Medical tourism in India has emerged as the fastest-growing segment of the tourism industry. With the costs of treatments soaring in the developed countries, India has become the most prospective medical tourism market in the world and patients who are in search of cost-effective options now look for treatment in South Asian countries. This development can boost the Indian Medical Tourism industry, and it will be a boon for several associated industries, including hospital industry, medical equipment industry, and pharmaceutical industry, health care tourism, cosmetic surgery, and spa and alternative therapies.
Indigenous or traditional medical practitioners are providing their services across the country. However, there is no one definition for medical tourism as it refers to the travel activity that involves a medical procedure or activities that promote the wellbeing of the tourist. Health tourism has a promising future in the land of Ayurveda where the first plastic surgery was performed by Sushrutha around 2,000 years ago. Since Kerala offers authentic Ayurveda treatments, as it pioneered health and medical tourism sector in India, it is a heaven for health seekers. The state has made concerted efforts to promote medical tourism in a big way.
The Indian medical tourism industry has massive potential for future development and growth. Wellness treatments help people in preventing the development of health issues, both physically and mentally. The treatments involved, such as massages, herbal wraps, and exfoliating scrubs, offer the customers an experience that makes them feel good. They are also advised on how to relieve stress and other self-identified concerns.
Health tourism sector, particularly in India, has come a long way as the facilities here are of international standards which come at a much cheaper rate encouraging patients from neighboring countries, Middle East, UK, and the even USA to visit the country for specialised treatments.
Since Medical tourism is being promoted on social media across various platforms and government initiatives such as the launch of campaigns in the international markets under the Incredible India brand-line; Road Shows, Know India Seminars, etc. for promotion of Medical & Health Tourism have increased the footfalls of medical travelers.
India has a strong base of qualified and skilled doctors who are on par with any of the western nations. Another major factor that has made India successful in attracting medical tourists is the bank of English speaking doctors, guides and medical staff which makes it easier for the foreign tourists to relate well to Indian medical personnel. The country provides an opportunity for medical tourists to visit some of the most alluring and awe-inspiring places by taking them on a medical tourism trip.
India can provide ‘patient-oriented’ business model with world-class care with the help of the latest technology and standardised medical services will increase the tourist footfalls. However, a word of caution is needed in this context. The industry has to be extremely cautious while embarking on ventures in this area. It has to assure standards in medical treatment and put in places steps and measures in order to ensure that medical tourists are not taken for a ride. Incidents of hospitals cheating Indian patients have been reported time and again. If such treatment is meted out to medical tourists the bad apples in the basket would be jeopardising a golden chance and putting the reputation of the whole industry on the line. Self-regulation and monitoring mechanism by the industry would pay huge dividends in the years ahead.
Rajani A
Executive Editor
