CURRENT TRENDS AND RISKS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TOURISM

Medical tourism has become a rapidly growing field of medical activity, attracting millions of patients each year who seek high-quality medical care at specialized clinics located outside their permanent residence. These patients travel within their own country to receive treatment (domestic medical tourism) or abroad (international medical tourism). The state benefits economically from this growing industry, as it contributes to the volume and value of exports of medical services.The current surge in medical tourism can be attributed to several factors, including economic and infrastructure developments. These include increased well-being, increased geographical mobility, the availability of tour operators, and the development of transportation, hotel, and medical services infrastructure. A range of high-tech, advanced diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation methods available to consumers characterizes the readiness of the medical field. The maturity of full-cycle treatment models, from initial reception and placement services to post-clinical care services, ensures a minimum waiting time for necessary medical services. The forecast for a significant increase in demand for international medical trips to countries, such as India, Thailand, China, and Vietnam by 2025 is justified. The paper presents materials that confirm the existing trend of further growth in segments and volumes of medical tourism. It also describes the risks associated with medical tourism and analyzes key factors that determine the prospects for its dynamic development and the increasing economic role in the healthcare sector of the Russian Federation.