Betting on medical tourism to bring in big bucks

Rise in foreigners seeking treatment attributed to low cost of treatment, qualified professionals and multi-care sickbays
Developing countries like Mexico and India are getting popular all over the world as hotspots for medical tourism. Indian medical professionals are recognised all over the world for their knowledge and expertise. There are world class hospitals with adequate infrastructure and medical equipment burgeoning all over the country.
Now a number of specialised travel agencies have come up with need-based specialised services in medical tourism. In the year 2008, around two lakh foreign tourists came to India for treatment during the first quarter. However, in the aftermath of the November 26 attacks most tourists cancelled their plans.
But since September 2009, medical tourism is once again showing promise. "We got over 100 international clients last year. This year till February, we treated 41 international clients and their number is increasing. The reasons for the rise are low cost of treatment, direct flights from various countries which make travel easier, English speaking staff and good hospitality image across the world," said Vishal Laroia, business head of Sahara Medical, a medical tourism agency.
Moreover, India has many private hospitals which have state-of-the-art medical facilities. Medical Travel and Health Tourism Quality Alliance (MTQUA) has given a good ranking to Indian hospitals. "In developed countries, even for simple medical tests, patients have to wait for two to three months. Globalisation has opened an alternative option for healthcare, which is everyone's need. Last year, 4,500 tourists came to us and this year the number has increased by 35 per cent," informed Vishal Bali, CEO of Fortis Hospital group.
Travel agencies are also playing a big role in attracting tourists seeking medical treatment. They also make it possible for tourists to estimate their total budget for treatment and other expenses in India. "We provide one stop healthcare solutions and services to international patients. We give them a fixed budget for treatment, lodging and travelling costs. As we are associated with accredited hospitals, doctors and insurance firms, it makes life easier for the tourists. We also give complete cashless service to our foreign tourists," said Jolly Mathur, managing director of Call Life Informatics.
Slowly India is becoming a main hub for medical tourism for heart valve replacement, hip and knee replacement, cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry. "Since dental treatment doesn't involve life threatening risks, people come to India with a treatment-cum-holiday package. The tourist influx starts between October to March. I have personally treated 300 patients till February," said Suchetan Pradhan, cosmetic dentist of Hinduja hospital.
However a few unresolved issues remain. "Now the threat perception has gone down, the full potential in the field of cosmetic surgery hasn't been exploited. The government has put a 10 per cent service tax on the application of cosmetic surgery. Such surcharge increases the cost of treatment. Visa norms need to be made easier. Current norms don't allow them to stay after the treatment. If patients need to come back for next level of treatment then it becomes a problem," said Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon, Breach Candy hospital and member of National Tourism Advisory Council.