The Impact of Sustainable Development Goals as a Driving Force in the Development of Medical Tourism

This study explores the impact of SDGs on medical tourism. To reveal the SDGs’ impact on medical tourism, Blundell and Bond's Two-Step SGMM has been used with data from 34 countries. This study models to reveal the relationship between SDGs and medical tourism by controlling the effects of some confounding factors. The empirical investigation indicates that unsustainable practices of the medical tourism industry are deepening hunger and reducing biodiversity. On the other hand, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production and climate action develop medical tourism. No poverty, good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, justice, and partnerships for the goals do not affect medical tourism. However, this neutral effect changes with the development level and continent. This study contributes new evidence to the debate about the force of SDGs on medical tourism. This study is original as it provides some of the evidence that decision-makers need for a sustainable medical tourism industry and reveals which of the SDGs has the greatest impact on medical tourism.