Health Tourism News

India spends 1,2% of its GDP on health, but takes care of foreign patients too.  The country ranks second in medical tourism.  In 2007, Indian hospitals treated 4.5 lakh patients from other countries against topper Thailand which treated about 10 lakh patients last year.

Earlier, there was an inflow of patients from neighboring countries and West Asia.  Of late, there has been a significant rise in the number of patients form UK, US and Europe.  Cheaper treatment is a huge attraction and, during recession, that’s a big fact.  But other factors too have contributed for the growth of medical tourism in India.  India clinical and paramedical talent is globally appreciated and with JCI accreditation to some hospitals, international standard is completely proven.  Third party intervention through health tourism has also given a boost.

Though Thailand has revolutionized medical tourism, it is more into cosmetic surgery.  India treats more serious health issues like cardiac, Neurological and orthopedic problems.  India has been the reason for many remarkable milestones in medicine and continues to exceed treatment expectations in patients.

Another significant factor for India’s popularity as a medical tourism hub is that long waiting list that is very common in the US, UK and Canada.  This problem is completely absent in India.  Medical tourism showcases the potential of Indian healthcare sector to the world which dreaded India for the incidence of AIDS, tuberculosis, cancer, Malaria and diabetes.