In today’s world, we have grown accustomed to the idea that medical tourism is a great way to save money on expensive procedures. However, the case of an Irish woman who underwent a cheap operation in Turkey sheds light on the hidden costs of these budget trips. After spending thousands of euros for a breast lift, Mary Moran was left with astonishing complications that threaten her life. Her story serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to prioritize the cost over quality when it comes to medical procedures.
An Irish woman who underwent a cheap gastric sleeve operation in Turkey was left nearly dead and feeling like a walking timebomb. Leanne had the surgery in October 2021 to try and lose weight but has since been left with long-term complications. Leanne had initially hoped to have the operation in Ireland because of its better medical facilities. However, she decided to book the surgery in Turkey when she discovered that it was almost €10,000 cheaper.
Leanne’s sister and partner called an ambulance after she collapsed from dizziness a day before returning to work. She was rushed to hospital where doctors found she had a serious infection and internal bleeding from her spleen. Leanne’s health never fully recovered and she had to have her spleen removed. She is now vulnerable to infections and finds it painful to stand for extended periods of time, often waking up with low energy levels.
Dr Michael Crotty thanked Leanne for sharing her story, saying it would serve as a warning to others considering going abroad for healthcare. He added that it is hard to know the quality of hospitals abroad, with some clinics not meeting the necessary equipment and device requirements. He warned that people who undergo weight-loss surgeries in clinics without meeting the necessary equipment and device requirements are vulnerable to complications and leaks.
Leanne’s story highlights the potential dangers of seeking cheaper surgeries in foreign countries known for providing cheap medical services. While the cost of surgery abroad may seem appealing, cheaper surgeries can have long-term effects on the patient’s health, causing more significant healthcare expenses in the long run. In Leanne’s case, the surgery cost her not only financially but also her general wellbeing. She still suffers from her operations’ side effects and is continually in and out of medical facilities to maintain her health.
This story has been shared online to show the possible consequences of opting for cheap medical procedures in foreign countries. It is essential to assess the risks before opting for such medical procedures abroad, and it’s important to remember that moving away from your country’s health system poses a range of threats that are not limited to physical health risks. There are also legal and recovery implications that should be considered before opting for a cheap procedure in a foreign country.
In 2020, Minister of State Frank Feighan expressed his regret at the fact that HSE patients referred to the bariatric surgery service needed to wait an average of five years for a first appointment. Long wait times like these may encourage patients to look abroad for cheaper healthcare options. However, they should also remember that the cost of a medical procedure is not just its monetary value but its long-term effects on their health and well-being.
In conclusion, seeking medical procedures abroad may be enticing, but it is essential to consider the risks involved. Cheaper surgeries may be dangerous and cause long-term health problems that can be costly, both physically and financially. People are encouraged to seek trusted medical institutions in their countries and consider the possible long-term effects before opting for cheaper medical procedures abroad.
