Discover Iran: Shiraz city, the thriving medical tourism hub of West Asia

By Ali Zeraatpishe

• Shiraz has emerged as a hub of medical tourism, attracting patients from Persian Gulf countries with skilled physicians, modern facilities, and affordable treatments.
• Shiraz is home to major hospitals such as Namazi, Dr. Khodadoust Eye, and Dr. Mir Hosseini, known for organ transplants, eye surgery, and fertility treatments.
• Medical tourists benefit from licensed agencies, convenient hotels, and a pleasant climate, with Shiraz offering a serene environment and cultural attractions.

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.

While Tehran, the capital, is home to many advanced hospitals and research centers, Shiraz has positioned itself as the strategic hub of Iran’s medical tourism industry.

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.

Accommodation and things to do in Shiraz

Shiraz offers a wide range of hotels and lodging options well-suited to the needs of medical tourists. Many are located near major hospitals, ensuring convenient access for both patients and their companions.

The city’s hospitality sector is recognized for its cleanliness, comfort, and courteous service. Most hotels provide quiet surroundings, accessible rooms, and supportive facilities for recovery.

Popular choices include the Chamran Grand Hotel, Homa Hotel, and Eram Hotel, each offering modern amenities tailored to medical visitors. For extended stays, furnished apartments and guesthouses are also available in close proximity to leading medical centers.

Shiraz is known for a pleasant climate for much of the year. Unlike the hot and humid conditions typical of many Persian Gulf cities, Shiraz enjoys moderate temperatures, clean air, and low humidity.

Nestled between mountains and fertile plains, the city maintains a comfortable environment across seasons. It is also renowned for its gardens, tree-lined boulevards, and relatively low levels of air pollution compared with other large urban centers in the region.

Green spaces such as Eram Garden and Afif-Abad Garden provide peaceful settings ideal for rest, relaxation, and recovery.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir