2025, 28(1): 109-119 |
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eisavi M, ranjbar fallah M, motaghi S, taheri F. The impact of economic convergence between Iran and selected middle eastern countries on health tourism in Iran. jha 2025; 28 (1) :109-119
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4588-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4588-en.html
1- Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Monetary and Banking Research Institute of Central Bank, Tehran, Iran.
3- Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran. ,S.motaghi@atu.ac.ir
4- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Monetary and Banking Research Institute of Central Bank, Tehran, Iran.
3- Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran. ,
4- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (33 Views)
Introduction: Health tourism is currently one of the most important sectors of the tourism industry and offers significant economic and social benefits. It refers to the travel of patients to other countries to acess more affordable healthcare services than those available in their home countries. The present study analytically investigates the impact of the convergence between Iran and selected middle eastern countries on Iran’s health tourism.
Method: This study employs a descriptive-analytical design combined with a modeling approach, using an extended gravity model to examine the impact of convergence between Iran and middle eastern countries on health tourism in Iran during the period of 1995-2020. For data analysis, the panel data method was applied using Eviews 13 software.
Result: The findings indicate that certain variables have a positive and significant impact on health tourism in Iran. A one-unit increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Iran and selected countries leads to growth of 1.5% and 0.04%, respectively, while increases in the population of Iran and other thesecountries results in 5.4% and 0.5% growth, respectively. Additionally, health expenditures in selected countries contribute to a 0.04% increase, and fluctuations in exchange rate in selected countries significantly increases health tourism. These findings indicate that strengthening economic conditions and population growth can drive the advancement of health tourism. In contrast, health expenditures in Iran and the geographical distance between Iran and selected countries have a significant negative impact on health tourism.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significant influence of diverse economic and social factors on health tourism. It is evident that improvements in GDP, population, healthcare expenses, exchange rates, and geographical distance can contribute to the growth of health tourism in Iran and the select countries. Therefore, to attract more health tourists, it is imperative to focus on improving both economic and healthcare conditions while minimizing geographical constraints. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, planners, and investors in formulating effective strategies to advance this industry.
Method: This study employs a descriptive-analytical design combined with a modeling approach, using an extended gravity model to examine the impact of convergence between Iran and middle eastern countries on health tourism in Iran during the period of 1995-2020. For data analysis, the panel data method was applied using Eviews 13 software.
Result: The findings indicate that certain variables have a positive and significant impact on health tourism in Iran. A one-unit increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Iran and selected countries leads to growth of 1.5% and 0.04%, respectively, while increases in the population of Iran and other thesecountries results in 5.4% and 0.5% growth, respectively. Additionally, health expenditures in selected countries contribute to a 0.04% increase, and fluctuations in exchange rate in selected countries significantly increases health tourism. These findings indicate that strengthening economic conditions and population growth can drive the advancement of health tourism. In contrast, health expenditures in Iran and the geographical distance between Iran and selected countries have a significant negative impact on health tourism.
Conclusion: The study highlights the significant influence of diverse economic and social factors on health tourism. It is evident that improvements in GDP, population, healthcare expenses, exchange rates, and geographical distance can contribute to the growth of health tourism in Iran and the select countries. Therefore, to attract more health tourists, it is imperative to focus on improving both economic and healthcare conditions while minimizing geographical constraints. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, planners, and investors in formulating effective strategies to advance this industry.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Services Management
Received: 2025/02/9 | Accepted: 2025/08/13 | Published: 2025/09/4
Received: 2025/02/9 | Accepted: 2025/08/13 | Published: 2025/09/4
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