Medical tourism is an evolving sector where different countries and healthcare providers vie for a share in the market. The Kazakhstani medical tourism market represents a rich untapped vein that is worth exploring. In this article, we delve into what makes Kazakhstan unique as a target market, and lay out strategies for effectively captivating the Kazakhstani medical tourists.
The Unique Kazakhstani Market
Kazakhstan, being the ninth largest country in the world, has a diverse population with a mix of cultural backgrounds. The rising middle class and the government's recent focus on healthcare have made medical tourism an attractive option for many Kazakhstani citizens. However, there are certain aspects that set this market apart.
Cultural Sensitivity
Kazakh culture is a blend of traditional nomadic Turkic and modern elements. It is essential to understand and respect these cultural nuances. Offering translation services, dietary options in line with Kazakh preferences, and understanding their family values can play a crucial role in attracting patients from Kazakhstan.
Growing Demand for Quality Healthcare
With an increasing awareness of global healthcare standards, Kazakhstani patients are looking for high-quality treatment options. They are particularly interested in specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, and wellness programs. Tapping into these areas can be particularly beneficial.
Market Opportunities
Kazakhstan's growing economy, coupled with a general increase in disposable income, has led to higher spending on healthcare. The country lacks certain advanced medical technologies and treatments, and this is where foreign healthcare providers can step in to fulfill these needs. Additionally, Kazakhstan's proximity to Europe and Asia makes it an ideal market for medical tourism.
Accommodating Expectations and Experience
Understanding the expectations of Kazakhstani patients is key. They usually prefer comprehensive medical packages that include treatment, accommodation, and travel. Also, providing a seamless experience that respects their cultural norms is paramount. This includes having interpreters, offering traditional Kazakh foods, and accommodating family members who often travel with the patient.
Tapping into the Market
To tap into the Kazakhstani market, healthcare providers should consider working with Global Healthcare Accreditation. GHA can help hospitals perform a Gap Analysis, which is essential for understanding what is needed to effectively enter this specific market. Top hospitals around the world have collaborated with GHA for training, accreditation, and gap analysis.
Having accreditation from Global Healthcare Accreditation assures patients that the healthcare provider has cultural competency and is capable of delivering excellent patient experiences. Such accreditation builds trust, a critical factor in patients’ decision-making. Moreover, patients from Kazakhstan who experience high-quality care become living testimonials, encouraging their family and friends to explore similar options.
GHA offers a plethora of benefits to both hospitals and patients. For hospitals, it provides training to understand the cultural dynamics of different markets, ensuring that the care provided is culturally sensitive. For patients, it offers a sense of security knowing that the hospital understands their cultural needs.
The Importance of Trust
Building trust with healthcare consumers is integral. Accreditation with Global Healthcare Accreditation signifies that a healthcare provider meets international standards. For the Kazakhstani market, knowing that the hospital has been vetted and meets high standards is often a decisive factor in choosing where to seek medical treatment abroad.
Connecting with the Medical Tourism Association
For healthcare providers aiming to attract patients from Kazakhstan, it is also advisable to get in touch with Global Healthcare Resources, which has a substantial network and audience of consumers and buyers globally. This organization is a master of market penetration, helping both B2C medical tourist referrals and B2B referrals such asfacilitators, insurance companies, and governments.
The Medical Tourism Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives in Korea, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Washington DC, Florida, Miami, Las Vegas, Colombia, Costa Rica, and more. By leveraging their extensive network and expertise, healthcare providers can significantly enhance their chances of successfully penetrating the Kazakhstani market.
Conclusion
Capturing the Kazakhstani medical tourism market requires a multi-pronged approach that combines cultural sensitivity with world-class healthcare services. By understanding and accommodating the unique expectations and cultural aspects of Kazakhstani patients, healthcare providers can establish trust and build a loyal patient base from this burgeoning market. Furthermore, by associating with organizations like Global Healthcare Accreditation and the Medical Tourism Association, providers can ensure they are well-equipped to offer services that resonate with Kazakhstani patients, thus successfully navigating and capturing this promising market.
