Turkey is renowned as a destination for affordable surgery. The significantly lower costs can be appealing, but it's crucial to understand why these savings are possible and what they might mean in terms of the quality of care and patient safety.
This blog post explores the reasons behind the lower costs of surgeries in Turkey, addresses potential safety concerns, and suggests considering non-surgical weight loss alternatives available in the UK.
Factors contributing to lower surgery costs in Turkey
Economic differences
The general cost of living in Turkey is lower than in the UK, which naturally extends to surgical treatment. Lower labour costs, cheaper infrastructure, and less expensive insurance all contribute to reducing the overall costs of medical procedures.
Government subsidies and incentives
The Turkish government provides subsidies to the healthcare sector, especially in areas geared towards medical tourism. These subsidies help reduce the operational costs for hospitals, which can then offer more affordable services to international patients.
High volume of patients
Turkish medical facilities often operate with a high volume of patients, which allows them to distribute fixed costs over a larger number of procedures, reducing the cost per patient. This high patient turnover can result in lower prices for weight loss surgery in Turkey.
Implications of lower costs on safety and quality
Variation in regulatory standards
While many Turkish healthcare providers maintain high standards, the regulatory environment in Turkey is different from the NHS. The differences in regulation can sometimes mean that safety protocols and medical standards vary more widely between facilities than they might in more tightly regulated environments like the UK.
We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.
– GOV.UK
Potential for overworked staff
Facilities handling a high volume of patients might stretch their resources thin, potentially leading to overworked medical staff. This can affect the level of personalised care and attention each patient receives, which is crucial in post-operative recovery and overall safety.
Quality of post-operative care
Post-operative care is vital for recovery, especially in weight loss surgeries. Patients need to consider whether the standards of aftercare in Turkey will match what they can receive from the NHS, where follow-up care is strictly regulated and more accessible.
The duration after care is also an important factor. In the UK several years of aftercare is provided for bariatric surgery patients; some Turkish clinics only offer a few days of follow up; after that the patient returns home and seeks care in their home country, removing the cost of follow up from the clinic.
Safer alternatives available in the UK
Weight loss injections
Before opting for surgery abroad, you might consider non-surgical options such as weight loss injections, which include:
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): This once-weekly injection helps patients lose weight by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite. Around 15% weight loss.
- Saxenda (Liraglutide): This works similarly by helping control appetite and is administered daily. Around 10% weight loss.
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): A newer option that not only helps with weight loss but also assists with blood sugar control. Up to 26% weight loss.
Make sure to use a trusted provider in the UK, such as London Weight Loss Clinic or Medicspot to avoid counterfeit medications.
Summary of weight loss options
While Turkey offers more affordable surgery compared to surgery in the UK, due to economic factors, government support, and operational efficiencies, these cost savings come with considerations that you need to weigh carefully. The implications for safety, quality of care, and post-operative support are significant.
About the author
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare and personalised and lifestyle medicine, including weight loss. Dr Abbs is a leader in the innovation of effective, accessible and safe healthcare delivered via remote care. Dr Abbs is an expert medical writer and authored the RCGP-accredited Handbook of Remote Consultations in 2020. GMC Number 7078829 Irish Medical Council 429282