G. Patoulis: “The prospects for Greece and Cyprus are immense within an organized Medical Tourism framework.”
The 13th International Conference on Recent Advances in Health and Medical Sciences was held with great success in Paphos, Cyprus, bringing together numerous distinguished academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and institutional representatives from Cyprus and many other countries. The two-day conference served as a focal point for scientific dialogue and the exchange of knowledge concerning the latest developments in health and medical research.
Among the invited speakers was the President of the Athens Medical Association and the Greek Health Tourism Council – Elitour, Dr. George Patoulis, who delivered a lecture dedicated to the strategic role of Medical Tourism as a driving force for the growth of the Greek economy and for promoting the outward orientation of the healthcare sector.
In his address, Dr. Patoulis highlighted Medical Tourism as a rapidly expanding global sector that combines two of Greece’s most significant advantages: the high quality of its medical services and the globally recognized Greek hospitality. He emphasized that although Greece currently occupies only a small share of the global health and wellness tourism market, it possesses all the prerequisites, infrastructure, and human capital to emerge as a model country on the international Medical Tourism map.
The President of Elitour stressed that cooperation between the public and private sectors, the development of regional health centers, and the certification of medical services and facilities are critical factors for the sustainable growth of the sector. He also referred to the initiatives of Elitour and the World Institute of Greek Doctors (Hippocratic Institute), aimed at promoting Greece as an international health destination through strategic collaborations with tourism organizations, universities, and foreign institutions. Dr. Patoulis further underlined that attracting patients and visitors from abroad for medical, diagnostic, wellness, and longevity services can act as a growth multiplier—boosting the local economy, creating new employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall image of Greece as a destination that combines scientific excellence with quality care.
Within the framework of the conference, special emphasis was placed on the major issue of demographic decline, identified as one of the most critical factors affecting the sustainable development of Southern European societies. The need for policies supporting fertility and family life, as well as for strengthened access to reproductive health services, was underscored.
Particular reference was made to the strategic collaboration between the Hellenic Society for Reproductive Medicine and its Cypriot counterpart, under the supervision and coordination of the National Intermunicipal Network of Healthy Cities (EDDYPPY). This initiative represents a model example of cross-border cooperation in the field of reproductive health, aiming to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge, experience, and best practices between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the conference, interest was expressed and discussions took place regarding the twinning of the Athens Medical Association with the historic Paphos Medical Association, with the aim of fostering joint actions and addressing issues of mutual interest.
The conference concluded with significant findings for the future of health sciences, underscoring the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and the exchange of know-how. The presence of the President of the Athens Medical Association and Elitour, Dr. George Patoulis, reaffirmed Greece’s active role within the international scientific community and its ongoing efforts to advance and promote the country’s health diplomacy.
Notable contributions were also made by the Vice President of Elitour and Secretary General of the Hellenic Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Konstantinos Pantos; the Secretary General of the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, Dr. Antonios Polydorou; lawyer Evangelia Sfakianoudi; Professor Ioannis Kontogeorgis; the President of the Paphos Medical Association, Mr. Christos Georgiadis; and Reproductive Medicine Specialist, Dr. Krinos Trokoudis.
