MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

wilsontom.blogspot.com

Medical tourism can be broadly defined as provision of 'cost effective' private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing surgical and other forms of specialized treatment. This process is being facilitated by the corporate sector involved in medical care as well as the tourism industry - both private and public.

INTRODUCTION

  Medical tourists are generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world and primarily come from

The United States Canada, Great Britain, Western Europe , Australia, Middle East.

But more and more, people from many other countries of the world are seeking out places where they can combine vacationing and obtaining their medical care at an affordable cost.

The medical tourism in India has been increasing every year for the spectrum of treatments that are being offered in most major hospitals which are:-

Cardiac Surgery Orthopedics Gynecology Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Obesity surgery Ophthalmology Dentistry Urology

http://www.wilsontom.blogspot.com/

India offers World Class Medical Facilities, comparable with any of the western countries. India has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors. With the best infrastructure, the best possible Medical facilities, accompanied with the most competitive prices, you can get the treatment done in India at the lowest charges.

India is in the process of becoming the “Global Health Destination”

WHY INDIA?

Language is a major comfort factor that invites so many foreign tourists to visit India for medical and health tourism. India has a large populace of good English speaking doctors, guides and medical staff. This makes it easier for foreigners to relate well to Indian doctors.

The cost of medical services in India is almost 30% lower to that in Western countries and the cheapest in South-east Asia.

Indian hospitals excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacements, transplants, cosmetic treatments, dental care, orthopedic surgery

Offshore medical procedures are conducted for as much as one-tenth the cost of a comparable treatment in developed countries due to the economic disparity.

A bone-marrow transplant which would cost you around $250,000 in the US and £150,000 in UK will cost you a mere $26,000 in India. A patient can successfully get a gastric bypass surgery in India by paying just $9,500 as against a $65,000 price tag for the same in the US. It is also a good idea to avail a medical tourism package which would include airfare, accommodation charges and a visit to some of the holiday destinations in the country.

LOW COST

Private health care in India is comparable to much that is available at the best hospitals in the world and at a far lower cost. Even considering the cost of air travel and luxury hotel accommodation (if required), the cost savings comes out to be 40-80% of what is in the USA.

LESS WAITING TIME

High Quality Healthcare

Experienced and talented pool of Medical Professionals

Strong Private Hospital Infrastructure

English is widely spoken

Familiarity of Western Patients with Indian Doctors

WORLD CLASS QUALITY

The low cost of healthcare is not the only driving force of medical tourism in India.

Accreditation standards are controlled locally by the Indian Healthcare Federation, the Indian Medical Tourism Council and the Indian Ministry of Health. Services offered by hospitals in India are:-

Visa Assistance- Airport Pick-n-Drop facility  Hotel reservations, if needed  Language interpreters Choice of international cuisine International newspapers & Internet access in

the room. Recliner's lounge for comfort   Ambulance pick-up, if required

PERSONALIZED SERVICES

Snow clad mountain peaks of mighty Himalayas, verdant hill stations, breathtaking beaches, lovely lakes, gushing waterfalls, enchanting rivers, scenic backwaters, magnificent monuments, cultural heritage, fantastic forts, elegant places

terrific temples, intricate churches, colonial homes, wildlife parks & sanctuary, bird sanctuaries, dense forests, beautiful  landscapes and of course generous peoples, etc are the amazing and magical land called India.

RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE.

India has almost everything which is necessary for a prime tourism destination in the world. The Prime elements of India Tourism are, Culture tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, heritage tourism, monument tourism, beach tourism, hill station tourism, backwater tourism, nature tourism, eco tourism, village tourism, medical tourism, monsoon tourism, etc are appeal tourists from all over the world for India tours and travel. During your travel you will have a brilliant opportunity to observe rich culture and civilization of the country

AIIMS

Apollo

B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre

Escorts Hospital and Research Centre

Tata Memorial Hospital

Apollo Cancer Hospital

Indraprastha Medical Corporation

HOSPITALS IN INDIA

India is also a famous medical tourism destination for many years. Not only modern medical science, India is well known throughout the world for its Ayurvedic treatment. States of India such as Kerala, Karnataka and other southern places are widely popular for lots of therapies that help to rejuvenate and refresh you. One can avail these ayurvedic therapies in the various spas of India. The splendid location with the

charm of nature is sure to heal. Kerala is been growing as a tourists destination of choice for

health and holidays because of our world class team of professionals, modern advanced technology and the distinct warmth of hospitality Several hospitals in Kerala have carved out outstanding reputation for themselves that health tourism has become a major money spinner. The state also boosts of some of the best Ayurveda resorts and Yoga centers to pamper the tourists physically, mentally and emotionally. 

DESTINATIONS IN INDIA FOR MEDICAL TOURISM

Combine travel with health care : Along with the medical tourism one can get the chance to tour the wonders of Kerala and that too at no extra cost. Experience the beauty of enchanting backwaters, exotic wildlife, sea kissed beaches, lush green forests, mouth watering cuisine and popular Ayurveda health treatments on your medical tour to Kerala. The government and private hospitals endeavor to make Kerala a hub and world leader in health care solutions. 

Recover at ease:-The greatest benefit of health tourism in Kerala is the cost effectiveness with no compromise on quality. Do not think if the cost of medical treatment is low in Kerala than the quality is compromised. No, we follow the strict medical ethics in order to facilitate the highest standard of quality medical treatment and patient care at the cost which is affordable and enjoyable. 

Kolkata is gaining importance on the health tourism map in India due to its advantageous location and also due to the cost aspect. The Government of West Bengal also expressed its willingness to support this industry and is working together with the private sector to achieve the target. Official statistics record that in 2005 over 1,50,000 patients came mostly from Europe and the Middle East and this is expected to rise by 30 percent annually.

The other main cities attracting foreign patients to India are: Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur.

                  

• 1) Foreign players may enter into the market2) Lack of foreign accreditation

• 1)  Impact on Forex reserve2) Contribution in GDP3) Sharp rise in medical as well as tourism Industry.

• 1) Lack of infrastructure2) Lack of uniform pricing policy3) Poor infrastructure in Govt. Aided hospitals

• 1-) Quality of service2-) Exquisite Locations3-) Alternative medical cures like Yoga, Homeopathy and Ayurveda.

Strength Weaknesses

ThreatsOpportunity

According to a study by global accounting and consulting firm Ernst and Young and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), private hospitals in India earned Rs 62,000 corer in fiscal 2006 and revenues from the sector are expected to rise up to Rs 130,000 cores (at current prices and exchange rates) in 2012, which represents an annual revenue growth rate of about 19 per cent a year.

After Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology enabled Services, which are currently good contributors to our nation’s GDP, the next big thing happening (already begun!!!) could be ‘medical tourism’, which has enormous potential, if rightly tapped, to make great contributions to the nation’s GDP.

IMPACT OF MEDICAL TOURISM ON THE INDIAN ECONOMY

India is emerging as an attractive, affordable for healthcare & BUT there are some challenges that the country has to overcome to become a tourist destination with competent health care industry. The government should step in the role of a regulator and a facilitator of private investment in healthcare. An apex body for the industry needs to be formed to promote the India brand abroad and aid inter- sectoral coordination. Joint ventures with overseas partners and establishment of MEDICITIES will help in India building a significant advantage and leadership position in the industry.

For adventurous travel blog please visit http://wilsontom.blogspot.com/