Medical tourism, the act of traveling to another country for medical treatment, has witnessed a significant shift in recent years. While it was once primarily individuals from developing countries seeking treatment in developed nations like Europe and North America, the paradigm has now changed. Developing countries such as India have emerged as prominent destinations for medical tourism, thanks to advancements in medical sciences and technology.
India, in particular, has experienced tremendous growth in medical tourism over the past 5-6 years, contributing substantially to its economy. Tourists from various countries, including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Pakistan, and even the USA, choose to visit India for quality medical treatments provided by highly experienced and skilled doctors. Bangladesh and Afghanistan top the list of medical tourists in India.
Let us closely examine the key reasons behind India's increasing popularity as a medical tourism destination:
World-Class Doctors and Advanced Technology
Despite being a developing country, India boasts world-class doctors and cutting-edge medical technology for surgeries and other treatments. Many hospitals in India now perform robotic surgeries and employ innovative techniques. The efficiency of the healthcare system allows patients to obtain doctor's appointments and surgery dates more quickly compared to European and North American countries, where wait times are often longer.
Cost-Effective Treatment
One of the significant advantages of seeking medical treatment in India is the comparatively low cost in comparison to European and North American countries. Additionally, obtaining a medical visa for India is often easier. The healthcare professionals and support staff in India are proficient in English, making it easier for foreign medical tourists to express their needs and requirements comfortably.
Elder Care Services
To facilitate the process further, various elder care service providers, assist individuals seeking medical tourism. For instance, if someone from Bangladesh needs to bring their senior loved one to India for treatment, they can engage an elder care service provider in Kolkata that specializes in medical tourism. They guide individuals in obtaining medical visas, arrange transportation from airports to hospitals, facilitate appointments with doctors, arrange accommodation, and even organize visits to other cities within India if necessary for treatment purposes. Moreover, they may also arrange city sightseeing tours and provide airport drop-off services upon departure.
Traditional Treatment Options
India is renowned for its traditional treatment methods, such as Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Medical tourists can explore these alternative therapies alongside conventional medical treatments, broadening their options and providing holistic healthcare experiences.
Cultural and Tourist Attractions
India is a country of rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Following their medical treatment, patients have the golden opportunity to explore mesmerizing tourist spots across the country, making their visit a memorable "medical tourist trip."
These reasons collectively contribute to India's reputation as a renowned medical tourism destination, with expectations of continued growth in the years to come. The combination of world-class healthcare, affordable treatment options, convenient visa procedures, specialized services, and the chance to experience India's diverse culture and beauty positions the country as an attractive choice for individuals seeking medical treatments abroad.