India is one of the most sought after destinations for medical tourism. In the year 2004, some 150,000 medical tourists from UK, US, Middle East and other foreign countries visited India seeking medical care in Indian hospitals. Since then, medical tourism in India has been growing at the rate of 20% per annum. Medical tourism in India is expected to become a $ 2 billion-a-year-business by 2012. So what is it that has given medical tourism such a stupendous boost in India? Let’s look at the factors which contributed growth of medical tourism in India-
• India has the technology and the expertise to provide quality treatment in treating even chronic illnesses like cancer, heart problems and other health problems. India houses many state-of-the-art hospitals with good infrastructure and doctor base. Most hospitals in India are well equipped and provide world class treatments to their patients.
• Many hospitals have special programs for medical tourists coming to India. Apart from providing the required treatment, they provide assistance at every step of the patient’s stay in India. There are hospitals that offer airport pick and drop, provide visa assistance; arrange foreign exchange, sightseeing and hotel accommodations.
• Several medical tourism service providers have mushroomed in several parts of India, who aim at making the entire medical trip hassle free for medical tourists. They assist patients and their company throughout their stay in India.
• India, which is the birthplace of yoga also, has excellent Spa and wellness centers. They are perfect rejuvenation hubs for medical tourists.
• India is a cultural hub and home to many world famous tourist spots and monuments. Medical tourism to India is worth it because you combine medical treatment with an exotic holiday in one of the serene locales in India.
