Another strategic step has been taken to strengthen Turkey’s global power in health tourism. The International Health Tourism Confederation (SATKON) Izmir Provincial Directorate opened its doors with a grand ceremony in Bayraklı, bringing together important figures from the worlds of business, politics, medicine, and law. Messages of “Strong Cooperation” from the Protocol The goal of making Izmir a global brand was at the forefront of the opening speeches at the ceremony. SATKON Vice President Mustafa Ünsal Esen emphasized the importance of organization in his speech: “Turkey is the shining star of health tourism. By opening our Izmir Provincial Directorate, SATKON aims to manage this potential locally and ensure Izmir gets its fair share of the global health market. With the energy of our President Elif Canbay, we will achieve great things in Izmir,” he said. SATKON Izmir Provincial Chair Elif Canbay delivered a message of determination as she welcomed her guests as host: “We are bringing together Izmir’s modern hospitals, expert medical staff, and tourism opportunities under one roof. Today, we are not just opening a representative office; we are laying the foundations for a strategic base that will make Izmir the capital of health tourism. Working hand in hand with all our stakeholders, we will elevate our city to the highest level on the international stage,” she said. Prof. Dr. Haşmet Mesut Özsoy, Chairman of the High Advisory Board (YİK), emphasized the scientific and quality aspects of the endeavor: “Health tourism is not just a commercial activity; it is also a race for trust and quality. As SATKON, we will promote Izmir’s academic and clinical success to the world without compromising on medical ethics and high standards. We are creating a sustainable model by blending science and tourism,” he explained. Multidisciplinary Alliance The opening ceremony turned into a show of strength that brought together all stakeholders in health and trade. Among those attending the ceremony were: SANKON General President Chief Advisor Taner Özgür, Vision Media Group Deputy Chairman Yavuz Göl, respected figures in the medical world Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeref Dokcu, Op. Dr. Hilmi Cemal Kurtoğlu and Dr. Arzu Kurtoğlu. Also present were Attorney Sidal Şahiner and Financial Advisor Ebru Akçınar for the management of legal and financial processes, Specialist Alev Usul in the field of social services, and Zeliha Kırmacı from Zesu Global Health Tourism Travel Agency, representing the operational power of the sector. A Message to the World from Bayraklı SATKON Provincial Directorate, which has started operating in Bayraklı, the modern face of İzmir, will coordinate with healthcare institutions in the region to professionally manage the appointment, treatment, accommodation, and transfer processes of foreign patients. The ceremony concluded with guests touring the new service building and discussions on sectoral collaborations. Yazı gezinmesi Taner Özgür Appointed as Deputy Chairman Assoc. Doç. Dr. Neşe Mehmetoğlu: SATKON’s New Architect of Academic Vision
