India emerges as MVT hub; offers treatment at 40-80% lower prices

In the post-Covid world, medical tourism, the practice of travelling abroad for medical care, has witnessed an unprecedented surge. India stands out as a prominent destination among the countries that have emerged as key players in this global phenomenon. This land of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient traditions has emerged as a global leader in medical tourism.

With its blend of world-class healthcare facilities, affordable treatment costs, and diverse medical expertise, India offers a unique proposition to medical tourists seeking quality healthcare alongside an enriching travel experience. It can become a preferred choice for individuals seeking high-quality medical treatments at affordable costs.

Scope of health tourism and present status in India
Medical tourism encompasses travel undertaken to seek medical treatment in a foreign country. India’s medical tourism sector has witnessed phenomenal growth in recent years, attracting millions of medical tourists and contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

India has a rich medical heritage, with practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, and Rejuvenation Therapy that have been in existence for centuries. These holistic approaches aren’t just relics of the past; they’re thriving alongside cutting-edge Western medicine, creating a unique blend of available treatment options.

The factors driving this growth of medical tourism in India include:

Cost-effectiveness: Medical treatments in India are significantly cheaper than in developed countries, often costing 40-80% less. This makes it easier for patients seeking quality treatment without breaking the bank. India caters to diverse needs and budgets, from advanced surgeries to gentle Ayurveda detox.

Quality healthcare: India boasts a vast network of accredited hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly qualified and experienced medical professionals.

Choosing India for medical tourism goes beyond simply finding NABH-accredited hospitals. The key lies in finding the perfect doctor-hospital combination tailored to your needs. Beyond initial treatment, consider your recovery options. While hospital stays offer convenience, nearby paid accommodations add flexibility and a more personalised touch. Moreover, many hospitals now offer post-treatment care through telemedicine, ensuring continued support even after you return home.

India’s strength lies in its modern infrastructure and facilities, rivalling even the most developed economies. It’s the human element that truly sets it apart. The skilful doctors, dedicated support staff, and highly qualified nurses create a supportive environment where medical expertise meets genuine care. All these factors make India a compelling choice for those seeking world-class treatment with genuine warmth and compassion.

Focus on alternative therapies: India’s rich traditions in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy offer complementary and alternative treatments, attracting health-conscious travellers.

To ensure consistently high standards in wellness tourism, the National Board for Accreditation of Hospitals & Healthcare Services (NABH) established the Guidelines for Accreditation of Wellness Centres in collaboration with AYUSH. Released during the Ministry of Tourism’s workshop on February 15, 2011, these guidelines set clear benchmarks for service quality across wellness centres.

Government initiatives: The Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote medical tourism, such as streamlining visa procedures and establishing dedicated medical tourism facilities.

Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives for medical tourism in India
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has played a crucial role in promoting medical tourism through various initiatives:

Creating a comprehensive online resource:
The Ministry of Tourism has introduced a dedicated medical tourism website as a one-stop platform for prospective patients.

It provides detailed information on:

• Accredited hospitals and clinics across India, categorised by specialities and locations.
• Available medical treatments and procedures with descriptions, estimated costs, and success rates.
• Tailored travel packages combining medical care with sightseeing and cultural experiences.
• Visa and immigration guidelines, along with FAQs and contact information.

The website is available in multiple languages for broader accessibility.

Showcasing India on the global stage:
The Ministry actively participates in international trade fairs and conferences related to healthcare and tourism.

This includes events like:

• Arab Health in Dubai
• Medical Tourism Congress in the USA
• World Travel Market in London

This increases the visibility of India’s medical tourism offerings and builds trust with a global audience.

Building strong partnerships with healthcare providers:
The Ministry collaborates with leading hospitals and clinics nationwide to promote medical tourism.

This collaboration focuses on:

• Developing standardised treatment protocols and packages for specific medical conditions, ensuring patients receive consistent, high-quality care.
• Implementing international quality standards through NABH accreditation and JCI certification.
• Training hospital staff in communication skills and cultural sensitivity to cater to foreign patients.
• Offering competitive pricing and transparent billing practices to build trust and value for money.

Opening doors to traditional wellness:

• The Ministry recognised the growing interest in alternative medicine and introduced the AYUSH visa.
• This visa simplifies the process for foreigners seeking treatment in traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Unani.
• It allows more extended stays compared to a regular tourist visa, catering to the extended treatment durations in these wellness practices.
• The Ministry also collaborates with AYUSH practitioners and institutions to promote their services and ensure high standards of care within traditional medicine.

These initiatives are just a few examples of the Ministry of Tourism’s proactive approach to promoting medical tourism in India. By providing readily available information, building trust through partnerships, and embracing diverse medical options, India is positioning itself as a premier destination for healthcare seekers worldwide.

Other agencies involved in the medical tourism in India
Apart from the Ministry of Tourism, several other agencies actively contribute to developing medical tourism in India. Partnerships between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, private healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders have led to the establishment of medical tourism clusters and enhanced healthcare services across the country.

Several other agencies contribute to the development of medical tourism in India, including:

• Indian Medical Association (IMA): The IMA promotes ethical practices and ensures quality healthcare standards.
• National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH): NABH accredits healthcare facilities based on international quality standards.
• Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH): This department promotes traditional Indian systems of medicine for medical tourism.

Special provisions for foreigners
The Indian government has made several provisions to facilitate the arrival and treatment of foreign medical tourists, including:

• Simplified visa procedures: The e-Visa scheme allows for online visa applications, making the process faster and more convenient. There is a visa on arrival for the citizens of some countries.
• Dedicated medical tourism officers: These officers assist medical tourists with travel arrangements, hospital admissions, and post-treatment care.
• Multi-city permits: Medical tourists can travel to multiple cities within India for treatment with a single visa.

Factors attracting medical tourists to India
Several factors contribute to India’s allure as a medical tourism destination. Affordability is a key factor, with medical treatments in India often costing a fraction of what they would in developed countries. The highly skilled medical professionals, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and diverse treatment options further enhance India’s attractiveness to international patients.

Here are the factors that make India an attractive destination for medical tourism:

• Affordability: As mentioned earlier, medical treatments in India are significantly cheaper compared to other countries.
• Quality of care: India has a large pool of highly competent and experienced physicians and medical specialists trained in Western and traditional Indian medicine.
• Accessibility: India is well-connected internationally with major airports and an extensive national network of hospitals and clinics.
• English proficiency: English is spoken widely in India, making conversing with doctors and medical staff easier for foreign patients.
• Focus on holistic wellness: India offers a blend of conventional and alternative therapies, promoting overall well-being and rejuvenation.

How to attract medical tourists?
To further attract medical tourists, India can focus on:

• Improving infrastructure: Upgrading healthcare infrastructure and transportation facilities will enhance the overall experience for medical tourists.
• Promoting niche specialities: India can excel in specific medical fields like cardiac surgery, orthopaedics, and oncology to attract patients seeking specialised treatment.
• Enhancing marketing efforts: Targeted marketing campaigns in potential source countries can raise awareness about India’s medical tourism offerings.
• Providing personalised care: Offering customised treatment plans, language assistance, and cultural experiences can create a more patient-centric approach.

Where are most medical tourists from?
The diverse patient demographics underscore the global recognition of India’s healthcare prowess. There isn’t just one medical facility in India, but many, that are equipped with advanced technology and skilled healthcare professionals attract patients from around the world seeking top-notch medical care.

Medical tourists to India come from various countries, including:

• Bangladesh: India’s geographical proximity and lower healthcare costs make it a popular destination for Bangladeshi patients seeking affordable treatment.
• Middle East: Countries like Oman, Dubai, and Kuwait send a significant number of patients to India for surgeries and specialised treatments.
• Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana are emerging markets for Indian medical tourism, attracted by affordability and expertise in fields like orthopaedics and cardiology.
• Former Soviet states: Countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan increasingly choose India for treatments due to cultural familiarity and cost-effectiveness.
• North America: While a smaller segment, some patients from the US and Canada travel to India for specific procedures or alternative therapies not readily available or expensive in their home countries.

Top 5 medical tourism destinations in India:
Chennai: This city is known as the “healthcare capital” and boasts top-notch hospitals specialising in cardiac surgery, orthopaedics, and organ transplants.

Mumbai: This bustling metropolis houses several JCI-accredited hospitals offering advanced oncology, neurosurgery, and IVF treatments. It also boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents and visitors alike.

Delhi: The national capital has a wide range of healthcare facilities, including AIIMS, one of Asia’s premier medical institutions, catering to diverse medical needs.

Bangalore: Bangalore is recognised for its cutting-edge technology and pioneering healthcare solutions, making it a sought-after destination for medical tourists. It caters to individuals seeking medical facilities in diverse specialities such as fertility, orthopaedics, and neurology. The city’s medical landscape is characterised by advanced facilities and expertise, attracting patients from around the globe.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad has emerged as a prominent centre for medical tourism, boasting world-class hospitals and a reputation for excellence. The city’s expertise lies in gastroenterology, transplant surgery, and wellness treatments, making it an ideal location for those seeking comprehensive and specialised medical care. Hyderabad’s commitment to healthcare excellence positions it as a key player in the ever-expanding medical tourism landscape.

Other popular destinations for medical tourism in India:

1. Goa: Combining medical tourism with a beach vacation, Goa attracts patients seeking cosmetic surgery, dental care, and holistic wellness options.
2. Kerala: Renowned for its Ayurveda treatments and serene backwaters, Kerala offers a unique blend of alternative medicine and relaxation for health-conscious travellers.

Ketto