Accessible Medical Tourism in Isfahan: Local Insights

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by Nasim Khorsandi – author at Accessible Travel Press

Isfahan, one of Iran’s leading cultural and medical tourism hubs, attracts thousands of patients and their families each year.

Beyond its world-renowned heritage, the city has invested in hospitals and wellness facilities that are becoming increasingly important for international visitors. But how accessible are these services for seniors, patients with mobility needs, or people with disabilities?

During a series of field visits to hospitals, hotels, and transport hubs in Isfahan, I observed encouraging progress but also persistent challenges.

In the health sector, newly established hospitals, especially those in the Isfahan Healthcare City complex, have introduced ramps, elevators, and wider corridors. Staff are often aware of basic accessibility requirements, and the presence of accessible restrooms and patient rooms is a positive sign. However, older hospitals still lack adequate signage and barrier-free entrances, which can create stress for patients already in vulnerable situations.

Accommodation

Accommodation providers present a similar contrast. A few four- and five-star hotels in Isfahan have begun to adopt universal design principles—step-free access, adapted bathrooms, and even training for reception staff.
Yet, many traditional hotels and guesthouses remain difficult to access, with steep staircases and narrow doorways that exclude those who need assistance.

Transportation

Transportation is another key factor. Air and rail services generally provide better accessibility than intercity bus terminals, where steep ramps and the absence of tactile paving remain common. Within the city, newer metro stations are designed with elevators and accessible ticket counters, but last-mile connections to hospitals or hotels are not always reliable.

One experience that left an impression on me was meeting an elderly couple who had traveled from a neighboring province for cardiac treatment. While the hospital itself was well-equipped, they faced real difficulty entering their hotel, which had no ramp and required assistance from other guests just to climb the stairs. This highlighted how accessibility must be considered as a whole journey, not just within medical facilities.

Progress

Overall, Isfahan demonstrates both potential and gaps. The progress made in new hospitals and selected hotels shows that accessible design is possible in Iran when prioritized. Yet, without consistent policies and awareness across the tourism chain, many patients and seniors remain excluded from a comfortable and dignified travel experience.

Accessibility in medical tourism is not a luxury—it is essential for health, inclusion, and the economic sustainability of destinations.