A British man who underwent cosmetic surgery in Turkey has passed away. The man, identified as Mentor Rama, 36, traveled to Istanbul for a hair transplant and dental procedures but collapsed shortly after. He began to feel unwell after returning to his hotel room following the dental work and emergency services were summoned. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Rama died on November 11.
Following his death, Rama’s body was taken for an autopsy in Istanbul. Turkish authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, as reported by Turkiye Today. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated that they are providing support to the deceased’s family and are liaising with local officials.
Rama’s remains have been repatriated to the UK after being handed over to his family. Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly in cities like Antalya and Istanbul. The country offers comprehensive medical tourism packages that include various amenities such as airport transfers, accommodation, and transportation between appointments.
Many individuals opt for medical procedures in Turkey due to cost savings compared to the UK. For instance, dental procedures, known as ‘Turkey teeth,’ are significantly cheaper by 40% to 60%. However, dentists in the UK have cautioned against traveling to Turkey for dental treatments due to potential risks and complications.
The UK Foreign Office disclosed that 28 British nationals have died in Turkey post-elective medical procedures since 2019, with additional incidents occurring in 2024. Despite the allure of affordable treatments and luxurious packages, caution is advised when considering medical tourism in Turkey.