Title: Stop Political Bias in Health Tourism

Abstract:

Health tourism is a rapidly growing global sector, offering patients access to medical services beyond their home countries. However, political biases and geopolitical tensions can significantly influence patient access, destination choice, and healthcare collaborations. This presentation explores the impact of political bias on health tourism, including restrictions on cross-border medical travel, limitations in insurance coverage, and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in politically sensitive regions. Strategies for mitigating these biases, promoting equitable access, and fostering an inclusive health tourism environment will be discussed. The session aims to highlight the importance of separating healthcare from political influence to ensure patient-centered care and international collaboration in medical services.

Biography:

Hasti Talebi is a researcher at Karaj Azad University, Iran, specializing in health tourism and global healthcare accessibility. Her work focuses on analyzing the effects of political and socio-economic factors on international medical travel and developing strategies to enhance equitable access to healthcare services. Hasti has contributed to multiple publications and conferences, advocating for patient-centered approaches and the depoliticization of global health tourism.