Tunisian fertility clinic draws over 2m medical tourists annually

Bintou Yunoussa from Niger is among the multitude of hopeful individuals seeking fertility treatments at a private clinic, contributing to Tunisia’s burgeoning medical tourism industry, now a crucial economic lifeline.

Yunoussa, following a relative’s success story, chose Tunisia after three years of unsuccessful treatments.

She’s part of the more than two million foreigners who annually flock to Tunisia for various medical procedures, transforming the nation into a sought-after destination for healthcare.

The private clinic in Tunis, specializing in medically assisted reproduction, has become a hub for patients like Yunoussa and her sister Khadija, who had her eggs frozen at the same facility five months ago.

The clinic’s success is attributed to Tunisia’s highly specialized private clinics and skilled medical staff, making it a prominent player in the medical tourism arena.

Nadia Fenina, a health ministry official, highlighted Tunisia’s position as the leading medical tourism destination in Africa.

Despite economic challenges and government debt, medical tourism has thrived, generating approximately 3.5 billion dinars ($1.1 billion) in annual revenues — a significant contribution to Tunisia’s overall tourism income.

Medical tourism, accounting for nine percent of Tunisia’s GDP, plays a crucial role in a country grappling with economic slowdown.

Tourism is vital for the nation’s finances, with approximately nine million tourists visiting last year, including over 500,000 foreign patients who sought hospitalization in Tunisia.

Fenina emphasized the interconnection between medical and general tourism sectors, stating, “The promotion of medical tourism depends on the development of the tourism sector as a whole.”

Dr. Fethi Zhiwa, associated with the Tunis clinic, highlighted that 450 patients received in vitro fertilization treatments last year, attracting individuals from sub-Saharan African countries and even Western nations like Britain, Switzerland, and Canada. Affordable rates and renowned fertility specialists make Tunisia an attractive destination for medical tourists.

While the clinic sees patients seeking various treatments, cosmetic surgery is a significant draw, constituting 15 percent of all treatments for foreign visitors.

Despite challenges, including economic hardships and anti-migrant sentiments, Tunisia sees the potential for further growth in medical tourism. Health ministry efforts include implementing a medical visa, improving coordination among stakeholders, and collaborating with the private sector to cater to an elderly European clientele.

Tunisia’s medical tourism success story continues, offering not only hope for individuals seeking treatments but also providing a crucial economic lifeline for the nation.