Ethical dilemmas in international medical health tourism: A critical commentary
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: International medical tourism represents a rapidly expanding healthcare sector that raises complex ethical challenges requiring urgent attention from policymakers and healthcare professionals. This commentary critically examines four primary ethical domains in medical tourism: informed consent and patient vulnerability, legal accountability across jurisdictions, healthcare resource allocation inequities, and post-treatment continuity of care gaps. Drawing on recent literature and policy developments, we synthesize current understanding of these challenges and their implications for patient safety and global health equity. The analysis reveals significant regulatory gaps that compromise patient protection while potentially exacerbating healthcare disparities in destination countries. This commentary aims to inform policy discussions and highlight priorities for future research in medical tourism ethics. To address these challenges, we recommend strengthening international regulations, enhancing legal protections, and improving post-operative care coordination between home and destination countries. • Ethical concerns in medical tourism include informed consent and legal accountability. • Post-treatment care gaps leave returning patients vulnerable to complications. • Medical tourism can create healthcare inequities in destination countries. • Lack of global regulations complicates malpractice claims and patient protection. • Stronger legal frameworks and care coordination are essential for patient safety.
Source: SSM - Health Systems
Author: Adanze Nge Cynthia
Institution: Dokuz Eylül University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,490
OpenAlex ID: W6959428128