A SEMINAR REPORT ON

SCOPE OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN

INDIA

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, PATIALA.

SEMINAR IN-CHARGE: DR. HARPREET SINGH
SUBMITTED BY: LAGANVEER KAUR
CLASS: MBA – 1 C
ROLL NO- 20421150
BATCH- 2020-22

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Acknowledgement……………………………………………………....3
2. Preface…………………………………………………………………...4
3. Research Methodology………………………………………………….5
4. Abstract………………………………………………………………….6
5. Introduction……………………………………………………………..7
6. Defining Medical Tourism…………………………………………..….8
7. Medical Tourist……………………………………………………...9-10
8. Medical Tourism Competition…………………………………….10-11
9. Medical Tourism Value Chain…………………………………….11-18
10.Factors Influencing Medical Tourism…………………………….18-22
11.Conceptual Model Of Medical Tourism………………………….22-24
12.Current Status Of Medical Tourism In India…………………....24-25
13.Structure Of Medical Tourism……………….…………………...25-26
14.Reasons Of Growing Popularity Of Medical Tourism In India...26-28
15.Process Of Indian Medical Tourism……….……………………..28-30
16.Medical Tourism-SWOT Analysis……..…………………………30-33
17.India Offerings…………………………………..…………………33-35
18.Emerging Trends Of Medical Tourism…………………………...35-40
19.Why The World Is Moving Towards Medical Tourism………....40-41
20.Cost Comparison Of Different Countries………………………...41-42
21.Risks & Issues Associated With Medical Tourism……………….42-48
22.Future Of Medical Tourism In India……………………………..48-50
23.Best Medical Tourism Spots In India……………………………..50-54
24.Advantages Of Medical Tourism In India………………………..54-57
25.Disadvantages Of Medical Tourism In India…………………….57-59
26.Conclusion…………………………………………………………..59-60
27.Reference……………………………………………………………60-61

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 ACKNOWLDGEMENT

The beatitude, bliss and euphoria that accompany successful completion of any task would
not be complete without the expression of appreciation of simple virtues to the people who
made it possible. So, with reverence, veneration honour I acknowledge all those whose
guidance and encouragement has made successful in winding up this. I take this opportunity
to thank Dr. Harpreet Singh (Seminar In charge).

For his support and encouragement, this helped me in the completion of this report. I extend
my gratitude and thankfulness to School of Management Studies Punjabi University, Patiala.
I am also grateful to my family members and well-wishers for providing me the continuous
support to motivate me to successfully complete my report.

Submitted by: - Laganveer kaur

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 PREFACE

The underlying aim of the seminar on contemporary issue as an integral part of MBA
programme is to give presentation by the students on the topic. The topic of my seminar
report is ‘Scope of Medical Tourism in India’. This report is all about the current scenario
where Medical Tourism is no doubt rapidly growing and attractive sector.

Factors that have led to the increasing popularity of medical travel include the high cost of
healthcare treatments, long wait times for certain procedures, the ease and affordability of
international travel, and improvements in both technology and standards of care in many
countries.

This report covers the scope and emerging trends of medical tourism along with its detailed
description and SWOT analysis in Indian context. This report includes my sincere efforts,
and I affirm the findings in this report are independent and original to the best of my
knowledge and belief.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research objectives:

 To find out the satisfaction level of the patients in the multi-speciality hospitals.

Macro objectives:

 To find out the factors, why foreigners are attracted towards taking medical
treatments in India.

 To find out which kind of medical treatment is mostly preferred by the foreigners to
take in India.

Micro objectives:

 To make aware the administration department of the particular hospitals regarding

acceptance of facilities and services provided by them to the patients.

Nature of Research:

 Research will be descriptive and explorative in nature.

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 ABSTRACT

India is playing a leading role in medical tourism. People from different countries travel to
India for various reasons to seek medical care, any kind of medical treatment whether it’s
major surgery or minor surgery or any kind of organ transplantation due to expensive
treatment in their own country. India is considered as an ideal healthcare destination, medical
tourism can be a major source of earning for the country because of foreign exchange. Now
India is considered as a ‘healthcare hub’ because it has made impressive strides in recent
years.

Various segments has made India as an ideal healthcare destination these are: cost effective
healthcare solutions, Reputation for successful treatments in advanced healthcare segments,
advancement in information technology, increasing popularity of India’s traditional wellness
system and availability of skilled healthcare professionals. This sector is witnessing a ‘Brain-
drain’ trend, with increasing number of professionals, showing keen interest to come back
and practice in India, who have been practising abroad. Such kind of huge achievement raises
India as a ‘healthcare hub’ of the world. People travel to India from different parts of the
world for seeking medical services for diverse reasons.

Australian residents seeking medical treatment in India, as the cost of availing the treatment
is costly in their country. While healthcare tourists from united stated are reported to be India,
due to the complexity of availing the healthcare services in their home country. A section of
tourists from different parts of the world travel to India due to affordability of treatments and
quality service is rendered. Many healthcare tourists travel to India for availing traditional
healthcare services, such as Ayurveda and yoga.

India is considered as a good location to receive medical services due to its cost effectiveness.
Expensive cost of treatments in developed countries such as USA and UK has been forcing
patients from such countries to find alternative and less expensive countries to get their
treatments done. India is considered as a leader in promoting and advancing medical tourism
in the world

. Basically India is currently at a budding stage, but India has a massive potential for future
growth and progress in the field of medical tourism. To promote the overall wellbeing and
health, India has also promoted traditional medical services. India has led as an affordable
healthcare destination due to its cost effective treatments and high quality of hospital
services.

6
 INTRODUCTION

Medical tourism is important for the country’s economy and it is growing rapidly. According
to the statistics tourism has generated more than sixteen lakh crore about 9.2% of India’s
GDP in the year 2018 and supported 42.673 million jobs of its total employment. Medical
tourism is a fastest growing sector in India. Tourism industry is one of the fastest revenue
generating industry and it is contributing around 5.92% to the National GDP and also
providing employment to over 9.24% of the total country’s workforce. Medical tourism is
supporting economy of the country and giving employment opportunities for the Indian
people. It is also one of the important sectors to attract more foreign exchanges with its
potential. Revenue generated from tourism by travel helps to improve education, wellness
and health for people.

Healthcare sector is privatized to reduce the burden on government. It is a strategy, firstly

adopted by USA. All the international agencies such as World health organisation (WHO)
and World Bank (WB) has supported this strategy. Globalisation has opened the scope for
medical tourism which includes the exchange of services between different countries.
Globalisation and trade both are intrinsically linked with each other because globalisation
provides the mode to interact and exchanges the services with different regions which help
the trade to expand their services. According to GATS that is general agreement of trade and
services; there are 4 modes of doing trade in healthcare sector- cross border movements of
consumers or consumption abroad, commercial presence, cross border movement of service
providers and cross border provision of services.

The healthcare sector services is categorised into four sub segments/groups. These four
segments are nursing and midwifery, hospital services, medical and dental services and other
healthcare services. The main reason behind marketisation, corporatisation and
commercialization of healthcare services is global recession. A global recession is a period
when economy of the country is declined due to war or any other reason. But this process is
boosted during early 1980s or 1990s due to rapid increase in medical and pharmaceutical
industries. Indian healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors. Trade in healthcare services
helps to get billion dollars profit for India will be in twenty first century. Due to growth in
healthcare trade sector through medical tourism, has led India as an affordable destination.
The compound annual growth rate is expected to grow up at seventeen percent from the year
2011 to 2020 because India has huge potential to grow up in the future scenario.

7
People from different regions come to India and people from India also go to abroad for
seeking medical treatment. This movement of patients from one place to another place is
called medical tourism. The reason behind the travel of people from their home country to
another country because they are sick and need medical treatment to get recovered; such
services includes surgery, organ transplant, dental and medical treatment.

DEFINING MEDICAL TOURISM

Medical tourism refers to people travelling abroad to obtain medical treatment. In the past
scenario, people from less developed countries travel to highly developed countries for
getting medical treatment. Few people travel from their home country to another country
because that particular treatment is unavailable in their home country. But in present scenario
it may equally refer to people those from developed countries travel to developing countries
for seeking medical treatment at affordable cost. This term can also be used for medical
services those are unavailable or non-licensed in the home country.

Medical agencies are different for one country to another country worldwide, whether the
required drug is approved in that particular country or not. Every country has their own
protocols that might be similar for two countries but not similar in another two countries. In
America although therapy protocols might be approved by the American Medical Association
(AMA), several countries have their own associations in order to check and evaluate whether
the same therapy that is adopted by America would be “cost-effective”, so that differences
could be found to check the effectiveness of any particular therapy or drug, which might be
partially explained by the financial strength of the particular health system.

Medical tourism is most often for surgeries, organ transplant and dental or fertility tourism.
Patient moving from their home country to another country because certain treatment is
unavailable in their home country. In today’s world mostly all kinds of services are available
in all countries, if any treatment is not available in your own country you can move to another
one having that particular treatment through medical tourism. It is a wider term that focuses
on all kind of medical treatments and the use of healthcare services.

It covers all fields ranging from preventive to rehabilitation and curative forms of travel.
There are two terms Medical tourism and Health tourism but these two terms are not same.
Medical tourism is a part of health tourism. Health tourism is basically composed of wellness
tourism and medical tourism. Medical tourism includes dental, surgical and medical
interventions. It is an act of people travelling from their own local environment to another for
their health recovery done.

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It includes all medical, dental, surgical procedures, all cosmetic surgeries, exercises, and
Ayurveda and yoga kind of traditional services. Medical tourism is an economic activity that
involves trade in services and represents two of the most significant world industries:
medicine and tourism. According to a study carried the aegis of confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), medical tourism in India is projected to become a US $2.3 billion industry
with an annual growth rate of 30% in 2012 from 12%.

WHO IS A MEDICAL TOURIST?

Medical tourist is a person who travel abroad for getting medical treatment is motivated by
different reasons. The reason is:

a) Affordable treatment cost

b) Non-availability of any particular treatment in his/her home country
c) To receive various alternative therapies
d) To get the advantage of visiting famous places of that country.

Types of Medical Tourists: there are basically five categories of medical tourists;

2. PROPER 3.
1. MEDICATED 4. MERE
MEDICAL VACATIONING
TOURISTS PATIENTS
TOURIST PATIENT

5. MEDICAL
EVACUATION
PATIENTS

1) Medicated tourists:

A person who is treated for a health problem while travelling abroad on holiday or
for business but due to some reason he fall sick, is called a medicated tourist.

These kinds of cases are unexpected and may cause the person to stay long in abroad.
But now there are medicines available that helps the persons who are travelling to
combat diseases and health issue while travelling abroad.
This condition arise cause of exotic climate conditions and foods which leads to
sickness.

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 2) Proper Medical Tourist:

Medical tourist is a person who travels abroad only for receiving medical care. The
prime aim of this person is to get the medical treatment done; the vacation aspect is
secondary for such patients.

The reason behind travelling abroad is; affordability, advanced technology

availability, non-availability of that particular treatment in his/her home country.

3) Vacationing patient:

Vacationing patient is a person who takes advantage of holidaying opportunities along

with the medical treatment. Such type of tourists plays a paramount role in the
medical tourism industry.

These kinds of patients may participate in sightseeing, visiting famous places and do
shopping.

4) Mere patients:

 Such type of patients travel to a different country with the sole purpose is to
undergo treatment.

 Patients comes under this category are those having serious health issues like
cardiac patients or those having intense surgeries.

 Some patients do not participate in travel opportunities cause of financial

restrictions or having less time.

5) Medical evacuation patients:

Patients having any political reason, civil strife, outbreak of a disease or any accident
have to undergo medical treatment are called medical evacuation patients.

In current scenario, people from different countries travel to India for receiving medical
treatment cause India is providing quality healthcare services at very reasonable prices. But in
past scenario, people from less developed countries travel to highly developed countries to
get their treatments done. India has changed this scenario of moving of people from
developing countries to highly developed countries; but now people are travelling from
highly developed countries to India because India is providing world class medical services

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with utmost hygienic environment. India is charging 1/10 th of cost for medical services as
compared to USA & UK.

a. Reasons often cited are immediate surgeries are getting done without waiting time or
with a short wait
b. Second reason is affordability of treatment cost
c. There is availability of alternate natural treatment options are available for patients to
feel relax and to recover easily
d. Vacation opportunities are provided to patients along with their treatments.

MEDICAL TOURISM COMPETITION

India is one of the major destinations chosen for medical tourism. When it comes to medical
tourism, India oozes confidence. The main leading countries in the field of medical tourism
are India, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia. India is giving tough competition to
all these countries. India is now seen as one of the preferred destinations and going by the
trends, it will remain so in 2020 also. When it comes to cost comparison the fact is India’s
daily travel cost is about 2218rs in contrast to the United States the daily cost of travel is 16,
055 rs. it means the traveller can save up to 50% of their savings while travelling to India
along with medical treatments. While comparing India with Singapore, the India has a cost
advantage and Singapore has a technology advantage.

In 2020, the India’s medical tourism sector is expected to become more reliable and popular
due to continuing improvement and development of other sectors. India is also popular for
the various medical treatments like infertility treatment and spine surgery. When it comes to
competition Thailand is more popular for cosmetic surgery. Thailand can become biggest
competitor for India because Thailand is giving tough competition to the countries like
Singapore and US. Because in Thailand the treatment cost is less than Singapore and when it
comes to US, Thailand is charging five times lesser treatment cost than US. Malaysian
government is also promoting medical tourism with the extension of medical visas period
from one month to six months.

India has various most chosen destinations among medical tourists are Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad remain their top priorities. The reasons behind
choosing India as a healthcare destinations are; India is providing all the procedures at lowest
cost, India is providing highest quality of medical services.

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Going by the calculations, India’s 619 hospitals have been accredited by the National Board
for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and 38 hospitals have got accredited by the
Joint Commission International (JCI).

The mains reasons behind choosing India as a healthcare destination are:

I. Communication: patients feel free to come to India without having any tension
regarding communication barriers. They are free to convey their problem with the
doctors because they have excellent English-speaking skills.

II. Less waiting time: Indian hospitals are providing immediate medical services to the
international patients without any waiting time or with a short time. International
patients do not have to wait for longer period to access to service.

MEDICAL TOURISM VALUE CHAIN

Medical tourism value chain involves all the procedures regarding the arrival of the tourists
and departure with patients follow up. It consists of two groups: medical service providers
and medical travel facilitators.

1. Medical service providers-

Medical service provider’s term refers to clinic and hospitals. Hospitals are not only
attracting the patients but these are also involved in the patient’s logistics from arrival
to departure.
It includes all the procedures starting before patient’s arrival like processing of visa
requirements till getting of visa and ended with the departure of patients along with
follow-up.

2. Medical travel facilitators-

Medical travel facilitators functions like the agents. These are basically third party
administrators (TPA). TPA works under different hospitals. They form the bridge
between hospitals and the patients. They attract the patients toward any particular
hospital which provides the commission to TPA. Medical travel facilitators help the
international tourists to get their treatments done at reasonable prices without any
waiting time.
Some medical travel agents directly charge directly to the customers. Others do not
directly charge customers, but are paid by the hospitals to which their clients travel
for the treatment.

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The medical travel facilitator companies also provides the assistance of nurse care managers
to assist patients with pre procedure, post procedure issues and follow-up assistance.
Basically these companies provide complete medical travel packages to the patients. Medical
travel package consist of medical care, hotel accommodation, air & ground transportation,
provision of a cell phone in the destination country for ease of communication, practical
assistance from a local company representative at the healthcare facility, travel arrangements,
availability of nearby resorts during post procedure recovery period and vacation to tourist
destinations.

PRE-PROCEDURE PROCEDURE POST-PROCEDURE

STAGE STAGE STAGE

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a) Pre-procedure stage- Major concerns of medical tourists during the pre procedure
stage:

In the pre-procedure stage customer is navigating about the service whether to buy or
not buy the particular service. At once he/she arrived at a decision to buy the service;
next step is negotiating from which agency he/she is going to buy that service. In most
of the cases the customers starts searching about the agencies and collects the data
from secondary sources. Finally the customer buy the service from an intermediary
referred to as medical facilitator. First responsibility of medical facilitator is to
seamlessly coordinate the tourism programme.
They are intermediaries that guide the use of medical tourism for patients. Medical
facilitators have experiences of medical tourism because they are guiding and
involved in day to day procedures of international tourists. They are able to address
all the concerns of patients because they have experience.

14
 Medical facilitators offer single window solutions to the customers. They provide
solutions of all the queries that patients might have and assists the patients with
medical arrangements. These facilitators provide the patients all medical treatments
at cheaper rate than directly from clinical programs.

There are four types of medical facilitators-

a. Medical travel planners

b. Hotel groups
c. Travel agencies
d. Provider groups.

 At pre-procedure stage the patient must decide about a number of key issues
regarding the choice of medical facilitator, doctors, hospitals, destination country,
cost, risks and conveniences etc.

 This stage typically ends with patient reaching the destination.

b) Procedure stage-

Procedure stage begins with patient reaching the destination and medical
facilitators start providing pickup facilities.
At first, pre-counselling is provided to the patient regarding the treatment
purposed.

After that doctor inform the patients regarding the medical examinations those
are required before starting the procedure.
In procedure stage, preparing the patient for procedure, organising doctor’s
team, operation theatre, and procedure, medical supplies are done.

Major concerns of medical tourists during the procedure stage:

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c) Post procedure stage-

 Post procedure stage contains two important aspects- post operative care and
follow-up care.
 Post operative care includes doctors’ visits to evaluate and monitor the
patient’s conditions, any complications patients may facing, meal, therapies,
medical supplies are to be taken care by the doctors’ and the service providers.
 Basically there is a tie-up between the medical service providers and doctors
in the customers’ country who are responsible for follow up on behalf of
service provider.

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  Many patients demands for leisure when they are fit to move around.

Major concerns of medical tourists post procedure stage

1. simple and swift discharge procedure

2. Discharge instructions clear and understandable

3. Self explanatory billing from any hidden charges

4. Swift and error free billing

5. Quality of recuperative stay

6. Post procedure monitoring by hospital/doctor

7. Recovery monitoring

8. Follow up care

9. Post treatment vacationing

10. Availability of prescribed medicines in home country

11. Opportunity for consultations after getting back home

12. Hospital to be in touch with doctors in home country

Medical tourists segments visiting India some kind of facilitation is provided to them. This
facilitation is organised by –

1) Doctors and hospital referrals in home country

2) Government department in home country
3) Medical tour operators
4) Insurance company.

The relative importance of post procedure variable is shown below:

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The medical tourists expect hassle free post procedure stage. Post procedure stage included
clarity with every aspect of the treatment. This includes clarity with post procedure
instructions by doctor and the hospital, free settlement of bill and discharge.
A medical tourist also expects post procedure monitoring by the doctors and availability of
prescribed medicines in their home country.

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 FACTORS INFLUENCING MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

India is playing a leading role in the field of medical tourism. With rising the popularity of
tourism sector in India, because India is providing all kind of medical treatments at an
affordable cost. Tourism made India as a most chosen destination not just because of
infrastructure or any kind of services provided by India. Tourism has made India as a most
chosen destination for availing the medical services. There are various factors which
influencing the medical tourism in India. These are discussed below:

 Low cost of treatment

 Availability of high skilled doctors boosts medical tourism in India
 Quality healthcare infrastructure
 Alternative treatment options while opting medical tourism in India
 Attractive locations
 Getting medical visas is easy
 Surgeries done almost immediately
 World class services & care
 Offer therapies like Ayurveda
 Prime opportunities for travellers
 Latest medical technologies

LOW COST OF MEDICAL TREATMENT

AVAILABILITY OF HIGH SKILLED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

QUALITY HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS

ATTRACTIVE LOCATIONS

GETTING MEDICAL VISAS IS EASY

SURGERIES DONE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY

WORLD CLASS SERVICES & CARE

OFFER THERAPIES LIKE AYURVEDA & YOGA

LATEST MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

PRIME OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAVELLERS

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1. Low cost of treatment:

India is providing world class medical services at low cost. When anyone want to get
treated the first question will arise is “How much does the treatment cost?”, India is
providing all kind of medical treatments at very cheaper cost as compared to other
countries where the cost of living itself is very high.

Most of the patients come to India from developed countries like Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to get their treatment done in India because the
treatment cost is much expensive in their home country as compared to India. With
almost nearly the same currency rate from most of these countries but with far better
medical facilities, India has become a pioneer in medical tourism.

2. Availability of high skilled doctors boosts medical tourism in India:

India has a large number of populations. Name the any treatment and you will have
various alternative options for choosing your specialist from whom you will be
seeking your medical treatment.
India has a huge population to cater such big segment India has established various
hospitals. According to one survey India has 3.85 beds availability to cater all the
population. India have highly skilled doctors who are serving the patients at much
cheaper charges as compared to another countries.

3. Quality healthcare infrastructure:

There is no any doubt that India carry all kind of infrastructure facilities. Indian
hospitals have every kind of instruments and machines to diagnose all kind of
deceases. Whether it is cold or cough and whether it is any heart decease, Indian
hospitals have got everything to diagnose and treat the patients. India is providing
world class medical facilities at cheaper rate but quality service is also rendered by
India.

All hygienic facilities have been provided round the clock in Indian hospitals. Due to
this top class infrastructure facilities India is chosen as a major medical tourism
destinations. Every kind of patients needs are to be taken care by the doctors and staff
members while providing medical treatment patient’s comfort is firstly assured by the
staff. Due to this fact India deserve a strong applause.

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4. Alternative treatment options while opting medical tourism in India:

India is famous for over more than two thousand years for providing traditional
services such as Ayurveda and Yoga etc. All kinds of treatment options are available
in India but many people are coming to India for availing natural treatments like Yoga
and Ayurveda etc.

 Yoga is considered as a therapy in past scenario, it is also recommended by

the doctors for health and well-being of people. It is considered more like a
diet; yoga should be included in every person’s diet advised by the doctors.

Many people travel outside their local environment to get natural treatment
services.

 Ayurveda is science of life. India is also providing Ayurveda treatment as a

alternative treatment options while opting in India. Ayurveda doctors use a
holistic approach while performing therapies. All these therapies include usage
of natural ingredients in their raw or cooked form.

There are various other natural treatment options are available in India. India
is the mother of such kind of natural treatments.

5. Attractive locations:

India is a mixture of various traditional and medical services. India is not only opted
just because of low price medical services but also India has various attractive
locations.
All the famous places form the backbone of tourism scope in India. India is preferred
as a most chosen destination for seeking medical services and also chosen as a travel
destination for medical tourism.

6. Getting medical visa is easy:

India has introduced new term that is called Medical visas. Medical visas are
introduced for medical purposes. Getting medical visas for treatment purposes are
much easier than ever. Patients who have more serious life threatening conditions
they can get their visas easily without any waiting period and all other procedures are
non-existent for them. While giving visas more priority is given to the patients those
have more critical conditions, so that they can get their visas in timely manner.

21
 To avoid more serious complications and any disabilities India government layout the
protocols in which they introduced the term priorities based visa assignment. One of
the biggest reason behind the people travel from to India for seeking medical
treatment because getting medical visa is now easier than ever. India is providing all
the treatment procedures at very reasonable prices.

7. surgeries almost done immediately:

Many people come to India because waiting period is more in their home country. To
avoid standing in long queues people prefer to come India because in India all the
procedures are almost done immediately without any waiting time. Many people
having critical conditions their critical condition didn’t allow them to wait for longer
period to stay in home without taking any medical treatment.

Many countries do not perform immediate procedures cause of many reasons. But in
case of India all the services are provided day to day basis, so that patients do not face
any serious implications or health issues in future scenario.

8. World class services & care:

India is providing world class medical services to all over the world at reasonable
prices without compromising any quality standards. Despite being developing country
India has top class hospitals and healthcare centres equipping premium facilities,
infrastructure and equipments. All these hospitals are providing 24/7 hours facilities
to the patients. All the doctors are well trained and completed their studies from top
universities and western schools.

India is providing all kinds of medical treatments and facilities at very affordable
charges but utmost importance is given to quality standards. India has introduced
various Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) and protocols, so that proper hygiene
and quality should be assured.

9. India is offering therapies like Ayurveda and Yoga:

 All these natural treatments have been originated in India itself.

 Many doctors suggest all these treatments as post-treatments aids.
 Ayurveda and yoga helps the patients to recover fast and feel relaxed to avoid
all kinds of pains.

22
  Ayurveda is art of science using all the natural ingredients to boost the healing
and recovery of patients.
 Ayurveda helps to reduce the stress and anxiety.
 Doing yoga and exercise on daily basis it helps the body to calm down and
detoxify.
 Doctors suggested that yoga must be added in everybody’s daily schedule.

10. Prime opportunities for travellers:

People coming to India for seeking any surgery or medical treatment they have a
chance to visit all the exotic places of India. May be they never getting a chance to
visit these places again. India is famous for having many traditional and heritage
places, many people are coming to India to visit all these traditional places and
cultural insights.

11. Availability of latest medical technologies:

Advancement in the field of medical technologies in India became an asset for the
country’s earnings. India has access to all the latest technologies which helps the India
to grow up and emerge fast in the field of medical tourism. With the availability of
latest technologies and growing in national standards and treatment availability at
reasonable price make the India leading country in the medical tourism sector.

 There are many reasons behind people travel from their home country to India
cause of availability of latest techniques and technologies.
 Every kind of medical treatments are available in India.
 Easy access to fastest services.
 Skilled professionals

According to the MTMR that is Medical Tourism Market Report, India provides one of the
best qualities of care at very lower cost in the world. Many people get attracted towards India
because it’s giving best returns on money in the medical tourism sector. All the procedures in
India cost only 1/10th of the total cost as compared to any highly developed country.

Many people can get treated in India those are not able to receive treatment in their home
country because of high treatment expenses.

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 A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF MEDICAL TOURISM

INDIVIDUAL-RELATED FACTORS

COUNTRY
SELECTION

DOCTOR
AVAILABILITY

HOSPITAL
SELECTION
MEDICAL INCLUSIVE-
TOURISM GROWTH
COMMUNI-
CATION

ACCREDI-
TATION

INFRASTRUC-
TURE

PROVIDER-RELATED FACTORS

The conceptual model contains all the factors that form the basis of medical tourism.
Conceptual model includes two important factors: individual-related factors and
provider-related factors. These two factors collectively influence the medical tourism
in India.

24
  The factors related to Individual related are positively related to the medical
tourism which in turn leads to inclusive growth of economy.
 The factors related to provider are positively related to medical tourism which
in turn leads to inclusive growth of economy.

1.1 Individual related factors:

The individual-related factors are in the control of individual persons. First factor
which comes under medical tourism is country selection.

 The country selection is based on economic status, reputation of the country

and potential condition of the country.
 The sector factor which influences the medical tourism is hospital selection; it
is based on the price structure of the different hospitals.
 The third most crucial factor is availability of doctors; all the patients consider
this factor while taking decision for travel to different country to take medical
treatment. Which country has skilled number of professionals for providing
medical services without compromising quality standards.

1.2 Provider related factors:

 Provider related factors are composed of certification & accreditation of the

hospitals and healthcare centres.
 An infrastructure facility is also a crucial factor.9
 Accessibility & communication channels.
 All the factors bring attractiveness towards particular country from provider’s
perspective.
 The crucial factor is how safety and security of the tourist is assured.
 Second one is certification & accreditation of the hospital from the repudiated
agencies which gives the confidence to the medical tourists for the selected
destination.
 Finally, communication and accessibility to the hospital location has been most
important factors from provider’s viewpoint. Another thing is communication in
the preferred language eases the patient to travel another country both physically
and mentally.

1.3 Inclusive growth:

25
 Medical tourism helps the nations to shape the society. Medical tourism is not only
beneficial for patients but it also leads impact on economy of the country. With the
help of medical tourism all other businesses are also growing.

Employment opportunities are also increasing due to medical tourism. Medical

tourism helps the developing nations to enhance their infrastructure facilities,
increasing income, better employment opportunities and enhance healthcare facilities.

CURRENT STATUS OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

Medical tourism sector is one of the rapidly growing sectors in India. India’s position is third
out of 184 countries across the world for being chosen as a most preferred destination. The
services and facilities provided by India is found to be more satisfactory than any another
countries. India’s GDP is growing by 7.9 percent due to enhancement in the field of tourism.

Foreign exchange becomes a major source of earnings for the country through medical
tourism. While taking decisions the two most important factors are taken into considerations
by the tourists that are infrastructure facilities and access to the hospital. After selecting the
location patients look for services availability and medical facilities those are provided by the
hospitals of the country.

Factors which attracts the healthcare tourists

Individual related factors Provider related factors

26
 customer marketing
benefit promotion

communicat
branding certification cost
ion channel

legal infra- employee communi-

framework structure expertise cation

All these dominant factors motivate the medical tourists to visit the destination for
healthcare services. Heung et al. developed an integrated model to determine the
factors which directly affects the decision-making of the potential medical tourist.
Integrated model consists of two factors; supply aspect and demand aspect.
 Supply aspect: includes infrastructure, promotion and quality of infrastructure
facilities.
 Demand aspect: includes economic cost, distance/location, political stability and
hospital reputation.

THE MEDICAL TOURISM STRUCTURE IN INDIA

MEDICAL TOURISM

WELLNESS ALTERNATIVE COSMETIC ADVANCED AND

TOURISM SYSTEMS OF SURGERY LIFE SAVINGS
MEDICINE HEALHCARE

27
India is becoming popular day by day in medical tourism sector. India becomes the major
destination chosen for medical tourism as compared to other countries. Indian culture spelt
the term “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means guests are to be treated as similar to God. India is
providing high-tech medical services to the international patients as well as patients of India.
India is considered as a ‘healthcare hub’ of the world. India is a developing country in spite
of this fact India is giving tough competition to the developed countries in the field of
9tourism.

The medical tourism structure of India composed of four factors those are; Wellness Tourism,
Alternative Systems of Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery and Advanced and Life Savings
Healthcare. India is enhancing the services in these four segments which collectively form the
structure of India. Indian wellness tourism segment focuses on Ayurveda, yoga and
meditation segments. Many of the tourists come to India for receiving natural Ayurveda,
Yoga services to feel relax.

India is also providing alternative system of medicines like homeopathy, naturopathy, unani,
sidha and sowa-rigpa represents the alternative system of medicine recognized by
Government of India. The sidha system defines the condition in which the normal
equilibrium of the five elements in human beings is lost resulting in different forms of
discomfort. Unani system of medicine believes that the body is made of 4 elements; earth, air,
water and fire. This system believes in promotion of health, prevention of diseases and cure.

India is famous for providing cosmetic surgeries. Medical tourism in India includes advanced
and life savings healthcare services like open transplants, cardio vascular surgery, eye
treatment and alternate system of medicine.

THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE GROWING POPULARITY OF

MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA ARE:
Medical tourism is a part of health tourism. These both terms are not same. Medical tourism
is a process of people travelling from their own country to another country for receiving
medical treatments. These people are travel to abroad for numerous reasons; expensive
treatment, long waiting time and lack of medical facilities in their country. The main reasons
for the growing popularity of medical in India are affordable cost of treatment, quality
services are provided by India and all the procedures are done almost immediately without
waiting for longer period of time. The reason may be unavailability of that particular
treatment in their home country. The reasons could be attributed to the following:

 Affordability of treatments
 Availability of latest technology
 No communication barriers
 Relaxed visa rules
 Accommodation facilities

28
1. Affordability of treatments:

As compared to other countries, India is providing all kinds of medical treatments at

reasonable cost. Many patients are not able to pay higher treatment charges due to this
fact they travel to India for receiving High quality medical care at lesser cost than in their
home country. When it comes to cost comparison India is charging almost 1/10 th of the
total cost charged by many highly developed countries.

India has best-in-class facilities in all the hospitals and clinics equipping latest
technologies and having experienced medical professionals, there is almost no waiting
time.
Most crucial factor is providing timely treatment and if people seek the right doctor at the
right time, many more lives can be saved.

2. Availability of latest technology:

In India, every hospital of the India having a latest technologies equipped. People are
given the best possible treatments in India. India’s healthcare sector is continuously
growing and developing to cater the needs of patients.

Many advanced surgeries are performed in India like knee replacement or need for
transplants like liver or kidney transplant, and any more.

3. No communication barriers:

 An Indian hospital has a translator to facilitate the flow of communication

between the patient and doctor.
 Patients feel free to discuss their problems with doctors because Indian doctors
have a good command of English-speaking.

29
4. Relaxed visa rules:

 Indian government has introduced the new term in visas that is called medical
visas.
 Medical visas are introduced for international patients to receive medical
treatment.
 Priority is given to the patients having critical conditions.
 The procedure of getting is visa is not so complex.
 Waiting period for receiving visa is almost non-existent.
 There is no any complex requirement.

5. Accommodation facilities:

 There are many ways in which the private sector hospitals are doing their best in
making the recovery, travel, stay of the international patients as seamless as
possible.

 Many hospitals have tie-ups with hotels, guest houses near the hospital to
facilitate the stay of their international patients.

 The patients can either do the booking themselves or can let the hospital to do it
on their behalf.

MEDICAL TOURISM PROCESS OF INDIA

The process of medical tourism varies from one country to another country. Every country
has their policies and procedures regarding medical tourism. For a hassle free treatment, it is
mandatory that every patient must follow a few crucial steps.

30
STEPS OF MEDICAL TOURISM PROCESS:

1.prospective tourist to get medical service in India 2.Planned medical treatment 3.Obtain
invitation from hospital & get medical visa 4.Visit India on other visa 5.Get medical services
from requisite diagnostics and hospital, receive post treatment instructions and get 6.Spend
time through sightseeing of holidaying, if desired and if medically permitted 7.Apply for and
obtain visa extension, if required 8.Depart from India-surrender registration certificate before
departure in the case of medical visa and where stay in India is for more than 180 days.

1. Prospective tourist to get medical service in India:

It is the step of medical tourism process. At this stage, the tourism process begins.
Tourist is negotiating and exploring the details of medical services available in India.

2. Planned medical treatment:

31
 Second step of medical tourism process is planning medical treatment of the patient. It
includes details of investigations, procedures and all kind of examination to be done on
patients.

3. Obtain invitation from hospital & get medical visa:

Patient gets the invitation from the concerned hospital in India and all the requirements
are completed for getting visa. In this step, patients receive their visas and approval of
concerned hospital for obtaining medical treatment.

4. Visits India: after getting their visas, patients visits India for receiving requisite treatment
and services that they want.

5. Getting medical services from requisite hospitals and diagnostics, and receive post
treatment instructions.

6. Spend time through sightseeing of holidaying,

if desired and if medically permitted by the concerned authorities. Many patients

demands for leisure along with their treatments done. It is permitted only when the patient
is fit to freely move.

7. Apply for visa extension & obtain, if required:

According to Indian medical visa policy, India grants a stay of 60 days from the first date
of entry in the country with a valid medical visa. The visa holder can enter India up to
three times. It is possible to get a medical visa for India three times per year. Each
medical visa will grant a total stay of 60 days.
If any patient needs a visa extension, they need to produce a medical certificate for the
same and submit it to the state department and foreign regional registration office. In such
cases there will be extended for an additional year.

8. India-surrender registration certificate:

Before departure in the case of medical visa and where stay in India is for more than 180
days. Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall surrender his
certification of registration either to the Registration officer of the place from where he is
registered or of the place from where he intends to depart or to the immigration officer at
the port/exit at the time of final departure.

MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA – SWOT ANALYSIS

32
 Strengths Weakness
SWOT

Opportunity Threat

1. Strengths:

India is considered as a most preferred destination chosen for medical tourism. India has a
potential to utilise its strategies efficiently to further strengthen its medical tourism sector.

 India provides doctors and staff good at English which makes it comfortable for
tourists who are speaking English. So that all the barriers of communication can
be removed.
 Indian doctors are recognized as best because they are: qualified, are readily
available, experts in all fields, provide efficient information to their patients,
whenever required.
 The hospitals provides top class infrastructure facilities, properly equipped,
availability of latest technology and safe environment to the patients.
 Absences of racial discrimination, customers, especially from Africa, are
comfortable in India.
 Many foreigners are attracted to Indian systems of medicine and tourism.
 The Indian system of medicine includes Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha,
Ayurveda and Homeopathy together characterized under the department of
AYUSH in the union health and family welfare ministry.

2. Weakness:

In spite of much strength there are certain weaknesses which stop the development of
medical tourism segment in India. India has set up the accreditation boards for hospitals
and clinics, the hospitals are providing top class services with proper quality check are to
be accredited by these accreditation boards and council. Accreditation boards and
councils are the symbol of up-to mark services. These are:

 National Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)

 Quality Council of India (QCI)

Government of India under the Quality Council of India has set up National Accreditation
Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). The NABH accredited hospital

33
 focuses on patient rights and benefits, control and prevention of infections in hospitals,
safety of patient and practising good protocols for patient care like:

 Special care for critically ill patients

 Special care for vulnerable groups
 Better & controlled outcome of the clinic.

a) Accommodation cost is high, especially for customers having low income economies.

b) In 2011, India had only 63 NABH accredited hospitals which decrease the potential
market especially for customers from developed countries.

c) Most of the patients are from non English speaking parts of the world like Arabic.

d) Many hospitals are using services of students from customer’s country studying in
India.

3. Opportunities:

There are numerous opportunities; the government of India can take advantage of these
opportunities to strengthen the medical tourism segment.

 In India the medical care facilities are up to the mark as compared to other south
Asian countries. Therefore the patients from these countries where the medical
facilities are not up to the mark starts looking for good quality care in
neighbourhood like India, where travel time as well as the cultural divide is less.

 Cost comparison factor can also become an important opportunity for India. In
developed countries cost of medical treatment remaining high, provides Indian
medical tourism sector with a unique opportunity.

 Unavailability of treatment in tourist’s home country forces them to seek

treatment outside their home countries. They find Indian medical care more cost
effective.

 Many patients from Eastern countries like Iraq lack good medical facilities and
patients from these regions have not feel or faced any kind of discrimination. India
is one of closet yet cost effective destination for covering patients from these
countries.

 Many western countries offering full cover and care in home country at a higher
payment where customers can choose a lower premium package but will have to
get them treated at hospitals with comparable quality outside the country. Indian
hospitals can compete for this segment.

34
  In many western countries the waiting period of receiving medical services is very
long, but in India all the services are provided to the patients on immediate basis.
This can be an opportunity for India to attract large segment of patients from such
regions.

4. Threats:

There are some potential risks which can cause damage to the health tourism industry
come from the following sectors:

 Indian medical tourism facing the threat of increased proportion of tourists from
non-English speaking countries which may face the communication problems
during discussion of their treatment with the doctors.

 Lack of infrastructure facilities in India also hindering the growth of India in

tourism sector.

 Many tourists are facing the problems during getting their e-medical visas cause
of complex process.

 There are five leading countries those are chosen as a major destination for
medical tourism: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and India.

 These countries are giving tough competition to India, so that they can be a threat
for Indian medical tourism. Thailand is famous for cosmetic surgery and
Singapore having a technology advantage.

 The patients coming to Thailand & Singapore takes more interest in combining
their vacation with medical procedures.

 Mere patients are coming to India who takes less interest in leisure.

 Low investment in health infrastructure

 General infrastructure is not impressive

 Strong competition from highly developed countries

 Lack of international accreditation overseas medical care not covered by insurance

providers.

35
What is India offering?

India is offering various kinds of services to the international tourists. These are
enumerated below:
 Spiritual tourism
 Yoga
 Rural tourism
 Spa treatment
 Ayurveda

SPIRITUAL TOURISM

RURAL TOURISM SPA TREATMENT

INDIA
OFFERING

YOGA AYURVEDA

ADVENTURE TOURISM

a) Spiritual tourism-

Spiritual tourism in India to make its mark among leading travel trends in 2019. Many
experts and corporate professionals are increasingly taking interest in spiritual
vacations. Medical facilitators provide pre-planned packages for international tourists
coming to India for seeking medical treatments. Medical facilitators provide vacation
holidaying along with their medical treatments done. These packages include all the
services starting before the arrival of the patient and ends at the departure of the
patient from India.

The search for travel to Varanasi, Tirupati, Bodh Gaya, Pushkar, Mathuravrindavan or
other places of religion interest are on a new high.

36
b) Rural tourism-

Rural tourism can be used as a means to:-

 Empower the rural people

 Improve the well-being of the rural poor
 Empower the women
 Interaction with the outside world
 Participate in decision-making and implementing tourism policies
 Improve the social condition of lower sections of the society
 Protection of culture, heritage and nature.
Benefits: Rural tourism allows the replacement of source of income in the non-
agricultural sector for rural dwellers. The added income from rural tourism can
contribute to the revival of lost folk art and handicrafts.

c) Ayurveda-

India is providing natural treatments like Ayurveda which helps the patients to
recover fast and feel relaxed. India is the place that is known for Ayurveda. It trusts in
expelling the reason for sickness and not simply curing the ailment itself. Ayurveda
considers that the base of life lies in the four essential components; water, air, earth
and fire. Ayurveda is depends on herbals and home grown parts without having
symptoms.

d) Yoga-

 Yoga is fast growing healthcares therapy towards which people are getting
aware and start learning yoga to live fit and fine life.
 Yoga tourism is an act in which people from all around the world travel to
other countries to obtain salvation & medical care while at the same time
touring, vacationing, and fully experiencing the attractions of the countries in
which they are visiting.
 Actually, people travel to avail such facilities because these unique therapies
are not available in one’s own country.

e) Adventure tourism-

 According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, is a tourist activity that

includes physical activity, a cultural exchange, or activities in nature.

 Adventure tourism is about connecting with a new culture or a new landscape

and being physically active at the same time.

37
 EMERGING TRENDS OF
MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

Emerging trends of Medical Tourism in India

is quite an interesting topic to research.
Medical tourism industry is growing and
becoming popular all among different
countries, the trends in medical tourism are
constantly changing.
India is considered as a most chosen tourism
destination by international tourists. India is
becoming popular and growing day by day in
the field of medical tourism.
The reasons behind the top position of India
in the tourism Industry are affordability of treatments, oftentimes life saving treatments
without causing any delay.
Many western countries are providing complete insurance packages of healthcare but these
packages are very expensive many citizens can’t afford these premium packages, and then
they look for neighbourhood countries where cost of treatment is lesser.
Many countries do not provide insurance coverage for plastic or cosmetic procedures that’s
why patients from these countries travel to India for getting their treatments done at cheaper
rates. India is providing top class medical facilities at very affordable prices without any
compromise of quality prospective.
According to one survey report, India has turned into a $5.5 billion market annually in
medical tourism as of 2015. Many believes that India will achieve the target of $7-8 billion
annually from medical tourists procedures performed there each year as per in the year 2020.
Medical tourism industry is one of the quickly developing industries; India is playing a
leading role in this sector. Indian government is taking many efforts to advance social
insurance in India. The hospitals are furnished with the most advance technologies and
experienced staff who can give quality treatment to patients. Utmost importance is given to
safety & security of the patients, in India it is considered as a chief concern.
Indian government is promoting restorative tourism, so that all the facilities should be
provided to make restorative visitors stay in India bother free. Presently Indian government is
offering medical visas to the international tourists. Medical visa is used for medical purposes.
The underlying time frame for the medical visa is 60 days further extension is provided to the
tourists having any medical concerns.

38
Further expansion will be allowed by the ministry of home affairs just on the proposals of the
state government by suitable medical reports. India is also providing number of services like
yoga, spa treatment, Ayurveda, homeopathy and naturopathy.

5 Major Emerging Trends In The Medical Tourism Industry:

Listed below are some of the changes that medical tourism has undergone in the pursuit of
providing affordable and quality healthcare throughout the globe:
a) Growing contributions from the private sector

b) Demographic shift in developed countries

c) Diversification of procedures

d) Growing number of participating countries

e) Baby boomer trends

f) Qualified professionals in medical tourism destinations

g) Establishment of new hubs

sB
p
h
T
r
to
c
eD
fF
iv
y
b
am
d
n g
lu

39
1. The private sector contribution:

The growing contribution from the private sector is causing “health cities” around the
world.

Due to increasing investment from the private sector, India is making the hospitals that
provide all the services and facilities under one roof. India, which is one of the leaders in
the medical tourism industry in south East Asia, is estimated to have 75-80% of its
healthcare services and investments provided by the private sector.

Increased involvement of private sector in the medical tourism sector has become a major
emerging trend.

Due to the involvement of private sector India is enhancing all the medical care facilities
and furnishing all the healthcare centres with the latest technologies.

2. Demographic shift in developed countries:

The gradual shift in the patient and physician demographics may lead to several changes
in the tourism industry. Due to the higher cost of medical treatment in developed
countries, people from these countries leave their country to seek medical treatment from
other country whosoever is providing treatment at cheaper price.

According to Medical Practice & Attitude Report found that within the next 5 years, 14%
of physicians in the western countries will retire or leave medical practice, and within the
next 10 years, 34% will do so. The main reasons are economic and political factors, these
factors are forcing the patients and physicians to leave their countries. The age group of
50-70 requires more quality care, if this much of quality care is not provided in these
countries the patients may leave their countries and look for another country providing
quality care to the patients.

3. Diversification of procedures:

According to Medical Tourism, healthcare is considered any procedure that someone

travels abroad to receive. The list of various procedures is:

 Cosmetic/plastic surgeries
 Organ transplants
 Cardiac surgeries
 Bariatric operations
 Breast augmentations
 Rhinoplasty
 Angioplasty

40
  Dermabrasion

As the popularity is growing in the field of medical tourism the demand for various
procedures also grows as well. India is constantly becoming a leader amongst other
countries in medical tourism sector.
India has an availability of latest technologies, quality healthcare treatments, all kinds of
medical procedures are available and affordable treatments are also provided to the
patients.
Many western countries are also providing various kinds of medical treatments and
quality care but these countries are charging higher prices from the patients. The patients
from these countries travel to other country providing quality health care at affordable
cost.
India is attracting the patients segment from these countries cause of providing health
care to those who cannot afford treatments in the west. Cities around Asia have also
become the leaders in medical tourism industry, courtesy of their high level of hospitality
standards, and also their low priced treatments that make healthcare more affordable in
most of Asia as compared to the rest of the western world.

Most common medical procedures-

As of 2014 the most common procedures patients cited that they travelled for were a host
of complex, specialized procedures like breast augmentations, Dermabrasion, bariatric
surgeries, and angioplasty surgeries. Some people travel for receiving cancer treatments
and cardiovascular surgeries. Many people travel to receive affordable treatment, other
procedures such as cosmetic or plastic surgeries that insurances won’t cover in Western
Countries.

List of Medical Diagnostic Tests-

 Dental procedures
 Eye surgeries
 Removal of excess skin
 Weight loss surgery
 Bariatric surgeries
 Post natal care
 Hearing aids
 Cochlear implants
Disease preventions are another reason people often choose to become medical tourists.
One common test people travel abroad for is related to fertility and sterility.

4. Growing number of participating countries-

 India is currently the leader in medical tourism.

41
  Many countries are now investing in medical tourism sector due to increased
popularity of this sector all around the world.

 Many countries are charging high cost from the patients forcing people to seek
treatments elsewhere.

 South Africa and Egypt are also leading the way with international tourism

5. Baby boomer trends-

 The emergence of baby boomer trends in the medical tourism field is a new
concept.

 Many tourists travel to receive IVF treatments and surrogacy.

 Most of the western countries refuses or ban to perform all these procedures.

China is following its single-child policy, that’s why the largest segment of parent groups
travel to abroad for receiving such kind of procedures. The major players in the field of
medical tourism are US and Canada.

6. Surge in qualified professionals in medical tourism destinations:

Medical tourism has led to the emergence of new skilled professionals in medical
destinations. Due to the growth of medical tourism many medical schools and training
centres are also facilitated in different countries worldwide.

Healthcare professionals in medical tourism hubs include:

 Doctors
 Surgeons
 Physiotherapists

42
  Translators
 Rehabilitation facilitators
 Travel agents.
Based on one healthcare survey report, only Singapore alone has over 9600 doctors
with 55 medical institutions, 29000 nurses and 1500 dentists that serve international
patients.

WHY THE WORLD IS MOVING TOWARDS MEDICAL TOURISM

Medical tourism is growing all around the world. There are so many reasons why the
world is moving towards medical tourism. Every person has their own wants and needs
that’s why they want to satisfy their needs with the help of different modes. One person is
travelling to abroad for seeking specific medical treatment, the reason behind travel to
another country may be:

 Quality of care
 Less waiting time
 Affordable treatment
 Exploring the other country

a) When it comes to cost comparison, a heart-value substitution that would cost $200,000
or more in the US, for instance, goes for $10,000 in India.

b) The cost of surgery in India, South Africa or Thailand can be 1/10 th of what it is in the
United States or Western Europe is less.

c) A dental scaffold worth $5500 in the US costs $500 in India.

d) The cost of Lasik eye surgery worth $3700 in US is accessible in numerous different
nations for just $730.

e) A facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US keeps running about $1250 in South Africa.

43
 Due to these various reasons medical tourism is growing at stake. The tourists can receive
high quality treatment at lower cost, no waiting time, world class facilities, best surgeons,
customer care, and best travel opportunities are provided to the tourists.

MEDICAL TOURISM PRICES

Cost comparison of medical tourism prices in different countries. India and Poland is providing
quality care medical services at cheaper prices than other United States.

44
 RISKS & ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL TOURISM

1. Risks: Medical tourism increases the risk of nosocomial infections that is hospital
acquired infections. The patients who travel to another country in seeks of medical
treatment are potentially exposed to infections that would not normally encounter. Every
country has own licensing and certification protocols. All the countries have different
irresistible sickness related the study of disease transmission to Europe and North
America. There are some cases where the patients are reliably misdiagnosed for a period
of long time in the light of such diseases are “uncommon in the west”.
Infections with multiresistant organisms, the spread of nor viruses and mycobacterium
infections after cosmetic surgery are well documented cases of medical risks.

45
 Medical
Risks

Medical
Tourism
Risks
Legal Ethical

2. Ethical issues: high ethical standards are necessary for healthcare. The main ethical
issues are:
 Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders
 Doctor and Patient Confidentiality
 Malpractice and Negligence
 Access to Care
 Physician-Assisted Suicide

3. Legal issues: the patient may face various kinds of legal issues while receiving medical
care through medical tourism. The main legal issues are:

 Patient travel issues

 Licensing and regulation of facilities and professionals
 Surrogate decision makers
 Medical record issues

10 Major Risks Associated With Medical Tourism:

The term medical tourism refers to people travel to abroad to seek medical treatment. People
leaving their own country to seek medical treatment cause such procedure is not covered under
insurance in their own country. In spite of various benefits of medical tourism but there are
some risks also which can danger the life of patients. These are:

46
 1. INFECTION

2. MEDICATION DANGERS

3. COMMUNICATION ISSUES

4. BLOOD SUPPLY ISSUES

5. TRAVEL CONCERNS

6. FOLLOW UP CARE

7. LEGAL ISSUES

8. CREDENTIAL ISSUES

9. HIDDEN COSTS

10. ETHICAL CONCERNS

1. Infection:

Most dangerous risk associated with the medical tourism is infection. All parts of the
world having sanitation standards. Infection is not just a personal concern nut it’s a public
health issue. Different kinds of infections are acquired by the patients during medical
tourism.

During 2011, NDM-1 enzyme is spreading in India and Pakistan and spreading
worldwide, was found in 2 persons in the Toronto area, one of whom acquired it in
Canada. This enzyme is spread because of travel and its ability to transfer between
bacteria.

The infection can occur due to unsanitary practices and equipment’s are not sterile used
during surgery. These bacteria’s and viral infections are a major risk for the international
tourists.

2. Medication dangers:

Every patient may need medication before, during or after the treatment in another
country. Many countries are using counterfeit medications for several treatments.

47
 Southeast Asia is one of them using counterfeit Artesunate, for treating malaria. Several
studies conducted 2000-2005 for checking the ingredients of Artesunate and found
between 38% and 52% contained no active ingredient.

The medication related dangers patients may face due to receiving:

 Low quality medications

 Having incorrect ingredients
 Counterfeit medications

3. Communication issues:

Many tourists may face the issues of communication barriers. If any patient doesn’t know
the language of the other country, the risks are higher. Patients may not be able to
communicate their health issues or ask for help if something goes wrong.
 If the patient are not able to tell their problems with the doctor, then how doctor
will understand the problem of the patient?
 The doctor will misunderstand the health issue of the patient and then it will give
rise to wrong treatment, this will lead to serious complications after treatments.

4. Blood supply issues:

48
 The patients may require a blood transfusion during or after treatment. Blood supply is a
crucial factor, safety is a prior concern. During the medical tourism you may not sure
about the screening standards of foreign country for blood supplies.

The risks associated with the medical tourism are:

 The patient is at the risk of getting serious infections

 Patient may exposed to HIV

Patient wont b able to see the issue until it’s too late.

5. Travel concerns:

During air travel patients may have blood clots during the travel. Due to limited time
period of medical visa patients have to go back to their own country after having their
treatments done.
Travelling can increase the risk of complications and infection after surgery due to long
time airplane flights.

6. Follow-up care:

Follow-up care is a crucial stage where the recovery of a patient depends. Every country
has different medical facilities & rules for follow-up care. Contingency plans are required
for emergency follow-up if needed upon returning home.
Patients travel to abroad for receiving medical treatment is at the risk of returning home
with complications that require expensive treatment, expensive both on a societal or
personal level.

Some of the questions are arises for international patients before travelling to abroad:

 What will you do if you have a serious infection and can’t get the medical facility
to treat you?
 Will you receive adequate follow-up care in the foreign facility?

It’s very important for patients to understand that the hospital or clinic where you receive
your treatment stay may be cut short, and you might not get the follow-up care you need.

Why follow-up care is important:

 Follow-up care generally keeps patients healthier and drives positive care
outcomes.
 It boosts the recovery of patients.

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7. Legal issues:

There are so many issues the medical tourists may face. But the medical tourists may not
have legal rights and may not be able to receive compensation for a mishandled surgery.

Legal concerns for medical tourists:

 Proper waivers
 Proper insurance
 Medical complications
 Choosing quality hospital
 Choosing quality doctor
 Choosing right facilitator.

8. Credential issues:

It is very important to check the qualifications of the treatment providers who will be
doing the procedure and where the procedure will be done.
According to Joint commission International (JCI) - without having required qualification
a medical professional is not allowed to perform the procedure on patient.
Proper license is mandatory for every medical practitioner to perform any kind of
procedures.
 Will you receive treatment from a licensed professional, or a person who isn’t
capable of handling a procedure or surgery?

 How will you check the credentials and licenses in a foreign land with possible
language barriers?

9. Hidden costs:

Medical tourism has hidden costs, at starting it may seems like a less expensive
alternative. Agreement between you & your healthcare provider is must detailing about
all the procedure costs regarding surgery, stay, travel and medication expenses all should
be covered in the agreement.
Many patients may come to different country because they are providing less expensive
treatments but at the end they will charge you highly. In this kind of situation what will
you do?
 Will you be able to afford all of the treatments and medications in a foreign
country?
 What if you require an extra-long hospital stay or extra care?

It’s important to keep in mind and consider these additional costs.

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10. Ethical concerns:

Ethical concern is an important issue. In medical tourism there is term called transplant
tourism focusing solely on transplantation surgery. Due to constantly decreasing in the
number of donors in the countries like US patients are waiting for organ transplantation.
According to the UNOS reports there are more than 105,000 Americans on the transplant
candidate waiting list with more than 15,000 patients awaiting a liver transplant. The
percentages of donor numbers are decreasing by 1.7% in 2008.

According to International Liver Transplant Society (ILTS) have positioned against the
exploitation of donors, the recovery of organs from executed prisoners, and condemned
the use of paid living donors.

So it is very important from whom the organ is obtained for your transplantation.
 How you will verify that the organ you receive has been obtained in an ethical
manner?

 Verification of donor is necessary for you to avoid all kinds of ethical

complications in the future time period.

 Concerns for patient health include inadequate communication of risks to patients

and failure to achieve informed consent.

Ethical concerns related to medical tourism are:

1. The Potential Of
Liability On The 2. The Patient's 3. The Legal System
Patient's Country Ethical Concerns In The Host Country
Of Residence

4. Limited Health 5. Disparity In

Literacy Treatment

1. The potential of liability on the patient’s country of residence.

2. The patient’s need to travel abroad and seek medical care outside the home country stems
out of the point of view the patient and the formation of a negative opinion of the quality
of care provided in the home country.
3. The judiciary system in the host country is a major concern of medical tourism.
4. Inadequate information and a general lack of awareness can lead to wrong choice of
medical travel destination.

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5. Equality of health care is also an important concern.

FUTURE OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

The main reasons as to why medical tourism would grow in India include lower medical
costs for various procedures such as bye-pass surgery, bone narrow transparent, knee
surgery and liver transplant costs lower as compared to western countries. Due to the
result of higher and expensive medical treatments in western countries, patients from low
economic background started looking for seeking treatment in hospitals located in well to
do places in India. Most of the western countries are not providing insurance coverage for
various kinds of medical procedures but India is providing insurance coverage for each &
every kind of medical procedure for international tourists.

India would emerge as a healthcare for providing excellent medical treatment is because
of having highly qualified medical doctors and nursing staff. Qualified professionals add
more major advantage for India to emerge as a healthcare hub in the near future.

Large numbers of people are coming from different countries in India to get their
treatments done. Medical tourism companies in India have played an important role in
making the country more popular in the tourism field. India is on a path of becoming a
healthcare hub in near future period.

There are various reasons:

1. India is providing quality healthcare at affordable prices. In comparison to other

countries India is providing cost-efficient and budgetary treatments to the patients.

2. Without compromising any quality standards, the treatment is provided to the

patients. India has all kinds of advance technologies to cater the needs of the
patients.

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3. All the other countries near India have limited facilities required for treating the
patients that’s why patients from these regions come to India. India is enhancing
their medical facilities up to date so that all the needs should be fulfilled. The
treatment in India is budget friendly as well as of extreme quality.

4. Indian doctors are providing immediate treatments and medical services to the
patients without causing any delay. In many other countries patients have to wait
for long hours to receive treatment but in India whether it is a simple or complex
one surgery all are treated immediately. Due to less waiting time India is attracting
many patients from abroad.

5. Another reason behind attracting largest patient segment from abroad is Medical
visa availability. Medical visa is introduced by the government of India to make
easy for tourists for travelling. Visa period is extended according to time period of
the treatment.

6. India is also providing other alternative treatment therapies such as Ayurveda,

Yoga, Naturopathy, Siddha and homeopathy etc for the patients. India is a origin
of natural treatment therapies. Many tourists are coming to India to receive such
kind of natural treatments services done.

7. The nursing staffs of India are best among the entire world. India has about more
than 1000 well known nurse training centres in India, which is connected to best
hospitals.

8. India doctors and other healthcare practitioners are fluent in English. English is
considered as a universal language. Many patients coming from highly developed
countries, therefore they do not have to face any communication issues while
conveying their problem with the doctors.

9. India has gained the status of being a popular tourist destination because of an array
of :
 Magnificent places
 Beaches
 Hill towns
 And much more.

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 10. The cost of medical procedures in western countries is more and expensive than
the cost of India. The patient segment from these countries comes to India for
getting their treatments done.

BEST MEDICAL TOURISM

SPOTS IN INDIA

Medical tourism sector is growing in India.

India currently ranks 5th globally on the
Medical Tourism Index. In Asia India’s rank
is 2nd according to the international
healthcare and research centre statistics.

India becomes the top destination chosen for Medical Tourism. Tourists from different
regions of the world are coming to India not only for enjoying the sights but also for getting
best healthcare treatments.

Many of the countries are charging highly cost for medical services these costs are not
affordable by poor segment of patients, that’s patients from these segments come to India for
receiving affordable treatments. India has highly equipped hospitals with availability of
latest technologies; many patients come to India because of poor infrastructure in their own
countries.

The popular destinations of India are Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and
Delhi.

Top Medical Tourism Destinations In India

Chennai Bangalore Allepay

Mumbai New Delhi Vellore

Goa
Coimbatore Hyderabad

Ahmadabad
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 1. Mumbai
2. Goa
3. Chennai
4. New Delhi
5. Coimbatore
6. Bangalore
7. Vellore
8. Ahmadabad
9. Hyderabad
10. Allepay

1. Mumbai is one of the popular destinations amongst others famous for providing medical
tourism. Mumbai is famous for providing best quality care and healthcare treatments.
Mumbai has various super speciality hospitals for surgeries like; cosmetic surgery,
orthopaedic surgery and weight loss surgery. Mumbai is famous for the Ayurveda
treatment and for cosmetic surgery also.
Mumbai becomes one of the fastest growing destinations for medical tourism. The
hospitals providing the world class treatment facilities to the international patients. There
are various interesting places to visit in Mumbai like you can visit gateway of India and
beach nearby.

2. Goa is favourite place amongst various international tourists because of its natural
environment. Many tourists come to Goa for receiving medical treatment but also to get
the chance of visiting the beautiful sights. Medical tourism sector is also growing in Goa.
There are many speciality hospitals providing continuous medical services to their patients
without causing any delay. Goa is popular for providing heart bypass surgery, spinal
fusion surgery. With regards to medical tourism the government of Goa also providing
health and wellness tourism. If you want to energize yourself like your body and soul you
can visit the beaches.

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3. Chennai

Chennai is also amongst the top places chosen for medical tourism. According to one
survey report forty percent of the people are coming to Chennai for receiving high
quality medical treatment. Chennai is also known as the health capital of India because
more than two hundred patients are coming to receive various surgeries such as cardiac
bypass, hip replacement and alternative treatments.

4. New Delhi

New Delhi is a capital city of India. There are many hospitals of New Delhi has award
winning for providing world class medical treatments to the patients. These hospitals
are:

 Fortis hospital
 Indraprashta Apollo hospitals
 Ram manohar lohia hospital

These hospitals are famous for providing specialize surgeries like eye surgery, joint
replacement, heart surgery and general surgeries. You can also visit famous places of
New Delhi; jama masjid or lotus temple.

5. Coimbatore

Coimbatore is also growing in medical tourism. It is famous for tiny industries and
textile mills. The heart surgery and ENT treatments is best services provided by
Coimbatore. The famous hospitals of Coimbatore for providing high quality treatments
at very reasonable prices are:

 VGM
 KMCH
 PSG

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6. Bangalore

Bangalore has various super speciality hospitals those are providing 24/7 services to the
patients. Bangalore is also famous for its industrial commercial growth. All the
hospitals have availability of latest technologies and equipped with ultra medical
equipments. Stomach surgery is the best surgery provided by Bangalore.

7. Vellore

In Vellore there are many famous hospitals providing best quality care to the patients.

 VIT University
 Christian Medical College & Hospital

Vellore is also a center for medical tourism and providing treatment like cardiology.

8. Ahmadabad has known as medical hub of India. Because it is fastest growing in the
field of medical tourism. The healthcare tourists prefer to come to Ahmadabad over
other destinations because there are lot of world class hospitals. The famous hospitals
of Ahmadabad are:

 Apollo hospital

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  Civil hospital
 Rajasthan hospital
 Sterling hospital.

9. Hyderabad is a capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad hospitals provide best

medical services at affordable prices. Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are
provided by the Hyderabad. Featured hospitals are:
 Aditya hospital
 Heritage hospital

10. Alleppey is the best place for receiving medical services. It is famous for providing
cosmetic surgery and Ayurveda treatments. Popular hospitals are:
 Madonna hospital
 Star hospital.

ADVANTAGES OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

Medical tourism sector is growing rapidly in the world. One of the major reasons behind the
growth of medical reason is the number of people having low per capita income. Due to
higher cost of medical treatments, many of them choose to get treated outside their native
country. These segments of patients go to different country from their own to receive less
costly treatment they need in a timely manner.

Number of uninsured people opts to be treated in India because India offers affordable
treatment without any waiting times. Medical tourism in India provides accessibility of
skilled and experienced medical professionals & doctors so patients around the world get
their treatments done. Medical tourism sector is growing up at a rapid speed in India.

 India becomes a major destination chosen for medical tourism.

 All the Indian hospitals have latest technologies and availability of skilled doctors to
provide excellent healthcare services to the patients.
 India is providing all kinds of medical treatments at 1/10th cost of western countries.
 India is offering cheaper rates for every kind of medical procedure without
compromising any quality standards.
 With regards to treatments done, India is also providing wide range of medical
treatment packages at very reasonable costs.
 All the doctors in India are well trained and experienced, many of them having
undergone training in US, so patients don’t have to worry about the quality of
facilities and care they will receive.

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 1. Speciality 2. Treatment-cum- 3. Availability Of
Treatment leisure Destination Medical Experts

6. No Waiting
4. Low Cost 5. Low Treatment
Period For
Consulting Fee Cost
Treatment

7. Availability Of
Advanced
Equipments

The variety of treatments offered by India to International Patients:

India is providing various medical services and procedures to the international tourists.
Medical tourism is growing at a faster rate in India due to the availability of huge variety of
medical procedures. These treatments are:

1. Spine surgery
2. Cosmetic surgeries
3. Eye surgery
4. Blood vessel treatments
5. All types of bone and joints treatments
6. Stomach related treatments
7. Dental treatments
8. Spa and beauty treatments

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 9. Heat related treatments and surgeries
10. Ear, Nose and throat
11. Dental treatments
12. Spa and beauty treatments
13. Laser hair removal treatments
14. Infertility treatments.

These various kinds of treatments and surgeries are offered by India to the patients coming
through medical tourism.

The main pros of Medical Tourism in India:

Hundred Percent Trustworthy

Quality Healthcare At Reasonable Cost

Availability Of Professional Doctors

Top Notch Medical Facilities

1. India provides trustworthy services to the international patients.

2. India is providing all kinds of healthcare services at reasonable costs.
3. India has availability of skilled medical professionals, many of them having practical
training in US.

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 4. Indian hospitals are equipped with all the latest equipments and medical facilities to
provide quality healthcare services.

India also offers alternative treatments and traditional methods these include:

 Homeopathy
 Naturopathy
 Meditation and yoga
 Aroma therapy
 Music therapy
 Reiki
 Pranic healing
 Siddha
 Unani

 Alternative treatments also known as complementary medicines used for various

kinds of spiritual and natural healing methods.
 All these natural treatments are used by India.
 The main focus is on finding the cause of the problem to come with a result.

DISADVANTAGES OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN INDIA

Despite of many advantages there are few disadvantages of medical tourism in India. These
are:

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 1. Insurance Coverage

2. Medical Malpractice

3. Travel Cost

4. Post Operation Recovery

5. Legal Paperwork

6. Communication Barriers

7. Hidden Costs

8. Safety & Liability

9. Long Distance Travel

10. Complications

1. Insurance coverage:

The insurance depends upon the kind of medical treatment you have chosen. At first
sight, medical tourism looks very cheaper but the patients are not aware of
unnecessary expenses, so before taking any treatment assure all the expenses and
particulars of the treatment.
Every country has their different legal procedures in order to avoid future
complications understand all the legal issues.

2. Medical malpractice:

Any medical malpractice puts you in difficult situations. Many hospitals provide
insurance coverage for medical negligence, but you should aware about the legal
framework of India rules.

3. Travel cost: The patients travelling abroad for seeking medical care must be aware
of all the expenses related to the travel. Travel cost is not only the cost of moving
from one country to another country but it also includes all the accommodation
charges and food expenses. So proper awareness is mandatory before travelling to
another country.

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4. Post operation recovery: In cases of serious illness the recovery period is longer, so
the patients have to stay at their own outside the hospital providing tourism procedure.
In such cases patients has to go for daily health checkups, such patients face difficulty
cause of shorter period of medical visas.

5. Paper work: A medical tourism procedure includes lots of legal paperwork. These
procedures can be difficult and time consuming, many patients needs immediate
treatment their health conditions do not allow them to wait for such longer period. A
legal paperwork can be hindrance for such patients. A larger segment of medical
tourists are not aware of legal frameworks it can create difficulties for the tourists.

6. Communication barriers: communication barriers are one another hindrance faced

by the international patients. Many times patients are not able to understand the
language of doctors what they are speaking. Due to unaware of doctor’s language
patient is not able to convey his/her problem to the doctor. In such kind of situation
doctors do not understand the problem of the patient and it leads to medical
malpractice. Medical malpractice puts the patient in risky situation.

7. Hidden costs: the medical agents and TPA (Third Party Administrators) may
misguide many times while conveying the medical tourism expenses to the patients.
Most of the patients are not aware of the hidden costs like accommodation charges,
food expenses, travel charges and charges related to other necessary expenses. At first
sight it seems like cheaper and affordable but in reality it is not. Sometimes medical
travel agents and the tourism package provide may give the patients wrong details
about all other hidden costs, so proper awareness is mandatory.

8. Safety & liability: the safety & liability these two factors play an important role in
medical tourism. Before seeking any treatment you must be aware about the doctor
performing procedure on you. Doctor should have desirable qualification and having
proper licensee in that particular specialization.

9. Long distance travel: the patients having serious deceases are not able to travel for
such a longer period. Long hour travel after major surgery can put the patients in
complicated conditions.

10. Complications: there are so many complications the patients may face during
medical tourism such as: communication barriers, travel cot and hidden costs etc.

CONCLUSION

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Medical Tourism is becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in this world. India is
becoming the major player in the field of medical tourism. The main reason behind the
growth of India in tourism industry is: low cost of treatment with high quality. Medical
tourism helps the countries to maintain good relations with each other, having good relations
with other countries it give rise to enhancement of foreign exchange. The growth of medical
tourism is growing at the rate of 30 % a year. The larger segments of patients are coming to
India every year and get satisfied with the top class medical procedures done. Medical
tourism helps the poor segment of patients to get their treatments done in India at affordable
costs.

Medical tourism is likely to increase over the next decade as many more tourists are able to
access the internet and receive the relevant data to care offered at a reasonable & affordable
price. Some patients may get benefited through medical tourism but some may get troubled in
legal issues. Medical tourism makes the world as a global village which makes enable the
people to move from one country to the another country according to their needs. Cost
comparison is also an another important aspect in favour of medical tourism in India that is
cost of medical procedures in the western countries is ten times more than the charges taken
by India for proving various kinds of medical procedures.

The air travel cost for India is also lesser, it is also a crucial factor for choosing India as a
healthcare destination. India is emerging as a major player in the industry of medical tourism.
Medical tourism is beneficial for not only the patients requiring treatments but tourism also
helps the country in developing more employment opportunities for the youth. There are so
many advantages of medical tourism but there are few disadvantages but for sure India will
overcome all these drawbacks faced by the international patients during accessing their
treatments and other requirements. It also give rise the foreign exchange for the host country
and helps to gain more earnings. So, at last we conclude that medical tourism is now
becoming a faster growing industry for many countries and they are competing with each
other to attract the larger segment of patients and India is becoming major player in this
industry.

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