Esteworld Surgery Deposit Refund Denied After Medical Emergency

I am writing to lodge a complaint against Esteworld Clinic in Istanbul regarding what I believe to be a violation of medical consumer ethics and financial exploitation of international patients during a medical crisis. I paid a deposit of £850 for an elective surgery as a gift for my partner. Unfortunately, we had to cancel outside their 14‑day window due to unexpected medical emergencies affecting both of us. I have fallen ill and have been medically certified as unfit to travel. My partner has suffered a torn shoulder ligament and is undergoing active medical treatment, which makes her unfit to undergo elective surgery at this time. Despite clearly explaining our medical situation and making it clear that this is a genuine health issue rather than a change of mind, Esteworld management has completely ignored my emails. The frontline agent communicating via WhatsApp has refused a refund and is trying to force us into accepting a credit note to travel for treatment at a future date, without regard to when or whether we will be medically fit. In my view, pressuring unwell individuals into a future credit for elective surgery, instead of recognizing the seriousness of the medical circumstances, goes against patient safety principles and medical ethics. I respectfully request that the Turkish Ministry of Health investigate Esteworld’s practices towards international patients and their compliance with patient rights, and assist in ensuring the full return of my £850 deposit, given that we are unable to proceed with treatment due to documented medical emergencies.