Cosmetic surgery provider Longevita has published a white paper advocating for the regulation of international medical tourism.
The company claims many clinics abroad operate without any legal requirements to conduct pre-admission screening, obtain informed consent, perform risk assessments or ensure staff accreditation. This puts UK patients at risk of post-operative complications such as implant rejection, infections, sepsis and pulmonary embolism.
Longevita argues that these complications not only jeopardise patient safety but also place an avoidable burden on the NHS, which is often left to manage the consequences of failed surgeries performed abroad.
In response, the company is calling for the establishment of an independent UK Medical Tourism Accreditation Association to oversee and accredit international providers treating UK patients.
Other recommendations in the white paper include mandatory medical tourism insurance, tighter advertising regulations and the development of integrated aftercare pathways within the UK. Longevita has shared that the company's next step includes meeting with MPs to drive change and new regulations.
Kagan Seymenoglu, CEO of Longevita, said, “There is an urgent need for reform. We cannot continue to let patients be misled into thinking overseas surgery is safe and risk-free. The current system is failing people and the NHS is left to pick up the pieces. Our proposals will ensure safety, transparency and accountability for patients choosing to go abroad.”