OREANDA-NEWS.  September 29, 2014. The 67th Congress of the General Assembly of the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC) has started its work in Astana, the press service of the Healthcare and Social Development Ministry said.

1st Vice Minister of Healthcare and Social Development Minister of Kazakhstan Salidat Kairbekova addressed those attending. The event brought together reps of the leading spa and recreational centres of the world.

According to her, Kazakhstan as a medical tourism centre has great potential. There are many modern health centres that meet the international standards the countrywide. Status of the National Medical Holding also proves the existing opportunities to attract foreign patents and boost medical tourism. There are 35 rehabilitation centres in the country so far.

"Sanatorium-and-spa treatment is an integral part of the national policy and is the key branch of the national healthcare system. Its development is aimed at efficient disease prevention and medical rehabilitation," she added.

This May the Government elaborated the tourist industry development concept 2020 to develop medical tourism in the country and to train medical staff.