CATCHING FLIGHTS FOR HEALTH CARE
7.3 million medical tourists this year, As India gears up to welcome approximately destination for holistic well-being experts tell us why the country is a preferred
Recently, a man suffering from severe pain in his leg travelled from Ghana to consult with doctors in Vadodra, Gujarat. The patient (name withheld for privacy) had fractured his femur in a road accident and was unable to walk, despite undergoing femur nailing surgery. After investigating, doctors at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, found that he had a broken implant nail and an unhealed fracture, which required a complex revision procedure. According to Dr Arup Kumar Das, group medical director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, the phenomenon of medical tourism, or travelling to another country or state to access affordable and quality healthcare, has grown significantly in recent years. Data from credit rating agency, Crisil, suggests that India will see an estimated 7.3 million medical tourists in 2024, a significant jump from the 2023 estimate of 6.1 million tourists.
INDIAN MEDICAL AND HEALTH TOURISM HUBS
To encourage more inbound patients, several Indian states have begun propping themselves as medical destinations by developing their infrastructure and regulations. On June 22, Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the state government is planning to set up a medical and health tourism hub spread over 1,000 acres in Telangana.
In addition to this, India already has several wellestablished healthcare and wellness hubs. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for example, is known as the “health capital” of the country. According to research, 40% of patients choose the city for its high standard of care. Mumbai is one of the fastest-growing health destinations and has multiple super-speciality hospitals that specialise in the treatment of various kinds of ailments. Meanwhile, Kerala has created a niche for itself as an Ayurvedic centre, while Rishikesh, Uttarakhand and Mysuru, Karnataka are popular yoga and wellness destinations.
WHY HAS INDIA BECOME A HOT SPOT?
As per projections in the Medical Tourism Index 202324, India’s healthcare sector is set to see a surge of approximately ₹2,670.37 billion by 2027. The 2020-21 index also ranked the country’s health sector as 10th globally among 46 medical tourism destinations.
Dr Sanjay Agarwala, section head, Orthopedics and Traumatology, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, says, “Medical tourists come to India to avail health services for multiple reasons, specifically, highquality affordable care with the latest technology.”
According to the Indian Medical Association, a majority of medical tourists visit India for cardiology, oncology or orthopaedic-related treatments, as well as liver and knee transplant and alternative therapy.
Dr Piyush Ranjan, vice chairman, Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, says that the main reason for the growing trend of medical tourism in India is a “lack of expertise”, especially in lessadvanced economies.
Other reasons include easier access to advanced treatments with shorter waiting times. Additionally, the cost differences and the appeal of privacy, comprehensive care options and government policies play a significant role.
Healthcare in Dubai is worldclass, but very expensive. I mostly plan physicals (check-ups) and get treatments whenever I visit India. YASH THADESHWAR, Dubai-based lawyer
In Ireland, healthcare isn’t affordable unless you have insurance, so I avoid going to the doctor there. You can’t beat healthcare costs in India. RIYANKA PERAO, Ireland-based receptionist