Why is weight loss surgery cheaper in Turkey?
Reviewed By Patient Coordinator Mim Dickens
Last updated 01/01/2000
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Reviewed By Patient Coordinator Mim Dickens Last updated 01/01/01 |
In recent years, Turkey has become a popular destination for patients seeking weight loss surgery abroad. But why exactly is weight loss surgery cheaper in Turkey and what are the risks?
It's a question that we're asked on a regular basis. We've commented on this topic so many times and our response is always the same. Medical equipment and standards simply aren’t as highly regulated in Turkey as they are in the UK and EU countries.
As Turkey isn’t part of the EU, they do not comply with the strict guidelines that we see in Latvia and other EU countries.
You might be able to save a bit of cash, but the risks of a cut-price procedure greatly outweigh the benefits.
It is unlikely you will be covered if a complication were to arise, you are not protected by the CQC or EU law, and in many cases, there is no aftercare whatsoever.
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So why is weight loss surgery cheaper in Turkey?
Instruments equipment
Let’s take gastric sleeve surgery as an example. The standard equipment costs for this procedure alone is £1,500 yet some Turkish hospitals are charging as little as £2,000 - £2,500 for gastric sleeves including accommodation for several nights.
EU surgeons dispose of their instruments for each procedure whereas surgeons in Turkey are likely reusing disposable instruments for the numbers to add up.
If they are not reusing disposable instruments then they are using inferior quality instruments and equipment which are way cheaper than the recommended tools used in the UK and EU.
Regardless, the quality of equipment is one of the biggest cost-saving factors for bariatric surgery in Turkey, but it’s not the only one…
Surgeons Staff
Turkey isn’t exactly a poor country (20th richest by GDP in the world) but they must be paying their staff (surgeon, anaesthetists, nurses, porters, ward staff) less to complete surgical procedures at this price.
Why?
There are several factors here. It's common for surgeons in Turkey to carry out up to 10 surgeries a day - significantly above the recommended limit and ultimately treating patient procedures like a conveyer belt.
Surgeons aren’t paid as much partly because they aren’t held to the same standards as the UK or EU.
All EU countries must re-certify their surgeons each year but when it comes to data governance (i.e. checking that surgeons are delivering high-quality outcomes by looking at their performance), Turkey doesn’t adhere to the same standards as EU Law which scrutinises a surgeon’s procedures every year
Instruments equipment
Let’s take gastric sleeve surgery as an example. The standard equipment costs for this procedure alone is £1,500 yet some Turkish hospitals are charging as little as £2,000 - £2,500 for gastric sleeves including accommodation for several nights.
EU surgeons dispose of their instruments for each procedure whereas surgeons in Turkey are likely reusing disposable instruments for the numbers to add up.
If they are not reusing disposable instruments then they are using inferior quality instruments and equipment which are way cheaper than the recommended tools used in the UK and EU.
Regardless, the quality of equipment is one of the biggest cost-saving factors for bariatric surgery in Turkey, but it’s not the only one…
Surgeons Staff
Turkey isn’t exactly a poor country (20th richest by GDP in the world) but they must be paying their staff (surgeon, anaesthetists, nurses, porters, ward staff) less to complete surgical procedures at this price.
Why?
There are several factors here. It's common for surgeons in Turkey to carry out up to 10 surgeries a day - significantly above the recommended limit and ultimately treating patient procedures like a conveyer belt.
Surgeons aren’t paid as much partly because they aren’t held to the same standards as the UK or EU.
All EU countries must re-certify their surgeons each year but when it comes to data governance (i.e. checking that surgeons are delivering high-quality outcomes by looking at their performance), Turkey doesn’t adhere to the same standards as EU Law which scrutinises a surgeon’s procedures every year
Considering weight loss surgery this year? Find out if you’re eligible and start your journey to a healthier you. |
Weight Loss Riga - Affordable without compromising on quality
At Weight Loss Riga, we pride ourselves on the quality of our bariatric surgeons, dedicated medical team and devoted patient care team.
All of our reviews are genuine, from real people who have had their procedure with us. We actively seek new reviewers and are proud to be rated “excellent” by 428+ patients on Trustpilot. You can read some of our reviews here.
So if you're considering weight loss surgery opt for a more regulated provider that'll help you achieve lasting weight loss success safely.
Weight Loss Riga - Affordable without compromising on quality
At Weight Loss Riga, we pride ourselves on the quality of our bariatric surgeons, dedicated medical team and devoted patient care team.
All of our reviews are genuine, from real people who have had their procedure with us. We actively seek new reviewers and are proud to be rated “excellent” by 428+ patients on Trustpilot. You can read some of our reviews here.
So if you're considering weight loss surgery opt for a more regulated provider that'll help you achieve lasting weight loss success safely.
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