Regional problems of medical tourism and the export of medical services

Aim. This comprehensive study was aimed at identifying organizational, communicative, methodical, and service problems that impeded the development of Russian regional health tourism. Materials and methods. The problems and directions of the development of regional tourism, as well as the monitoring of emerging aspects of the export of medical services and medical tourism, were defined based on a comprehensive use of analytical, sociological, retrospective, and statistical methods. Results. A review of specialized publications and the analysis of relevant information showed a tendency towards the increase of medical tourism from more economically developed countries to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Russian state programs and projects are aimed at the development of medical tourism at all levels of management. The so-called ‘seamless approach’ is required to provide the export of medical and non-medical services. The problems of medical tourism are associated with informational, methodical, and marketing support, as well as standards development, personnel, technologies, and equipment. Conclusion. The use of the best foreign and Russian practices in the export of medical services will allow regions to have additional financial sources and improve the image of Russian healthcare at the international level. A further connection between the medical and tourist sectors is required, along with a synchronous performance of regional and state activities.