Kerala pavilion at Oman Health Expo
MUSCAT: The seventh edition of the Oman Health Exhibition and Conference spares no efforts in highlighting the latest development in the healthcare sector from across the world. One of the noteworthy pavilions is from the God’s Own Country, Kerala, which brings more than 21 exhibitors offering a wide variety of services along with medical specialists available for consultation at the venue.
The pavilion will be located at Concourse Hall 2, within the Oman Convention Centre, designed to stand apart from the rest of the countries and all stalls will be equipped with WIFI, backdrops, tables, chairs and LED screens to support the hospitals to promote themselves.
Consultation facilities will be made possible through prior appointments online, through the special website created and promoted for the same.
The pavilion, a Malayala Manorama initiative supported by the Indian Embassy of Oman, Ministry of Health Oman, IMA Nedumbasery, and other stakeholders, aims to promote medical travel from Oman, into Kerala. Kerala is seen as a favourable destination as it is cost-effective, has an excellent pool of talent, stateof-the-art facilities and tourism opportunities, together with Ayurveda wellness packages.
A delegation of specialists, doctors and representatives from noted healthcare institutions, prominent Ayurveda hospitals and dental clinics in Kerala will participate in the Oman Health Exhibition and Conference.
Facilities to conduct video conferencing for remote consultation will also be provided. A special directory for the Kerala pavilion will be published and distributed to all visitors during the expo. Translators to support communication can be provided on request at the venue for all institutions. Kerala known for its luscious paddy fields and breathtaking backwaters is now gaining the global reputation in healthcare. Previously known as medical tourism, the industry now termed as Medical Value Travel (MVT) has provided the healthcare industry in Kerala a muchneeded boost. Private and public healthcare both shoulder the task of catering to the health needs of 34 million people.
Medical value travel has experienced a steady growth, especially in Asian regions where countries including, India, Thailand and Singapore are considered among the most-preferred destinations. A KPMG and FICCI report estimates a 15 per cent annual growth rate. Several factors, such as low-cost treatment options, reduced waiting time, world-class quality and personalised services combine to make this rich, cultural and leisure destination an attractive proposition for medical tourism in India.
It is noteworthy that 94,000 visas have been processed last year, for Omanis alone to travel to India and most of this travel was undertaken for medical procedures.
Travellers are initially attracted to the Ayurvedic and wellness services in Kerala, but medical tourism is gaining appeal. Kerala has pioneered and concentrated on efforts to provide quality medical facilities and low-cost treatments for Indian as well as international patients.