FORMATION OF MEDICAL TOURISM CLUSTERS IN THE TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE OF THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR: ISSUES OF METHODOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The article deals with the theoretical, methodological, and procedural aspects of the cluster approach to the study ofmedical tourism: the choice of a place where a cluster can be created; search for partners in the formation and functioning of the cluster; development of a marketing strategy and qualified management. The paper highlights the advantages of clustering in medical tourism: medical tourism clusters ensure a synergistic effect in the provision of medical services, increase the region’s attractiveness for tourists, and ensure growing income of medical and health institutions. The shortcomings of the formation of medical tourism clusters include the risks of monopolization of the medical services market, of restrictions on competition, and of disproportions in the healthcare development. The negative impact of medical tourism clusters on the environment can be minimized – the main task in ensuring environmental safety is the disposal of medical waste and preventing it from entering water and air basins. The paper provides recommendations for potential patients to choose a cluster that would correspond to their request for medical care. It is shown that for a successful development of medical tourism, when creating clusters it is necessary to take into account potential challenges and eliminate real risks. A formula for calculating the medical tourism cluster index is proposed. It is noted that the formation of medical tourism clusters is a complex and multifaceted process that requires coordinated joint efforts and actions from all its participants. With a successful implementation of projects aimed at creating such high-tech clusters in countries and regions where medical tourism is developed, an economic effect can be obtained with minimal environmental impact. The paper also notes the need for the formation of centralized statistics on medical tourism.