HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS TOURISM FOR PEOPLE WITH OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN.

This study examines the scientific and theoretical foundations of the concept of medical tourism, and current trends in its development in the Republic of Kazakhstan and within the territory of Central Kazakhstan, which is of great importance in improving the professional health of the population since Central Kazakhstan is the largest industrial center. The purpose of the study is a scientific justification for the development of new directions of medical tourism in the field of occupational pathology with visits to healthcare facilities within Central Kazakhstan. The main method of research is a spatial analysis of the location of industrial regions with geoecological influence and priority healthcare organizations for developing new medical and health tourism routes for occupational pathology patients. The results of the study showed that the city of Karaganda has an absolute advantage for the further development of medical tourism in the contingent with production-related pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]