India: A premier healthcare destination
Over the years, India has grown to become a top-notch destination for medical tourism.
India’s medical tourism sector is estimated to be worth about US$3bn, and is projected to grow to US$7-8bn by 2020.
Imagine a complex surgical procedure being done in a worldclass global hospital by acclaimed medical specialists at one-fifth or one-tenth of what it normally takes! That’s India.
From quality of therapy, range of procedural and treatment options, infrastructure and skilled manpower to perform any medical procedure with zero waiting time, the list of benefits of travelling for medical treatment to India are many.
Facilities: The high-end health- care system in India is as good as the best in the world. India maintains not only a robust accreditation system but also a large number of accredited facilities. India has a good number of JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospitals and compares well with other countries in Asia. The approved hospitals in India can provide care at par or above global standards.
Frontier technologies: Cuttingedge technology to support medical diagnostics and medical procedures are employed by specialists in medical facilities. All recognised hospitals have invested a lot in supportive technology and operative techniques. Complicated heart surgeries, cancer care and surgeries, neuro and even general surgeries require high-end technology to continually better outcomes, minimise complications, enable faster recovery and reduce length of hospital stay. The recent advancements in robotic surgeries, radiation surgery or radio therapies with cyberknife stereotactic options, IMRT/ IGRT, transplant support systems, advanced neuro and spinal options are all available in India. India’s medical management and acclaimed specialists are quite comfortable in challenging themselves to new frontiers to provide solutions, always building on their expertise.
Finest doctors: India has not only hospitals with world-class facilities but also skilled world-class doctors and medical personnel too. The country has the largest pool of doctors and paramedics in South
Asia (1.2mn allopathic doctors, 0.17mn dental surgeons, 2mn nurses). Many of them have established their credentials as leaders around the world. India’s medical history spans thousands of years through ayurvedic and alternate medicine forms. There are about 0.8mn formally trained ayurvedic doctors. With a large number of doctors, there is a high level of competency and capability in adoption of newer technologies and innovation and fresh treatment methods. It is a wonderful example of higher quantity leading to higher quality and vice versa. Communicate, talk to the doctors in the accredited facilities prior to visit and they will study the needs and customize the treatment!
Affordable: Quality of care is what attracts people. However, quality services should not be beyond the affordability of the patients in India. If quality comes at an affordable cost which is an unbeatable advantage. This confluence of highest quality and cost advantage is unique for India. The benefit is unimaginable when it comes to major treatments such as for leukaemia where the difference in cost is 10 to 20 times. For other treatments, it could be anything from a fifth to a tenth when compared to Western countries and 80 to 90 per cent of what is charged in other South Asian medical destinations. The estimated 600,000 people who step into India annually from other countries do not do so for cheap healthcare but for quality healthcare at an affordable cost. They are not compromised at any level, but regain health at a fraction of the cost.
Fast Track – Zero Waiting Time: Quick and immediate attention for surgeries and all interventions are assured in India. Getting an appointment for bypass surgery or a planned angioplasty in certain countries takes almost 3-6 months. And there these treatments are very costly too. It’s zero waiting time in India for any procedure, be it heart surgery, kidney care, cancer treatment, neuro-spinal procedure, knee/hip/joint replacements, dental, cosmetic surgeries, weight loss surgery etc.
Hospitality: For greater understanding between patients and healthcare personnel, the warmth and hospitality of Indian hospitals is a big factor in choosing India as a healthcare destination. Among the top medical destinations of the world, India has the highest percentage of English language speaking people. Amidst the variety of culture and traditions, if there is one thing that is common in India, it is the English language. If other language options are essential, there are expert interpreters who are arranged by the hospitals.
The warmth and hospitality of Indian hospitals is a big factor in choosing India as a healthcare destination
Wellness Tourism: India, the second largest exporter of ayurvedic and alternative medicine in the world, is the fastest growing destination for wellness tourism. The wellness market in India is estimated to be around US$15bn. Wellness tourism in India offers relaxation, meditation, holistic centres, spas, wellness retreats, spiritual pilgrimages and other form of healthy therapies.
Detailed guide on medical tourism to India is available at http:// www. indiahealthcaretourism.com/