‘Medical tourism rapidly growing’
When it comes to medical tourism, sky is the limit for India. The industry, valued $6 billion in 2020, has all it takes to attract such tourists from across the world, and is predicted to reach $13 billion by 2026, says Rajeev Taneja, Founder and CEO of G
Rajeev Taneja, Founder and CEO of Global Care; Member, SEPC and President, Foundation of Healthcare & Wellness Promotion, claims that medical tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors. “It is valued at an impressive $6 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach approximately $13 billion by 2026. Both the private and public sector is working tirelessly to achieve this target," he adds.
"The government has planned to augment the medical infrastructure of 17 cities, which are known as the hub for medical tourism in India. Besides, with various summits, visa regulations and campaigns, the government is also drafting a roadmap to harmonise and standardise the sector to harness the true potential of the industry to extend services worldwide,” he adds.
Government initiatives
Taneja informs that the government is actively working towards positioning India as the most favourable destination for medical treatments.
“Heal In India initiative is one such campaign perfect for branding the message. The collaboration between Union Health
Ministry, Tourism, Ayush, Civil Aviation ministries, hospitals and other stakeholders to build a roadmap to connect overseas patients with healthcare facilities in India will not only boost medical tourism, but also help in boosting the medical infrastructure and R&D in the country," he said.
Ayush Visa
On Ayush Visa issue, Taneja says, “With Ayush Visa, the government wishes to help patients from across the globe access traditional treatments in India. India is witnessing exponential growth and interest in Ayurveda, naturopathy, Unani, homoeopathy medicine, wellness etc, not just in the country but also globally. The Ayush sector is now valued at over 18 million USD. The visa will facilitate further growth of this sector thus, augmenting medical tourism as a whole.”
India medical tourism hub
Taneja says that medical tourism by virtue is about cost-optimisation without compromising on the quality of treatment. “India is the best suited for medical value tourism because fluency in English is commonplace in our country, especially among the medical fraternity," he says.
"One of the key reasons that strongly places India as the strongest contender for medical value tourism is cost-optimisation.
Quality treatment is not just about good doctors. India not only has one of the best international quality
Govt has planned to augment the medical infrastructure of 17 cities, which are known as the hub for medical tourism in India
healthcare services, but also robust allied sectors,” he adds.
Medical source markets
The Middle East & West Africa, CIS and SAARC Nations are the biggest value source markets for India, reveals Taneja. “A few underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh also look towards India for effective medical treatment and skilled medical fraternity,” he adds.