Oman Patients Travel to India for Healthcare Needs

26 December,2024

In the early 2000s, Omani patients preferred traveling to Thailand for treatment. However, in recent times, India has become a popular destination for Oman patients seeking medical care. This trend has been growing steadily due to India's reputation for offering high-quality medical treatments at affordable costs. Thanks to government initiatives to advance the healthcare system and ease the travel between the two countries, thousands of patients from Oman come to India annually. Let's explore why India is becoming a favorite choice for Oman patients, the travel trends between the two countries, and what India offers in terms of healthcare.

Why Do Oman Patients Prefer India for Treatment?

Oman patients choose India for healthcare because of several compelling reasons:

• Affordable Treatment Costs: Medical treatments in India are often much cheaper than in other countries offering similar standards of care. This makes them accessible for many Omanis who might find the costs in other nations prohibitive.
• High-Quality Healthcare Services: India boasts world-class hospitals equipped with the latest technology. The best doctors in India have international training and experience, making them highly skilled in their fields.
• Ease of Communication: Many Indian medical professionals speak Arabic or English, eliminating language barriers. Oman patients in India can easily communicate their needs and understand the treatment process.
• Short Travel Distance: India is relatively close to Oman, making travel convenient and less stressful. Direct flights between the two countries ensure that patients can reach Indian cities quickly.
• Cultural Comfort: India offers a culturally friendly environment for Omanis. Many hospitals cater specifically to international patients, providing halal food, prayer facilities, and private spaces for families.

Strengthening India-Oman Relations: Embassy's Initiatives to Facilitate Medical Tourism

The India-Oman Business-to-Business (B2B) Meeting organized by the Embassy of India in Muscat on September 23rd, 2024, was a key event to strengthen healthcare and medical tourism ties between the two countries. The meeting brought together 26 leading hospitals in India and Dr. Waleed Khalid Zadjali (President of the Oman Medical Association) to explore collaborations and enhance the flow of patients from Oman to India. The Embassy of India in Muscat has taken several steps to make the medical visa process and related travel as smooth as possible for Omanis, including:

• Priority Medical Visa Processing:
  • Medical visas are processed on a priority basis.
  • A separate counter for medical visa applications has been established at the BLS India Visa Application Centre.
  • Visa fees have been lowered to OMR 30.900 for six months and OMR 46.300 for one year. Depending on the case, these visas allow for double or multiple entries.
• Introduction of e-Medical Visas:
  • Omanis can now apply online for an e-Medical Visa, which costs only $80 and is valid for three visits and a stay of up to 60 days.
  • Extensions of up to six months are possible with recommendations from Indian hospitals and approval from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO).
• Streamlined Airport Processes:
  • Separate immigration facilitation desks and counters have been introduced at six major international airports in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad).
  • Translators proficient in Arabic and Russian are available to assist international patients, easing their entry and movement within India.
• Digital Information Portal - "Sehat Oman":
  • A bilingual (Arabic and English) portal named Sehat Oman has been launched. The portal provides comprehensive information on medical treatments available at Indian hospitals across various cities, making it easier for Omani patients to make informed decisions.

What are the Travel Trends Between Oman and India?

The travel trends between Oman and India highlight the strong connection between the two nations:

• Frequent Flights: Airlines such as Oman Air and Air India operate frequent direct flights between major cities in Oman (like Muscat) and India (such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai). These flights are often affordable and readily available.
• Medical Tourism Packages: Medical tourism organizations like MediJourney offer comprehensive treatment packages in India. These include visa assistance, accommodation, and airport transfers, making the journey hassle-free for Omani patients.
• Increase in Group Travel: India allows up to two attendants to travel with the patient. Families or groups of patients from Oman often come to India together. This is common, especially when multiple family members require check-ups or treatments.
• Popular Destinations: Cities like Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai are the top choices for Oman patients in India. These cities are known for their renowned hospitals and medical facilities.
• Seasonal Patterns: Many Oman patients prefer traveling during cooler months in India, making moving around and recovering post-treatment more comfortable. This trend ensures a steady flow of medical tourists year-round.

Statistics Related to Oman Patients in India

• Over 27,500 patients from Oman visited India for medical treatment in 2018, reflecting how popular Indian healthcare has become among Omanis.
• Treatments in India can save Oman patients up to 70% compared to what they might pay in their own country. This affordability is a big reason for the high number of visitors.
• India has 55 JCI-accredited hospitals, known for their advanced technology and highly trained doctors. A survey showed that over 90% of Oman patients were satisfied with their treatment in India.
• India offers treatments for everything from heart problems to cancer. In 2018, about 15% of Oman medical tourists came for orthopedic care, while others sought heart procedures and cosmetic surgeries.

What are the Treatment Options Available for Oman Patients in India?

Indian hospitals provide various treatments, ensuring Oman patients find solutions to almost all health concerns. Some of the most sought-after treatments include:

• Cardiac Treatments: Indian cardiology hospitals are renowned for heart surgeries, including bypass surgeries, valve surgeries, and angioplasty. The success rates are high, and costs are much lower than in other developed countries.
• Orthopedic Treatments: Many Oman patients visit India for joint replacements, minimally invasive spinal surgeries, and advanced treatments for bone and muscle disorders. These procedures use advanced techniques like robotic surgery and minimally invasive methods.
• Cancer Treatment: India offers advanced cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and robotic cancer surgeries. Hospitals like the Max Institute of Cancer Care and Apollo Cancer Centre are highly respected in this field.
• Organ Transplants: Liver, kidney, and bone marrow transplants are performed with expertise in Indian transplant hospitals. The strict ethical standards and excellent post-operative care make India a reliable option. 
• Fertility Treatments: Many couples from Oman visit India for affordable and effective IVF treatments and other fertility-related services. The success rates are high, and the emotional and medical support provided by Indian IVF and infertility doctors is well-recognized.
• Neurological Treatments: From brain surgeries to treatments for disorders like Parkinson's and epilepsy, India has some of the best neurologists and cutting-edge technology for addressing complex neurological issues.
• Pediatric Care: Families from Oman often seek the best pediatric hospitals in India for surgeries, neonatal care, and treatments for congenital disorders, ensuring the best care for their children.

Do Oman Patients Come to India for Nonsurgical Treatments?

Yes, nonsurgical treatments, such as Ayurved and yoga, are significant reasons for medical tourism from Oman to India. Here are some popular options:

• Wellness and Rehabilitation: India offers wellness therapies like Ayurveda, yoga, and physiotherapy, which are highly sought after by Omanis looking to recover or improve overall health. States like Uttrakhand and Kerala are renowned for their holistic healing centers.
• Chronic Disease Management: Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disorders often come for regular check-ups and tailored treatment plans. These plans are designed to improve the patient's quality of life over the long term.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Oman patients in India commonly seek skin treatments, dental care, and cosmetic procedures like Botox and hair transplants. These services are not only affordable but also performed by highly trained professionals.
• Preventive Health Check-Ups: Comprehensive health screening packages are affordable in India and often attract individuals who want to ensure long-term health. These include advanced diagnostic tests for early detection of potential issues.
• Alternative Medicine: Many Omanis explore alternative medicine options like unani, homeopathy, and naturopathy in India. Alternate medicine focuses on eliminating the root cause of diseases rather than just the symptoms.

What Do Indian Hospitals Offer to Oman Patients?

Indian hospitals go above and beyond to make Oman patients feel comfortable and well cared for. Some of the key offerings include:

• Dedicated International Patient Services: Many hospitals have specialized departments for international patients. These departments assist with appointment scheduling, medical visa processing, and interpreters, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Care Packages: Hospitals offer packages that include consultations, tests, procedures, and follow-up care, ensuring transparency in costs and no hidden fees. This approach builds trust and confidence among Oman patients.
• Modern Facilities: Hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and offer luxurious patient rooms for a comfortable stay. Amenities often include private suites, free Wi-Fi, and round-the-clock nursing care.
• Personalized Attention: From dietary preferences to religious needs, hospitals cater to specific requirements of Oman patients. Prayer rooms, halal-certified meals, and family-friendly spaces are commonly provided.
• Follow-Up Services: Indian hospitals often provide remote follow-up consultations, ensuring that patients from Oman stay in touch with their doctors even after returning home. This helps monitor progress and address any post-treatment concerns.
• Emergency Care: For urgent cases, Indian hospitals provide quick admissions and prioritize life-saving treatments, ensuring that Oman patients receive timely care when it matters most.

Best Hospitals in India for Omani Patients

India is home to thousands of NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals from which Oman patients can choose. Some of them are:

• Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• MIOT International, Chennai
• Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
• Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
• Rela Hospital, Chennai
• Aster Medcity, Kochi

What are the Indian Medical Visa Requirements for Oman Patients?

Oman patients traveling to India for treatment need an Indian medical visa. The requirements are as follows:

• Medical Visa Application: Oman nationals must apply for a medical visa through the Indian embassy or online via the e-visa platform. Supporting documents, such as a visa invitation letter (VIL) from the hospital in India, are required.
• Valid Passport: An Omani passport with at least six months of validity is mandatory.
• Medical Documents: Patients must submit their medical records, reports, and recommendations from their local doctor. These documents help expedite the visa approval process.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs are required for the visa application.
• Visa Fees: Applicants need to pay a visa fee, ranging from OMR 30.2 to 45.2, depending on the duration of their stay. Online payment options are usually available for added convenience.
• Attendant Visa: Patients can bring an attendant (often a family member) on a medical attendant visa linked to the patient's medical visa. It ensures that the patient has adequate support during their stay in India.
• Processing Time: Medical visas are generally processed quickly, with most approvals taking just a few days. This rapid process makes traveling without delays easier for patients with urgent medical needs.
• Renewal Options: If the treatment requires a longer stay, medical visas can often be extended, subject to specific conditions and approvals. FRRO issues extensions upon submission of the supporting documents.

Takeaway

India has become a top choice for Oman patients seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare. With advanced medical facilities, skilled professionals, and tailored services, Indian hospitals offer an unparalleled experience for international patients. Whether for complex surgeries or wellness therapies, Omanis find comfort and excellent care in India. The easy travel and visa process further makes India a preferred healthcare destination for patients from Oman. The affordability of Indian healthcare ensures that Oman patients can receive the best treatment without financial strain.

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