India As An Emerging Power In Medical Tourism

Add as a preferred source on Google

Privatization of health services is an emerging concept globally wherein medical check ups and aids for minor as well as major health issues are provided in collaboration with the tourism industry. It is a cost effective medical care program coupled together with tourism both private and public.

The government of many developing countries is actively contributing to the promotion of this industry. India is not an exception when India's National Health Policy 2002 has stated. To capitalize on the comparative cost advantage enjoyed by domestic health facilities in the secondary and tertiary sector, the policy will encourage the supply of services to patients of foreign origin on payment. The rendering of such services on payment in foreign exchange will be treated as 'deemed exports' and will be made eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings". The formulation draws from recommendations that the corporate sector has been making in India and specifically from the "Policy Framework for Reforms in Health Care".

Though India being the recent entrant in the field of medicine is attracting a lot of foreigners. Kerala is one among the states that has actively participated in this new venture with its ancient native therapies on Ayurveda. According to a study by McKinsey and the Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian medical tourism is bound to grow in leaps and bounds in the next couple of years. The Apollo group of hospitals and the Escorts in India are some of the leading hospitals that have succeeded in attracting foreign patients for cardiac issues.

The cost effective factor and the attractive tourist spots are the alluring aspects that go in of the promotion of this industry.

Medical tourism is an emerging concept in India. India is on par with the western countries in the field of medicine. India boasts of expertise treatments in all aspects of the medical field especially cardiac care, cosmetic surgery, joint replacement and dentistry. Indian technology and infrastructure are also favourable aspects with regard to medical tourism. Apart from all these it is cost effective when compared to the other competitors. To add to India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world. It prides in its self-sufficient drug productions and its export of drugs to around 180 countries in the world.

Dental care is one of the areas of medical industry that is drawing a number of foreign patients to India as India offers incredible low cost packages in comparison to the exorbitant cost involved in the other countries. Further more Indian tourism is an attracting factor to the foreigners coupled together with a cost effective pricing in all areas of treatment.

The no stitch cataract surgery for removing cataracts called the" Phacoemulsification procedure" can be carried out effectively in India with just Rs. 20,000 as against $ 45,000 in USA.

An eighty-seven year-old foreigner underwent a complex heart surgery successfully by saving almost half of what he would have shelled out from his pocket for the same surgery in the US. The Madras Medical mission carried out the surgery for him charging him only about 00 inclusive of a month stay at the hospital as well as his airfare. It is not to be considered that India excels only in the above-mentioned treatments but extends effective handling in the other spheres of the medical field.

Some of the other countries have tied up with India in order to avoid a longer period of waiting. Instead some of them are directed to India to the hospitals that they are linked up with. Tele consultancy also aids in the facilitating faster transmission and expert opinion.

All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), The Apollo Hospitals, B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tata Memorial Hospital, Apollo Cancer hospital in Chennai, Indra prastha medical corporation, Institute of Cardio vascular Diseases are few of India's famous hospitals.

Golden Triangular Tour, Rajasthan cultural Tour, Wild life tour, Kerala Backwaters Tour, Taj Mahal and Tiger Tour, Palace on Wheels Tour, Heritage trip to Rajasthan are some of the popular tour packages. There are a lot of spas at hotels and luxury inns at scenic destinations that are in collaboration with privatized hospitals. Such exquisite packages provides a worthy health check up as well as a relaxing holiday.

Thus medical tourism is gaining momentum in India with its expertise medical treatment and enchanting tourist destinations. It is apt for one to foresee India as an emerging power in the industry of Medical tourism.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.