Shiraz city, the thriving medical tourism hub in West Asia

Pars Today - Iran has emerged in recent years as a leading destination for medical tourism in West Asia, offering world-class healthcare at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

The strategic location of the capital city of Fars province, near the Persian Gulf, makes it especially accessible to patients from neighboring Arab states.

The city combines highly skilled physicians, modern facilities, and affordable treatments, presenting a compelling alternative to the expensive healthcare systems of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Known for its excellence in medical education and research, the city is also home to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, one of Iran’s top higher medical institutions, whose graduates staff hospitals across the region.

Patients from Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE frequently travel to Shiraz for a wide range of treatments, ranging from complex surgeries to fertility care.

Major Hospitals of Shiraz

Shiraz is home to an extensive network of public and private hospitals that cater to both local and international patients. These medical centers are equipped with modern and most advanced facilities, cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, and highly trained specialists.

At the forefront is Namazi Hospital, widely regarded as a national center for complex surgical procedures. Other prominent hospitals include Khalili Hospital, Dena Hospital, Mir Hosseini Hospital, and Dr. Khodadoust Eye Hospital, each distinguished for excellence in specialized fields such as organ transplantation, ophthalmology, and fertility treatment.

Namazi Hospital

Founded in 1950, Namazi Hospital is one of the oldest and most respected medical centers in southern Iran. Operating under the supervision of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, the hospital provides high-quality medical services to both Iranian and international patients.

With more than 700 active beds, Namazi ranks among the largest hospitals in the region. It includes a wide range of departments, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, and oncology.

The hospital is particularly renowned for its organ transplant center, where kidney, liver, and heart transplants are performed with consistently high success rates.

In addition, it is equipped with advanced diagnostic units, specialized intensive care sections, and modern laboratories, reinforcing its role as a leading referral center in West Asia.

Dr. Khodadoust Eye Hospital

Dr. Ali Asghar Khodadoust (1935–2018) was one of the world’s most distinguished ophthalmologists. Born in Shiraz, he studied medicine at Shiraz University before pursuing specialization in the United States. His pioneering research on corneal transplantation and ocular diseases earned him international acclaim.

He is best known for identifying the “Khodadoust line,” a clinical sign associated with corneal graft rejection—a discovery that remains a cornerstone in modern ophthalmology.

To honor his legacy, the Dr. Khodadoust Eye Hospital was established in Shiraz.

Today, it stands as one of Iran’s premier centers for eye care and surgery, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies.

The hospital specializes in corneal transplants, cataract surgery, laser vision correction, and the treatment of retinal and glaucoma disorders, attracting patients from across Iran and abroad.

Dr. Mir Hosseini Hospital

Founded in 1981 by Dr. Mashaollah Mir Hosseini and Dr. Shahin Movahed, Dr. Mir Hosseini Hospital began as a modest private facility with just 70 beds.

Over the decades, it has grown into one of Shiraz’s leading centers for women’s health.

The hospital specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, infertility treatment, and reproductive medicine. Its fertility center is recognized as one of the most advanced in southern Iran, providing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and a full range of assisted reproductive procedures.

Equipped with modern surgical units, state-of-the-art laboratories, and comfortable maternity wards, the hospital is designed to ensure both safety and comfort for mothers and infants.

Its medical team includes some of the region’s most experienced gynecologists and fertility specialists, making it a trusted destination for patients from Iran and abroad.

Tourism agencies in Shiraz

Several licensed tourism agencies in Shiraz specialize in services for medical travelers, offering end-to-end support throughout a patient’s stay. These agencies work closely with hospitals and clinics to coordinate treatment schedules, accommodations, and transportation.

Their services often include airport transfers, translation assistance, and facilitating clear communication between patients and doctors.

Many also provide comprehensive packages that cover consultations, treatment, recovery planning, and even city tours for accompanying family members.

With the number of such agencies steadily growing, accessing information about their services is straightforward. Most maintain updated websites and respond promptly to inquiries, making it easy for international patients to plan their medical journey in Shiraz.