Medical Tourism in India: A Comprehensive Overview of a Growing Industry

18 January,2024

Medical tourism has become popular in recent years in countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Korea, and India. Medical tourism can be broadly divided into health tourism and wellness tourism, which are further divided into four subcategories: surgical treatment tourism, cosmetic surgery tourism, alternative medical tourism, and wellness treatment tourism. 

Desired medical destination nations are not always just Western world countries. A new angling phenomenon is people of developed and developing countries visiting medical destination countries around the world for medical care. The major reasons for this may include lengthy waiting times to get visas or medical services in some Western countries, high expenses, and lack of medical insurance or under-insurance. 

Among the most famous medical tourism destinations, Asian countries attract more tourists. Among these countries, India is highly competitive. Medical tourism has become one of India's fastest-growing sectors. The demand for Indian medical tourism is significantly higher than in many countries. Going by the current calculations, 38 Indian hospitals are accredited by JCI, and 619 hospitals have been accredited by NABH.

Healthcare in India

As stated earlier, India is one of the best health tourism destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of people visit India for medical treatment. A good proportion of patients come from so-called bubbled countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. India is also increasingly becoming popular with Africans as well as patients from CIS nations looking for quality and affordable treatment options.

The most popular treatments the country provides are:

• Cancer treatment
• Cardiac procedures
• Orthopedic surgery 
• Neuro and spine surgeries
• Bone marrow transplants
• Eye surgery
• Cosmetic surgery
• Dental care
• Fertility treatment

One of the major reasons why India is becoming a popular hub for medical tourism is because it offers the perfect blend of modern, alternative, and traditional forms of medicine, which is effective in various chronic diseases. In recent years, India has become a place for "First World Health Care at Third World prices."

Which Indian Destinations are Popular for Medical Tourism?

With state-of-the-art medical facilities and experienced healthcare specialists, India has become a medical tourism hub. However, not all the states and cities of India are prominent for their services. Among many, Bangalore in Tamil Nadu and Chennai in Karnataka state are famous destinations for health tourism in India. 

If you are considering traveling to India, here are the top destinations that offer advanced facilities and skilled professionals:

• Mumbai: Mumbai has several renowned hospitals, such as Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, specializing in Neurology, Cardiology, Oncology, etc.
• Chennai: Chennai, known as the "health capital of India," is the most famous city in India for medical tourism. Chennai is home to several world-class hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Malar Hospital, specializing in Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, etc.
• New Delhi: Delhi is a major center for medical tourism in India, offering some of the best hospitals in the country. Hospitals such as Max Super Specialty Hospital and Apollo Hospital provide world-class medical treatments in specialties like Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopedics, etc.
• Hyderabad: Hyderabad is a rapidly emerging popular destination for medical tourism. The city has several world-class hospitals, such as Yashoda Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals, which specialize in medical treatments like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, etc.
• Bangalore: Bangalore is a popular destination for medical tourism. The city has several well-known hospitals, such as Columbia Asia, Fortis Hospital, and Manipal Hospital, specializing in medical treatments like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, etc.

These cities have a well-established healthcare infrastructure and highly skilled doctors, which make them a preferred destination for patients seeking quality medical care. Additionally, the availability of affordable medical treatments and a peaceful environment make these cities a popular choice among domestic and international patients.

Reason for the Growth of Medical Tourism in India

India is known as the fastest-growing medical destination in the world. In India, travelers have access to treatments and procedures that may not be available in their home country or are unaffordable there. 

There are essentially eight major reasons that make India an ideal medical tourism destination:

1. Quality and Range of Services: India has hospitals with world-class infrastructure that have increasingly gained international attention for their state-of-the-art facilities and diagnostic centers. This includes quality of therapy, range of treatment options, infrastructure, skilled manpower, and minimum time-consuming process for medical treatment.
2. Zero Waiting Time: The ease of getting appointments for treatment is one of the greatest advantages of receiving medical treatment in India. Unlike hospitals in developed countries, where there is a long queue for treatment, hospitals located in India have now started attracting foreign patients from industrialized countries like Britain, the US, and Canada.
3. Eye-catching Treatment Cost: Affordable pricing of medical care is the key selling point of healthcare tourism, and hence, the slogan 'first-world treatment at third-world prices' is applicable to the healthcare sector in India. This can be a crucial motivation factor for selecting healthcare in India.
4. Technology Advancement: The stringent quality assurance practices in the hospitals located in India ensure reliable and high-quality diagnostic tests whose results can be produced in a timely manner to facilitate medical diagnosis and treatment plans. This advanced medical technology is a crucial pull factor for the tourists to choose the region of their healthcare.
5. Availability of Large Pool of Doctors and Supporting Staff: Indian hospitals have sufficient man powers-doctors, nurses, and paramedics, who have a high level of competency and capability in adopting new technology along with innovation and modern treatment methods. Evidently, it resulted in a significant increase in the number of medical tourists who opt to receive medical treatment and surgery in India.
6. Facilitation in Medical Tourism: The Government of India announced that 'M-Visa' is valid for one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. The government has also started issuing 'MX Visa' to the accompanying attendants for traveling to India.
7. Tourist Attraction: India is also famous for its tourist attractions, including culture and heritage, monuments and landmarks such as India Gate, Qutub Minar, the Taj Mahal, etc. Hence, the availability of tourism opportunities is also a source of motivation among tourists to receive medical care from India.
8. Language Proficiency: Despite other driving forces, the language proficiency of the doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff, including travel professionals in India, is also a major driving force among medical tourists to receive medical care in India's national capital region. 

To Sum it Up

India has become a top spot for people from around the world seeking medical care. Why? Well, it's like getting high-quality healthcare at a much lower cost. The hospitals here are equipped with all the latest technologies, and the standard of treatment is at par with global standards. Whether you need a simple surgery or something super complex like an organ transplant, India has got you covered. 

So, when you come to India for medical help, you're not just fixing your health; you're also getting a taste of our incredible culture. It's like a full package – top-notch healthcare and a chance to explore a fascinating country. India's not just a destination for treatment; it's an experience that goes beyond the hospital walls.