Medical tourism is a growing sector in India; so the Tourism Ministry of India has taken various steps to elevate its sphere. As estimated, India’s medical tourism sector was to be worth US$3 billion in the year 2015. It is anticipated to raise to $7–8 billion by 2020.
According to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the primary reason that attracts medical tours to India is its cost-effectiveness, and quality treatment from accredited facilities that match the standard with that of developed countries. According to a Medical Tourism Market Report, “India was one of the lowest cost and highest quality of all medical tourism destinations, it offers extensive variety of treatments which is similar to that of the United States, at about one-tenth of the cost as compared to US.”
The Indian systems of medicines, that reflects Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, Rejuvenation Therapy etc are among the most ancient systems of medical treatment in the world. The country excels in the art medical facilities, reputed health care professionals, quality nursing facilities and traditional healthcare therapies, which attract foreign patients in immense numbers to its ground.
During 2016 and 2017, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India on medical ground were estimated at 4.27 lakh and 4.95 lakh respectively. This manifests a positive growth of 15.9%.
Viewing the potential of the sector, the Ministry of Tourism has taken various steps to promote Medical Tourism which incorporates launch of campaigns under the brand of Incredible India, in the international markets and conducting Road Shows etc.
The Ministry produces brochures, CDs, films and other publicity material for the promotion of Medical & Health Tourism.
A new Healthcare Portal – www.indiahealthcaretourism.com, is introduced by the Department of Commerce and Services Export Promotion Council, which is a single source platform providing detailed information to medical travellers on the top healthcare institutions in the country in various languages.
With all this, the e-tourist visa system has been expanded and it includes medical visits as well. Visa for the Patient along with the attendant has been introduced to ease the travel process of Medical Tourists. Above all, under the e-Medical visa, the maximum duration of stay in India can be extended more than six months, if needed.
Earlier the United States and the United Kingdom have been the largest source countries for medical tourism to India. But in recent time there has been an addition of countries viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Africa and even Russia.
Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and the National Capital Delhi are the major cities to receive the highest number of foreign patients in India, primarily from South Eastern countries.
