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Located in Ankara, Turkey, Güven Hospital has built a reputation for its dedication tohigh-quality care, innovation, and patient-centered services. Annually serving over 17,000 international patients and conducting more than 13,000 surgeries, the hospital integrates medical travel into its core strategy, leveraging advanced technology, skilled medical teams, and a robust infrastructure to deliver outstanding outcomes for international patients.
Medical Tourism Magazine recently sat down with Ms. Esil Halit, International Markets andBusiness Development Director, to discuss the hospital’s remarkable journey in global healthcare. With her deep expertise and passion for expandinginternational patient access, Ms. Halit has played a pivotal role in shaping Güven Hospital’s global strategy.
Career Journey & Market Vision:
You’ve spent many years expanding Güven Hospital’s reach across multiple geographies. What have been the most pivotal lessons in building international referral networks that consistently convert interest into arrivals
One of the most pivotal lessons has been the importance of relationship-building. Referral networks are built on trust and transparency, not just promotional materials. We’ve focused on creating long-term partnerships with facilitators, physicians, and institutions abroad by understanding their patients’ needs and ensuring we can deliver consistent outcomes. Customization, cultural sensitivity, and timely communication are key—patients must feel secure even before they board the plane.
Advancing Global Medical Travel:
Güven Hospital serves over 17,000 international patients annually. What strategies have you implemented to position the hospital as a premier destination for medical travelers, and how do you ensure their unique needs are met?
Serving over 17,000 international patients annually—especially as a hospital operating solely out of Ankara—is a strong testament to the trust we've built globally and the strategies we've implemented to position ourselves as a premier medical travel destination. We’ve focused on creating an experience that goes beyond just medical treatment. From the moment a patient contacts us, we aim to make them feel supported, understood, and safe. Our international patient team speaks multiple languages, helps with travel and visa arrangements, and stays involved at everystep. We also pay close attention to cultural and personal needs—whether it’s dietary preferences, religious practices, or simply making someone feel at home far from home. I believe what sets us apart is that while we offer advanced medical care, we never lose sight of the human side of healing.
GHA Accreditation Motivation:
Achieving Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) is a significant milestone. What motivated Güven Hospital to pursue this accreditation, and how does it enhance the trust and confidence of international patients in your services?
GHA aligns perfectly with our vision for excellence in international patient care. We pursued accreditation to benchmark ourselves against the best globally. It signals to patients and partners alike that Güven is committed not just to treatment, but to every aspect of the patient experience—from clinical safety to cultural competency. It’s a powerful differentiator in a competitive market.
GHA Accreditation Impact:
Now that Güven Hospital is GHA-accredited, what measurable benefits—such as patient-experience gains, brand visibility, or new market access—have you begun to see, and how do you plan to amplify those results over the next year?
Since achieving accreditation, we’ve seen stronger partnerships with facilitators and insurers, improved online visibility, and greater patient satisfaction metrics. Over the next year, we plan to expand into new markets, use the GHA mark in our branding, and invest in continuous training to further elevate standards.
Enhancing Patient Experience:
Recognizing the importance of patient-centered care, what specific initiatives has Güven Hospital introduced to enhance the experience of international patients throughout their medical journey?
As a multidisciplinary hospital, we are deeply committed to providing a seamless, supportive, and patient-centered experience—especially for our international patients. We’ve established a 24/7 international patient center, assigned personalized case managers, and offer pre-arrival tele-consultations to ensure patients feel prepared and cared for from the very beginning. We offer medical second opinion service, where our international patient department doctor carefully reviews medical reports and prepares a detailed letter outlining the proposed treatment and procedure. Throughout their journey, our care coordination team helps guide them smoothly through each step. To make the process more convenient, most of our departments have their own dedicated blood sampling units, allowing patients to complete tests without needing to move around the hospital.
We’ve invested in creating a warm, comfortable environment with private rooms, calming décor, and live music, giving the hospital a hotel-like atmosphere. Clear signage and digital wayfinding tools make navigation easy, while hospitality-style amenities such as diverse food options, entertainment, and rest areas for family members enhance the overall experience. To support communication, we offer interpreter services in Arabic, Russian, French, English, Georgian, Somali, Kurdish, and several other languages. Additionally, we provide easy-to-understand patient education materials and ensure access to health records, test results, prescriptions, and telehealth services for follow-up care. Every aspect of our service is designed to reduce stress, foster trust, and ensure patients feel safe, understood, and supported throughout their medical journey.
Specialized Programs & Surgical Innovation:
Güven Hospital is renowned for its specialized programs in areas like organ transplantation, oncology, and neurosurgery. Could you highlight some of these programs and discuss how they contribute to the hospital's reputation for excellence?
Our liver, kidney, bonemarrow transplant programs are internationally recognized for their excellent outcomes and adherence to the highest ethical standards. In oncology, we provide personalized treatment plans guided by advanced molecular diagnostics. Our neurosurgery department is another area of excellence, with a dedicated center specializing in complex brain and spine procedures. We also take pride in our advanced urology, general surgery departments, where we perform Da Vincirobotic prostate surgeries. All of these programs are supported by continuous innovation and highly skilled clinical teams, which not only elevate patient outcomes but also strengthen our global reputation and referral network. Additionally, our radiation oncology clinic was verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its high precision, achieving adose difference under 1%, well above international standards, confirming its commitment to top-quality and safe patient care.
Digital Outreach and Marketing Expansion:
From tele-consults to multilingual concierge apps, which digital tools are proving most effective at converting inquiries into booked cases—and how are you adapting these tools for your top source markets?
Our multilingual tele-consultation platform and mobile concierge app have been game changers. They provide real-time support and transparency, which build confidence early. We customize content for source markets—offering Arabic, Russian, and French language support and local partnerships for pre-travel screening and post-care continuity.
Expanding International Collaborations:
You regularly collaborate with embassies, insurers, and travel facilitators. What best practices have you developed for aligning these stakeholders around seamless care pathways and mutually beneficial contracts?
Clear communication and shared goals are essential. We ensure transparent pricing, defined care protocols, and dedicated liaison teams for each stakeholder group. We also hold joint case reviews and conduct satisfaction audits, creating a loop of feedback and continuous improvement.
Destination Strategy:
Turkey’s visibility as a medical-travel hub keeps rising. How do you envision Güven Hospital contributing to—and benefiting from—a broader destination strategy that links hospitality, government support, and regional centers of excellence, and what milestones would mark success by 2030?
Güven Hospital is proud to be part of Turkey’s rise as a healthcare destination. We aim to serve as a model for integrated care—combining medical excellence with warm hospitality. By 2030, we envision increased public-private collaboration, national digital health platforms, and more cross-border insurance coverage. Our success will be measured by improved patient outcomes, market diversification, and sustainable growth in medical arrivals.
