A

GLOBAL/ COUNTRY STUDY AND REPORT

ON

“MEDICAL TOURISM OF BANGLADESH”

Submitted to

Gujarat Technological University

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT OF THE AWARD FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Prof. (Dr.) Mamta Brahmbhatt

SUBMITTED BY

Priten Khandavi (117690592090)

Jay Bhatt (117690592021)

Mukesh Chaudhary (117690592089)

Parth Mehta (117690592062)

Uday Chabhad (117690592088)

[Batch: 2012-13]

MBA Sem III/IV

Shri Jairambhai Patel Institute of Business management and Computer ApplicationMBA PROGRAMME

Affiliated to Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad MAY-2013

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DECLARATION

We, the undersigned students, declare that the conceptual framework of this Global/Country

Study Report entitled “MEDICAL TOURISM OF BANGLADESH’’ has been developed

based on the detailed literature from the websites, books as shown in the bibliographical

reference. We have quoted several statistics, notes, opinions and other information directly

from various government/academic/industry sources with the clear mention of the source of

information. Apart from all this, all other opinions, remarks, inferences and analysis are our

own and original creation.

Moreover, we also declare that for this work, either G.T.U. or any other university has not

conferred any degree or diploma to us before.

Priten Khandavi (117690592090)

Jay Bhatt (117690592021)

Uday Chabhad (117690592088)

Mukesh Chaudhary (117690592089)

Parth Mehta (117690592062)

Place: Gandhinagar

Date:

2

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would take the pleasure of thanking all the people, without their support and help, it

would not have been possible to prepare this project.

We take this opportunity to thank Gujarat Technological University by providing an

opportunity to learn and understand a particular industry in a foreign nation.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the director of our institute Dr. S O Junare

for his constant support and motivation.

Our Hearty thanks go to our project guide Prof. (Dr.) Mamta brahmbhatt, without whose

guidance and encouragement the project study wouldn’t have been possible.

Finally, thanks to our beloved family, whose devotion and candid dedication always inspired

us and encourage us to achieve better off.

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PREFACE

As we are very much interested in business, we chose the course of Business Administration.

M.B.A. Programme is related with administration and management. It is a professional course

rather than vocational and the profession requires the situational how it exists in practical.

The Master of Business Administration Programme is well structured two year post

graduation Programme organized by GTU (Gujarat Technological University) -Ahmadabad.

The Gujarat Technological University prescribes “Global Country Report (GCR)” by

M.B.A. students and then presents a report to them. Global Country Report is an integral part

of M.B.A. and all students have to undergo for GCR around last two semesters (Third &

Fourth Semester) and then prepare a report on the same after studying entire country over

view.

The main objective of GCR at M.B.A. level is to make students aware about Globalization

International business as well as application of management concepts in practical word. And

also to develop skill and knowledge in a student by supplement to the theoretical study of the

business management in general.

Only book knowledge and class-room discussion is not enough for management student.

The M.B.A. Programme provides student with a fundamental functions and actives as well as

an exposure to strategic thinking and management

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TABLE OF CONTENT

SR PARTICULER PAGENO. NO.

1 Introduction Of Medical Tourism In India1.1 Overview of Medical Tourism in India 11.2 History 31.3 Medical tourism policy 101.4 Various Competitors And Participants In This 11

Market1.5 Medical Tourism Statistics 141.6 Factors affecting Medical Tourism 181.7 Disadvantages and Dangers of Medical Tourism 201.8 Key issues to the medical tourism industry in India 22

2 About Medical Tourism In India2.1 Medical Tourism Great Scope in India 242.2 Importance of Medical Tourism in India 252.3 Other important aspects related to Medical Tourism 30

Policy of Indian Government2.4 International Patient's Guide for Medical Care in India 31

2.5 Facilities/Treatments available in India 382.6 Reason Behind The Growth Of Medical Tourism In

India2.7 SWOT ANALYSIS

3 Medical tourism prospects in Gujarat

3.1 Gujarat Medical tourism 533.2 Policy and Regulation 583.3 Development of Healthcare in Gujarat 593.4 Expanding for better 62

4 Travel destinations countries4.1 Cost Comparison of Medical Treatments: India vs. 63

the World4.2 Destination countries of medical tourism 674.3 Process 684.4 Risk 684.5 Legal Issues 694.6 Ethical issues 704.7 Benefit 71

6

5 Packages and health medical mix

5.1 Health Marketing Mix 755.2 Product 805.3 Price 815.4 Place 855.5 Promotion 85

5 Recommendation 896 Conclusion 906 Bibliography 93

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Executive Summery

Traveling abroad for health is not a new phenomenon. Medical tourism is actually

thousands of years old. In ancient Greece, pilgrims and patients came from all over the

Mediterranean to the sanctuary of the healing god, asklepios; the god of healing was located at

Epidaurus. In roman Britain, patients took the waters at a shrine at bath, a practice that continued

for 2,000 years. During 18th century wealthy Europeans used to visit health resorts in North

Africa. But in the past seven years or so, the movement has accelerated sharply. It is growing

rapidly and turning out to be an immense business opportunity for nations which have the

strategic advantage of having resources in terms of medical technology, infrastructure and right

human resources. Cross-border travel for health reasons is a $40 billon market and growing at

over 15% a year throws up huge opportunities for anyone smart enough to tap it. Broadly defined

as a collaboration of medical services with the tourism industry, healthcare tourism offers cost

effective medical services for individuals who cannot afford these services in their country due to

high costs or to people who are tired by long waiting times. Also patients from countries, where

treatment is not available, can avail the benefits of healthcare tourism. Countries that are actively

promoting healthcare tourism include Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Cuba,

Costa Rica, Hungary, and Poland. Greece and South Africa are also emerging as new

destinations. India is the latest entrant in the field of health tourism. The WTO identified four

modes that will help boost trade in health care services worldwide. Medical travel is the most

visible face of the increasing global trade in health care services.

The other three models are,

Cross border delivery of trade

The setting up of hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers

The movement of health personnel

Health care insurance companies within industrialized nations have begun considering medical

tourism as a potential cost-saving measure, and have discussed providing round trip airfare and

tourist excursions as "consumer incentives" to help encourage this kind of travel. Medical

tourism holds the promise of reducing health care costs for individuals, companies, and

governments, as the latter will likely offer discounts and/or rebates to their employees and

constituents to prompt them to chose the medical tourism option and, in turn, reduce the insurer's

and self-insurer's growing costs of providing quality health care. There are also many companies

that can help arrange patients' surgeries, travel arrangements and tours. Many of these companies

partner with specific hospitals, thereby arranging a cheaper price for their patients than one could

arrange on their own through the hospital directly. The emergence of a private sector that thrives

by servicing a small percentage of the population that has the ability to "buy" medical care has

changed the character of the medical care sector. Corporate run institutions are seized with the

necessity to maximize profits and expand their coverage. In this background, corporate interests

in the medical care sector are looking for opportunities that go beyond the limited domestic

"market" for high cost medical care. This is the genesis of the "medical tourism" industry. The

private sector stool stands on three legs

1. Quality

2. Affordability

3. Ethical practice with tight fiscal controls resulting in reasonable profit.

You might go for medical tourism if

1. You want to save up to 90% on world class medical treatment.

2. Insurance cover for you does not exist or is unknot sufficient.

3. Procedure advised to you is not offered in your country.

4.Insurance company does no cover procedure you plan to undergo.

Benefits

1. Cost savings.

2. Better-quality care.

3. Excluded treatments.

4. Unique Procedures.

5. No waiting.

6. Sufficient stay:

7. Attraction of the new and different.

Medical Tourism Statistics

More and more countries are becoming medical tourism destinations. Medical tourism statistics

revealed an anticipated growth of the industry from about $40 billion in 2004 to $100 billion by

the year 2012. The estimate was made by the Confederation of India and the McKinsey

Company.

Another report disclosed that an estimated 750,000 Americans seek treatment abroad in 2007. It

was also estimated that a million and a half Americans sought healthcare outside the US in 2008.

the Indian segment is still a sliver of the US$60-billion global medical tourism market, the

consultancy firm Deloitte estimates the country's business will grow at a robust clip of 27 per

cent each year. The reason for its attraction for Indian industry and tourism is not far to seek.

According to the Ministry Of Tourism, as against an ordinary vacationer per-capita spend of

US$3,000 per visitor, the average medical tourist in India puts out more than $7,000 per visit.

India's abysmal spend of 4.9 per cent of its GDP on healthcare -- as compared to America's 15.3

percent, Switzerland's 11.3 percent or France's 11.1 percent – the country is well poised to

become a frontrunner in the global medical tourism market.

Various Competitors and participants in this market.

Affordable Medical Tourism

The Mediator

Prime India

Indi Smile Medical Network

Unhealthy Consultancy Private Limited

Modi Healthcare and Tourism Corporation

Many hospitals in India are accredited by international institutions and are offering world-class

treatment at that cost which is comparatively 40-50% less than that of any European country.

Year Revenue (In Billion US $)

2004 :-40

2006 :-60

2008:- 80

2012 :-100

Source:-www.health-tourism-india.com

Development Act 1951 to grant it the status of an industry and to promote accommodation

sector, so that every segment of tourism industry including hotels throughout the country can

avail various benefits under the Industrial Policy of the respective state governments like Land

banks for budget hotels, Exemption of duty on stamp paper, Exemption in VAT and Sales Tax,

and Single window clearance for new hotel projects etc.

Medical tourism policy is important to know how the tourism works in medical sector so that we

add brief tourism policy in this report.

Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term used to

describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to seek healthcare

services. Services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well as complex

surgeries, etc.

India is touted as the best destination for medical health tourism. The opportunities are

tremendous and every sector of tourism are exploring this burgeoning growth industry, from the

Government of India, travel agents, hotel companies, India’s State tourism boards and most of

the hospitals, including all private hospitals. They’re seeking to combine both leisure tourism

with medical tourism and capitalize upon just how inexpensive the same quality and sometimes

better quality medical care costs are in India compared to the United States’ soaring medical

costs.

After this basic intro of medical tourism policy We add step by step process or say guidelines for

the international patients regarding to how medical tourism works in India.

Travelling overseas for surgery or any other medical treatment is an important decision. Taking

the right steps and following a systematic approach can make this choice a truly rewarding

experience. This guide is aimed at helping patients understand the complete process from the

point he/she wish to evaluate the options till he/she actually come back home after visiting India

for medical treatment.

Patients who go to the another state for the medical treatment , cost related to that treatment is

very much important for the patients so that patients can take a right decision for their treatment

so that on the basis of that We do cost comparisons of various state with India in relevant to

different -different diseases.

India has no parallels in healthcare when it comes to cost effective treatments in comparison with

other countries. Significant cost differences exist among US, UK and South Asian countries. Add

to it, the waiting time which is almost nil in case of India. After all, your health cannot be put at

stake due to long waiting lists.

After all this We find out the growth of medical tourism in India and also work on and search

reason behind the successful growth of medical tourism in India and also finding out advantage

and limitation of it in relevant to India.

In recent time there are many factors which may affect medical tourism and main factors which

factors are as follows.

Low cost of medical treatment

Experienced and talented pool of Medical Professionals

Strong Private Hospital Infrastructure

Experience in Medical Tourism

Medical decisions by Doctors, not by rules made by Non-Medicos

Familiarity of Western Patients with Indian Doctors

To summarize it, the future of Medical Tourism in India is very bright. In the next few years,

Hospitals in India are going to expand and new hospitals will open.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical treatment to top Hospitals in India. Request a

quote using the form on this page for more information.

Marketing Mix:-

Marketing mix is the set of controllable variables that an organization uses to influence the target

market. The four Ps have long been the basis for marketing strategy in most industries and are

increasingly being considered by healthcare organizations. Below follows the implementation of

4 Ps to health services.

CHAPTER:-1 Introduction to Medical Tourism

1.1 Overview of Medical Tourism The first recorded instance of medical tourism dates back thousands of years to

when Greek pilgrims traveled from all over the Mediterranean to the small territory in

the Sardonic Gulf called Epidaurus. This territory was the sanctuary of the healing

god Asclepius. Epidaurus became the original travel destination for medical tourism.

Spa and sanitariums may be considered an early form of medical tourism. In eighteenth

century England, for example, patients visited spas because they were places with

supposedly health-giving mineral waters, treating diseases from gout to liver disorders

and bronchitis.

The medical faculty of India in collaboration with the tourism industry has

worked together to provide cost-effective treatment to people across the globe. With the

privatization of medical care in India evolved the recent and popular trend of treatment

along with the fun of a vacation, better known as medical tourism in India.

India best known as a tourist's paradise offers a choice of beaches, majestic palaces,

refreshing hill stations and more. With the new trend of medical tourism in India, now

vacationers can enjoy a rejuvenating holiday and also avail of world-class medical

treatment of different sorts.

India is now considered as the golden place for treating patients mostly from the

developed countries and Far East for ailments and procedures of relatively high cost and

complexity. India is also aggressively promoting medical tourism in the recent years -and

gradually now it is shifting towards a new area of "medical outsourcing," where

subcontractors provide better services to the overburdened medical care systems in

Australia & in western countries.

Factors that have led to the increasing popularity of medical travel include the

high cost of health care, long wait times for certain procedures, the ease and affordability

of international travel, and improvements in both technology and standards of care in

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many countries. The avoidance of waiting times is the leading factor for medical tourism

from the UK, whereas in the US, the main reason is cheaper prices abroad. In 2009, there

were 60,000 patients going for treatment abroad in the UK.

Many surgery procedures performed in medical tourism destinations cost a

fraction of the price they do in the First World. For example a liver transplant that costs

$300,000 USD in America costs about $91,000 USD in Taiwan. A large draw to medical

travel is convenience and speed. Countries that operate public health-care systems are

often so taxed that it can take considerable time to get non-urgent medical care. Using

Canada as an example, an estimated 782,936 Canadians spent time on medical waiting

lists in 2005, waiting an average of 9.4 weeks. Canada has set waiting-time benchmarks,

e. G. 26 weeks for a hip replacement and 16 weeks for cataract surgery, for non-urgent

medical procedures.

Medical tourists come from a variety of locations including Europe, the Middle

East, Japan, the United States, and Canada. Factors that drive demand for medical

services abroad in First World countries include: large populations, comparatively high

wealth, the high expense of health care or lack of health care options locally, and

increasingly high expectations of their populations with respect to health care.

In First World countries like the United States medical tourism has large growth

prospects and potentially destabilizing implications. A forecast by Deloitte Consulting

published in August 2008 projected that medical tourism originating in the US could

jump by a factor of ten over the next decade. An estimated 750,000 Americans went

abroad for health care in 2007, and the report estimated that 1.5 million would seek health

care outside the US in 2008. The growth in medical tourism has the potential to cost US

health care providers billions of dollars in lost revenue.

An authority at the Harvard Business School recently stated that "medical tourism

is promoted much more heavily in the United Kingdom than in the United States".

Additionally, some patients in some First World countries are finding that insurance

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either does not cover orthopedic surgery (such as knee/hip replacement) or limits the

choice of the facility, surgeon, or prosthetics to be used. Medical tourism for knee/hip

replacements has emerged as one of the more widely accepted procedures because of the

lower cost and minimal difficulties associated with the traveling to/from the surgery.

Attractions in India

India is a land is assorted beauties. The golden sands and palm fringed beaches of

Goa, the magnificent monuments and architectural beauties like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort,

misty hill stations like Manali, Kulu, Shimla, are significant tourist attractions and

numerous tourists visit India from different parts of the world.

Hospitals in India

Among some of the leading Hospitals that offer medical tourism in India is the

group of hospitals. The hospital promises exceptional medical facilities along with

special care and concern.

Apollo hospital

Sterling hospital

Rajasthan hospital

CIMS hospital

Selby hospital

Mayflower woman's hospital

Sal hospital

Indus hospital

Doshi hospital

1.2 History of medical tourism

Medical tourism is nothing new. The history of medical tourism cites that even in

the early times, people have been traveling to other countries for health purposes. There

were the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who went to hot springs and baths to improve

their health as well as the 18th and 19th century Europeans and Americans who flocked

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to health spas and sanitariums and even in remote places in the hope that they will get

treatment for diseases such as tuberculosis, gout, bronchitis or liver diseases.

The history of medical tourism dates back to its first recorded case when Greek

pilgrims traveled from the Mediterranean to Epidauria, a small territory in the Saronic

Gulf. It was said that this small territory was the sanctuary of Asklepios, known as the

healing God. Thus, it was recorded in medical tourism history that Epidauria is the

original destination for medical tourism.

Long before Americans stepped onto foreign soil for cardiac surgery, a tummy

tuck or a dental job, medical travelers from around the world have been searching far and

wide to seek the best medical services. One can say that the concept of medical travel is

as old as medicine itself. Medical tourism history in fact dates back to ancient times.

The following is a short excerpt into the colorful history of medical tourism. These time

lines indicate that if ever healthcare is in short supply - wherever the location or whatever

period in time it may be - sick and injured people will travel for healthcare.

Medical Tourism History - Ancient Times

Studies of ancient cultures depict a strong link between religion and healthcare,

which dates back thousands of years. Most ancient civilizations recognized the

therapeutic effects of mineral thermal springs and sacred temple baths. The following are

some of the earliest civilizations.

The Sumerians (circa 4000 BC) constructed the earliest known health complexes

that were built around hot springs. These healthcare facilities included majestic elevated

temples with flowing pools.

During the Bronze Age (circa 2000 BC), hill tribes in what is now known

presently as St. Moritz, Switzerland recognized the health benefits in drinking and

bathing in iron-rich mineral springs. The same bronze drinking cups that they used were

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found in thermal springs in France and Germany, which could signify health pilgrimages

within these cultures.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to lay a foundation for a comprehensive

medical tourism network. In honor of their god of medicine, Asclepius, the Greeks

erected the Asclepia Temples, which became some of the world's first health centers.

People from all over, traveled to these temples to seek cures for their ailments.

By the year 300 BC, other therapeutic temples flourished under the Greek domain. One

facility called the Epidaurus was the most famous and included services like a

gymnasium, a snake farm, a dream temple, and thermal baths. Other temple spas included

the Sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia and the Temple of Delphi.

In India, the history of medical tourism was also slowly unfolding with the

popularity of yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. As early as 5000 years ago, constant streams

of medical travelers and spiritual students flocked to India to seek the benefits of these

alternative-healing methods.

When Rome became a global power, several hot-water baths and springs called

thermae came into existence and gained popularity among the elite. These baths were not

only healthcare facilities, but became commercial and social networking centers for the

rich and the elite.

Medical Tourism History - the middle Ages

With the downfall of the Roman Civilization, Asia continued to be the prime

medical tourism destination for healthcare travelers. Temples gave way to hospitals that

provide clinical services to travelers seeking healthcare. These institutions are chronicled

in medical tourism history.

In Medieval Japan, hot mineral springs called ones became popular throughout

the nation due to their healing properties. The warrior clans soon took notice of these

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springs and began using them to alleviate pain, heal wounds, and recuperate from their

battles.

Many early Islamic cultures established health care systems that also catered for

foreigners. In 1248 AD, the Mansuri Hospital was built in Cairo and became the largest

and most advanced hospital in the world of that time. With the capacity to accommodate

8,000 people, this hospital became a healthcare destination for foreigners regardless of

race or religion.

History of Medical Tourism - The Renaissance Period

The Renaissance Period of the 14th to 17th century, not only highlighted the

rebirth of art and culture in Europe and England, but was also a period where medical

tourism flourished.

A village known as Ville d'Eaux or Town of Waters became famous throughout

Europe in 1326 when iron-rich hot springs were discovered within the region. Prominent

visitors like Peter the Great and Victor Hugo visited these wellness resorts. The word

―spa‖, derived from the Roman term ―salude per aqua‖ or health through waters, was

first used here.

During the 16th century, the rich and the elite of Europe rediscovered Roman

baths and flocked to tourist towns with spas like St. Mortiz, Ville d'Eaux, Baden Baden,

Aachen and Bath in England. Bath or Aquae Sulis enjoyed royal patronage and was

famous throughout the known world. It became the center of fashionable wellness and

became a playground for the rich and famous.

History of Medical Tourism - The Post-Renaissance Period

Towards the end of the Renaissance period, aristocrats from around Europe

continued to swarm to Bath for healing and therapeutic cleansing.

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In the 1720s, Bath became the first city in England to receive a covered sewage

system and was ahead of London for several years. The city also received technological,

financial, and social benefits. Roads were paved, streets had lights, hotels, and restaurants

were beautified – all because of Medical Tourism.

The most noteworthy traveler in the history of Medical Tourism was Michel

Eyquem de Montaigne. He was the French inventor of the essay, and was believed to be

the father of luxury travel. He helped write the earliest documented spa guide in medical

tourism history.

The discovery of the New World brought new destinations for European medical

travelers. During the 1600s, English and Dutch colonists started building log cabins near

mineral springs rich with medicinal properties. During this time, it was noted that the

Native Americans in the New World were adept in the healing arts. Knowledge in herbal

medicine was exceptional and rivaled those in Europe, Asia or Africa.

During the 18th and 19th century, several Europeans and Americans continued to travel

to remote areas with spas and health retreats hoping to cure various ailments like

tuberculosis.

Medical Tourism History from the 1900s to 1997

During this time, the USA and Europe were not only the commercial and

industrial centers, but they were also the center of the healthcare world. Medical travel

was limited to the affluent rich who traveled to these countries in order to receive high-

end medical services.

In 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) was established and

became the umbrella organization for the medical specialist boards in the United States.

The ABMS established educational and professional policies, which became the blueprint

of standards around the world.

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In 1958, the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS) was formed. The

UEMS is made up of different National Medical Associations from member nations of

the European Unions.

During the 1960s, India became a destination of choice for pilgrims when the

New Age movement began in the USA. The flower child movement, which drew the elite

and socialites of America and the UK, eventually developed into a fully-fledged medical

tourism industry, with yoga and Ayurvedic medicine rediscovered.

With the cost of healthcare rising in the 1980s and 1990s, American patients

started considering offshore options, like dental services in Central America. Whilst US

doctors were appalled at the idea of seeking healthcare in foreign hospitals during these

periods, Cuba started programs luring foreigners for eye surgeries, heart and cosmetic

procedures.

History of Medical Tourism from 1997 to 2001

The Asian economic crisis in 1997 and the collapse of Asian currencies prompted

government officials in these nations to direct tourism efforts in marketing their countries

as premiere destinations for international healthcare. Thailand quickly became the hub for

plastic surgery, with fees charged at a fraction of what Western countries could offer.

It was in 1997 that the Joint Commission International was formed to check and

investigate international healthcare facilities for conformance to international standards

due to the emergence of health providers around the world.

Medical Tourism from 2001 to 2006

After the events of 9/11 and the construction boom in Asia, medical tourism

continued its massive growth with as many as 150,000 US Citizens traveling to

destinations in Asia and Latin America in 2006. During this time, the dentistry and

cosmetic surgery industries reached new heights in these countries.

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Thailand, Singapore and India became legitimate medical destinations due to JCI

accreditation. Other Southeast Asian and Latin American countries are emerging as

healthcare destinations as well with JCI accreditation and partnerships with prominent

US-based health providers.

Medical Tourism in 2007 and Beyond

The number of American medical tourists increased to 300,000 in 2007, the

largest ever in medical tourism history. This figure is estimated to reach over a million by

2010, as patients continue to pack suitcases and board airplanes for offshore procedures

such as: face-lifts, bypass surgery or fertility treatments.

In 2008, several healthcare and insurance companies in the United States

considered medical outsourcing. These offered their members the possibility to get non-

emergency procedures and surgeries in other countries. Many are also considering

foreign medical procedures as part of health plan coverage.

Medical Centers, Hospitals, Clinics, Doctors, Surgeons, Medical Tourism,

Affordable Healthcare, Medical Spas, Alternaagent@tive Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery,

Dental Treatment, Health Tourism, Global Health Destinations, Surgery Abroad, Medical

Travel, Wellness Vacation, Overseas Operations

Surgery Abroad

Alternative Medicine Treatment Abroad Anti-Aging Treatment Abroad

Ayurveda Treatment Abroad Cancer Treatment Abroad

Chronic Diseases Treatment Abroad Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Treatment Abroad

Dentistry Treatment Abroad Detox Treatment Abroad ENT Treatment Abroad

Executive Healthcheck Treatment Abroad Eye/Lasik Care Treatment Abroad

Fertility Treatment Abroad Gynecology Treatment Abroad

Heart Care/Surgery Treatment Abroad Infertility IVF Treatment Abroad

Laparoscopic Surgery Treatment Abroad Medical Spa Treatment Abroad

Neurology Treatment Abroad Obesity/Bariatric Surgery Treatment Abroad

Orthopedic/Knee Surgery Treatment Abroad Pediatric Treatment Abroad

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Rehabilitation Treatment Abroad Skin Care Treatment Abroad Spine Care

Surgery Treatment Abroad Sports Medicine Treatment Abroad Stem Cell Therapy

Treatment Abroad

Urology Treatment Abroad Vascular Surgery Treatment Abroad Yoga/Meditation

Treatment Abroad

Cancer Treatment in Turkey, Fertility Treatment in Turkey, Heart Care/Surgery in

Turkey, Infertility

1.3 Medical Tourism policy

Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare)

is a term used to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international

borders to seek healthcare services. Services typically sought by travelers include elective

procedures as well as complex surgeries, etc.

India holds advantage as a medical tourism destination due to following factors:

Most of the doctors and surgeons at Indian hospitals are trained or have worked at some

of the medical institutions in the US, Europe, or other developed nations.

Most doctors and nurses are fluent in English.

Top -of-the-line medical and diagnostic equipment from global international

conglomerates is available at many Indian hospitals.

Indian nurses are among the best in the world. Nearly 1000 recognized nurses-

training centers in India, mostly attached to teaching hospitals, graduate nearly 10,000

nurses annually.

Even the most budget-conscious traveler can afford first-rate service and luxury

amenities Initiatives of Ministry of Tourism to promote Medical Tourism

Dedicated exhibition space for Medical Tourism in ITB, Berlin

In order to promote the positioning of India as a Medical destination and increase

the presence of the medical fraternity in the international travel exhibitions, a dedicated

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space of 4 sq m. was provided to the medical fraternity within the India Pavilion at ITB

Berlin.

Road shows for promotion of Medical Tourism

Road shows' focusing on Medical Tourism are a continuous process and is

organized in consultation with the Stakeholders from time to time. The last road show

was organized in West Asia (Dubai, Riyadh, Kuwait and Doha) in October 2009 which

was led by the Minister of State for Tourism.

Production of Publicity Material

Brochure, CDs and other publicity materials to promote Medical and health

tourism have been produced by Ministry of Tourism and have been widely circulated for

publicity in target markets.

Fiscal Incentives Provided by Ministry of Tourism for Development of Medical Tourism

Salient Features of MDA for Medical Tourism

For participation in approved Medical and other Tourism Fairs/Medical

Conferences/Wellness Fairs and its allied Road Shows Ministry of Tourism provides

Market Development Assistance. This scheme was extended to the Medical Tourism

Service Providers and Wellness Tourism Service Providers during the year 2009.

Financial support under the MDA Scheme is provided to approve medical tourism service

providers, i.e. representatives of Hospitals accredited by JCI and NABH and Medical

Tourism facilitators (Travel Agents/ Tour Operators) approved by Ministry of Tourism,

Government of India and engaged in Medical Tourism.

1.4 Various Competitors and participants in this market

Affordable Medical Tourism

Services: Staffing Services to Hospitals, Content Writing/PR for Hospitals, Hospital Web

Marketing, Patient Counseling and Immigration Services, Travel/Tourism Services to

Patients, Medical/Health Medical Tourism Insurance

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Website URL: http://www.affordablemedicalto...

Established Year (If Applicable): 2009

The Mediator

Services: Patient Counseling and Immigration Services, Travel/Tourism Services to

Patients, Medical/Health Medical Tourism Insurance

Website URL: http://www.themeditour.com

Prime India

Services: Staffing Services to Hospitals, Hospital Web Marketing, Patient Counseling

and Immigration Services, Travel/Tourism Services to Patients Primes have been

successfully emerging in the industry making a remarkable development in various fields

like Jeweler, Tele Communication, BPO & Medical Tourism. Being a young, dynamic

Institute we drive positive and remarkable success in every industry we progress. We

deliver our services without compromising on time and quality. We are proud to be the

leading International Patient Care Facilitator in building the world's health care

infrastructure and in providing treatments for millions of people around the globe. As a

learning organization we grow with our customer needs and love to take new challenges.

Backed up with strong quality processes and well trained efficient staffs, we align our

strategies to achieve our business goals.

A medical tourism facilitator company runs by pioneers of Indian healthcare and

hospitality industry. It provides high quality healthcare services, amiable hospitality,

tourism services, rejuvenating wellness services and comfortable travel services to the

international medical traveler to India

Indi smile Medical Network

Services: Patient Counseling and Immigration Services, Travel/Tourism Services to

Patients, Medical/Health Medical Tourism Insurance

Contact Email: abhilashaswarup@indismile.com

Website URL: http://www.indismile-medical-n...

Established Year (If Applicable): 2009

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India's largest network of hospitals less than one roof, Indi smile Medical Network has in

it the maximum number of hospitals and other affiliates.

Unhealthy Consultancy Private Limited

Services: Staffing Services to Hospitals, Content Writing/PR for Hospitals, Hospital Web

Marketing, Patient Counseling and Immigration Services, Travel/Tourism Services to

Patients, Medical/Health Medical Tourism Insurance

Contact Email: info@unihealthonline.com

Website URL: http://www.unihealthonline.com

Established Year (If Applicable): 2009

Modi Healthcare and Tourism Corporation

Services: Staffing Services to Hospitals, Patient Counseling and Immigration Services,

Travel/Tourism Services to Patients

Contact Email: mhctc@rediffmail.com

Website URL: http://www.mhctc.com

Kanchanjunga Healthcare

Services: Patient Counseling and Immigration Services

Contact Email: services4yourhealth@gmail.com

Established Year (If Applicable): 1998

Location:2, Prabhat , Mulund -West , Mumbai , Maharashtra , India 400080

Akshar Health Care Pvt. Ltd

Services: Staffing Services to Hospitals, Travel/Tourism Services to Patients,

Medical/Health Medical Tourism Insurance

Contact Email: info@aksharmeditour.com

Website URL: http://aksharmeditour.com

Location:A/2/804, Anmol Tower, , , Ahmedabad , Gujarat , India 380063

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1.5 Medical Tourism Statistics

More and more countries are becoming medical tourism destinations. Medical

tourism statistics revealed an anticipated growth of the industry from about $40 billion in

2004 to $100 billion by the year 2012. The estimate was made by the Confederation of

India and the mckinsey Company.

Another report disclosed that an estimated 750,000 Americans seek treatment

abroad in 2007. It was also estimated that a million and a half Americans sought

healthcare outside the US in 2008.

Almost a decade after it was originally envisioned as a major phenomenon,

medical tourism in India is beginning to take off. More and more people across the globe

are eschewing expensive treatments or long waits at hospitals at home for the benefits

offered by cheaper countries like India, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore and

combining a tummy tuck, say with a visit to the Taj Mahal or the beaches and misty

mountains of Kerala.

Although India had fallen behind other countries after the initial promise, two

studies say health tourism is projected to be the next big thing after India's IT outsourcing

boom. A 2009 report by the Confederation of Industries (CII)-mckinsey forecasts that,

medical tourism will generate US$2.4 billion during 2009–2012 for India by attracting

1.1 million health tourists, up from 150,000 in 2002.

Though the Indian segment is still a sliver of the US$60-billion global medical

tourism market, the consultancy firm Deloitte estimates the country's business will grow

at a robust clip of 27 per cent each year. The reason for its attraction for Indian industry

and tourism is not far to seek. According to the Ministry Of Tourism, as against an

ordinary vacationer per-capita spend of US$3,000 per visitor, the average medical tourist

in India puts out more than $7,000 per visit Leading Indian medical experts ascribe this

exponential growth to demand. "With health care costs going north," says Dr Alok Roy

of Fortis Hospital, one of the leading service providers in the medical tourism sector,

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"patients are compelled to look at cost-effective destinations for medical treatments. And

what could be better if they can combine that with sightseeing at scenic locations?"

Delhi-based physian Narottam Puri believes the current expensive and overburdened

health care system in the US is not sustainable due to a variety of factors.

"India, on the contrary," Puri says, "is a value-for-money destination for health

care because we produce over 30,000 new doctors each year combined with a diverse

genetic pool for drug testing."

Ironically, despite India's abysmal spend of 4.9 per cent of its GDP on healthcare

-- as compared to America's 15.3 percent, Switzerland's 11.3 percent or France's 11.1

percent – the country is well poised to become a frontrunner in the global medical

tourism market.

For starters, India's pricing of its medical services is lower than in comparable

countries. A report by the Planning Commission points out that while carry Joint

Commission International accreditation similarly, heart valve replacement surgery for

US$10,000 in Thailand, $12,500 in Singapore and US$200,000 in the US can be carried

out in India for $8,000. According to the American Medical Association data, as against a

charge of $5,000 for a spinal fusion in India, a patient will pay $62,000 in the US, $9,000

in Singapore and $7,000 in Thailand.

India also offers an impressive scale and repertoire of treatments, qualified,

English-speaking doctors and a varied landscape in which medical tourists can recuperate

– from the beaches of Goa to the deserts of Rajasthan.

"The essence of medical tourism is a combination of quality healthcare across a

range of disciplines coupled with visits to scenic locations to recuperate or rejuvenate

oneself," says Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association

(IMTA) which works with Indian hospitals and tourism bodies to promote health tourism.

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Experts say India also has a reputation for world-class expertise in cardiac care, cosmetic

surgery, joint replacements, neurological and orthopedic treatments and dentistry. "The

capacity in super specialty segment Indian hospitals is expanding fast and – unlike the US

or the UK -- there is no waiting period for local or overseas patients," explains Dr. Roy.

Infrastructure spending for health care has also surged. The private sector especially has

flourished, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Top Indian corporate hospitals like

Apollo, Fortis, Wockhardt, Max and Manipal have stepped in to provide quality

healthcare and technology. A large number of new private specialty hospitals and

integrated health cities coming up in the top metropolitan areas are adding further heft to

India's medical tourism offerings. It is estimated that nearly 75 per cent of health care

services and investments in India are now provided by the private sector. Coupled with

this is the fact that India has perhaps one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the

world which is not only self-sufficient in drug production but also exports them to over

180 countries at a fraction of the price of US pharmaceuticals.

According to Vishal Bali, CEO, Wockhardt Group of Hospitals, Indian clinical

and paramedical talent is globally accepted as high standard. Also, many hospitals now

carry Joint Commission International accreditation which puts them at par with the

world's best. "Third-party intervention through health insurance," adds Bali, "has also

given Indian medical tourism a fillip."

To tap the commercial potential, the Indian hospitality industry too is venturing

into the market. Spas at star-rated hotels have jumped onto the wellness bandwagon to

offer a smorgasbord of traditional treatments like ayurvedic massages and recuperative

therapies.

"Traditional Indian treatments cover every aspect of medicine at a reasonable

cost. This provides the perfect impetus for overseas patients to come to India," explains

Dr Jairam Nair, Director Spas, Amatrra Spa, and New Delhi. In addition to traditional

medicine, adds Nair, India offers many more relaxing and rejuvenating treatment options

like yoga, ayurveda, meditation and naturopathic medicine.

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The Ministry of Tourism's Market Development Assistance scheme to cover Joint

Commission International and National Accreditation Board of Hospitals certified

hospitals which have a rigorous evaluation process has also helped bolster the wellness

sector.

The MDA scheme offsets overseas marketing costs for travel companies earning

foreign exchange. By opening up the MDA, hospital groups will be made eligible for

financial assistance, including publicity through printed material, travel and stay

expenses for sales-cum-study tours and participation fees for trade fairs and exhibitions.

The government is also lending support, investing about $6.5 billion in medical tourism

infrastructure over the next two years. India has also launched an accreditation program

for secondary and tertiary hospitals by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals

and Healthcare Providers, which works with qualified assessors to grant accreditation to

hospitals through a stringent evaluation process.

The government has also been working towards providing priority medical visas

for. "However the main bottleneck for medical tourists coming from the UK and US for

major surgeries is that the insurance companies are not willing to cover treatment in

India. Although this scenario is changing, the process is painfully slow," said a joint

secretary at the Ministry of Health.

Travel companies are also liaising with hospitals to facilitate travel, arranging

phone consultations with physicians in India to help the overseas patients save time and

money once they get to India. Most Indian hospitals also allow the patients' personal

physicians to consult with Indian doctors from overseas. Western patients usually get an

all-inclusive package that includes flights, transfers, hotels, treatment and often a post-

operative vacation.

The tourism ministry is prompting all players to form a government-industry

partnership on the lines of NASSCOM to strengthen the Indian healthcare brand

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overseas. Efforts will be made to launch uniform pricing bands and to combine medical

packages with innovative travel products, according to Pradeep Thukral, executive

director of the Indian Medical Travel Association.

In fact to cater to the burgeoning demand, India is now diversifying into a new

area of "medical outsourcing" where subcontractors provide services to the overburdened

medical care systems in western countries. This initiative has the support of the National

Health Policy which declares that treatment of foreign patients is legally an "export" and

deemed "eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings."

"However, the biggest challenge for India to emerge as a top medical tourism destination

is on the non-medical side," Thukral cautioned. "The marketing, the infrastructure and

services to support the growth of medical tourism are still at a nascent stage in the

country. Till that is shored up, India can't hope to be a frontrunner in the field."

1.6 Factors affecting Medical Tourism

Low cost of medical treatment: Prime Driver of Medical Tourism in India Private health

care in India is comparable to much that is available at the best hospitals in the world and

at a far lower cost. Even considering the cost of air travel and luxury hotel

accommodation (if required), the cost savings comes out to be 40-80% of what is in the

USA.

Experienced and talented pool of Medical Professionals

With a long history of subsidized medical education and high investments in medical

research, India has one of the biggest pool of medical professionals and scientists in the

world.

Many Indian doctors have learned their trade and practice it in the US and UK.

Due to the sheer volume of patients and less bureaucratic delays in acceptance of new

medical procedures, surgeons have more experience in some of the new medical

techniques. For example, hip resurfacing surgery was introduced in USA by the FDA in

2006, whereas it had already been in practice in India for many years then.

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Strong Private Hospital Infrastructure

India has one of the biggest private hospitals in the world. Many of them are affiliated

with top world medical institutes like Harvard Medical and John Hopkins. A number of

these hospitals are also accredited by JCI, USA, or ISO. These medical centers have the

infrastructure, experience and the setup for quality conscious medical tourism patients

from the West.

English is widely spoken

It‘s the medium of most public conversations and the preferred language of

communication in hospitals and medical centers.

English is also the medium of instruction in schools and professional

training. A Government that is favorable to medical tourism

Indian government has a special visa for medical tourists that allow them to stay for long

periods in the country. Also, the government has an investment of US $6.5 billion in the

pipeline for medical tourism. This is for setting up affordable hospitals in India and

budget hotels for patient‘s relatives.

Experience in Medical Tourism

Medical tourists from South Asia and Middle East have been coming for medical

treatment to India for many years now. Also, Medical tourism from UK to India has

become quite common. It‘s only Medical Tourism from North America (USA, Canada)

to India that is a relatively new phenomenon.

Medical decisions by Doctors, not by rules made by Non-Medicos

Unlike many countries, doctors have most of the say in medical treatment in India, unlike

many countries where doctors are afraid that what they say or do might be used against

them in a law suit.

Familiarity of Western Patients with Indian Doctors

Many Western patients have had previous experience with Indian doctors.

One in 20 physicians in the USA is from India; a large number of Indian physicians

practice in the UK, too.

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To summarize it, the future of Medical Tourism in India is very bright. In the next few

years, Hospitals in India are going to expand and new hospitals will open.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical treatment to top Hospitals in India.

Request a quote using the form on this page for more information.

1.7 Disadvantages and Dangers of Medical Tourism?

Although there are countless advantages and benefits to medical tourism, there are

also a few disadvantages, dangers, and concerns of which you should be

aware. Medical tourism is a trade-off, pure and simple. Although you

might receive personalized attention, quality health care, convenience, affordable pricing,

and a chance to experience a new culture, you occasionally sacrifice familiarity and

certain legal guarantees.

1. Medical Malpractice Suits

Although most medical tourism facilities (hospitals, dental clinics, etc.) will have medical

malpractice insurance to cover any unforeseen events, seeking damages can sometimes

be difficult in cases of negligence, misdiagnoses, or incompetence. This is not to say that

medical tourists have absolutely no legal, but if you're looking for large cash settlements,

you should probably stay in your home country. The laws of your country might not be

any easier to decipher, but you will probably enjoy greater access to more transparent

guidelines and regulations. For a more detailed discussion on legal issues surrounding

health travel, please visit our Medical Tourism Malpractice & Liability section.

2. Insurance Laws May Vary

Depending on the type of insurance you have, and depending on the type of procedure

you need, you might not be fully covered if you travel abroad. You'll want to check with

our insurance carrier and see what portion of the final bill they're willing to

cover.

In the past, medical tourism was largely relegated to the cosmetic surgery industry, and

thus, insurance usually wasn't a major factor since elective procedures aren't normally

20 | P a g e

covered. But increasingly, hospitals in medical tourism

destinations like Thailand and India have begun offering life-saving medical

procedures that your insurance company would probably cover back home. Make sure

you have the facts first. To get started, please consult our Medical Tourism

Insurance section.

3. Postoperative Treatments

For many procedures, it's customary to check in with your physician or dentist from time

to time as you recuperate. However, by receiving treatment abroad, it becomes

prohibitively expensive to consult with whatever doctor or dentist provided you with

primary care. This is one reason why many medical tourists decide to recuperate while

they are still abroad. Fortunately, many medical tourism destinations have excellent

facilities to care for and entertain recovering patients. It's not uncommon to find medical

tourists relaxing on the beaches of Phuket or Goa as they recuperate. But for procedures

requiring longer recovery periods, you'll need to make postoperative arrangements on

your own. This usually requires consulting a local physician or dentist in your hometown,

in addition to whatever foreign health care provider supervised the original treatment.

4. It's Best Not to Travel Alone

Anytime you have major surgery done, it's always good to have a friend or family

member present both during and after the procedure. When flying

abroad to receive medical treatment, it's strongly recommended that you take someone

with you. However, this necessarily drives up the total price of your medical vacation

since you'll have to book flights and hotel reservations for at least two people.

5. Finding the Best Medical Facility Possible

When you shop around for hospitals and dental clinics in your neighborhood, you can

easily visit them in person, check out the facilities, and meet with hospital staff. But with

medical tourism, this type of in-person reconnaissance becomes a little harder to manage.

We have tried our very best to provide contact information and background info

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for all of the medical facilities listed throughout this Web site, but the ultimate decision

rests solely with you. By following the steps outlined in Planning a Medical Vacation,

you can minimize the chances of selecting a medical facility that fails to meet your

standards.

1.8 Key issues to the medical tourism industry in India

As various countries are at loggerheads to get a greater share in the medical

tourism industry, India needs to carve out a distant niche for itself, by leveraging its

existing strengths and thereby offering a unique value proposition. Generally, there are

three types of medical tourists.

Foreigners coming for medical treatment Foreigners seeking treatment and leisure

Expatriates

The country like India is facing the following issues/challenges to become a tourist

destination with competent medical tourism industry. They are: Lack of infrastructural

facilities like lack of connectivity, lack of coordinating system, poor power supply and

poor water supply.

Most Indian hospitals are also facing the lack of trust from the foreign patients. The

hospitals have observed poor hygiene awareness in medical attendants, unhygienic food

handling, and lack of proper hospitality services, heterogeneous pricing of services and

no industry standards.

The government can play a vital part to upgrade the medical tourism sector. But the

industry is facing the following problems which are caused by the governments. They

are:

(a) No regulations,

(b) Taxation anomalies,

(c) Bureaucratic roadblocks,

(d) No works on land reforms,

(e) Lack of long-term investor friendly policies and

(f) Instability with respect to terrorism and communal tensions.

On the part of insurance and allied services, the medical tourism industry in India is also

facing some key bottlenecks.

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They are:

(a) Inadequate insurance cover,

(b) Underdeveloped insurance market in India,

(c) Insurance frauds and

(d) Overseas companies refusing reimbursement.

The following challenges, due to the infrastructural parts in medical tourism sector in

India, are:

(a) Poor accessibility,

(b) Lack of capital,

(c) Lack of Community participation and awareness,

(d) Lack of involvement from rural sector,

(e) Lack of concern for sustainability,

(f) Complex visa procedures,

(g) Lack of good language translators, and

(h) Poor airport facilities. Apart from these, there are some specific issues to

promote medical tourism in India.

They are:

(a) Quality accreditations to the Indian hospitals and service providers,

(b) Training and Development to the Doctors, Nurses and Para medical staffs,

(c) Lack of customer oriented approach

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CHAPTER:-2 Medical tourism in India

2.1 Medical Tourism Great Scope in India

The medical practitioners in India are among the best in the world. Top surgeons

in Indian hospitals have international work experience and are abreast of the latest

medical advances. Indian hospitals match international standards with regard to medical

equipment, nursing care and hygiene standards.

India‘s system of traditional medicine are a combination of Ayurveda, Siddha

Yoga and meditation, it aims at curing ills and helping the patient to lead a healthy,

balanced lifestyle. There are a number of health farms and nature spas in India that attract

a number of foreigners looking for help in bringing about lifestyle changes and

detoxification of the body.

The Ministry of Tourism has recognized the scope of medical tourism and has

initiated MDA (Market Development Assistance) Scheme to key players in the Medical

Tourism space. Road shows are organized at regular intervals to promote India as a

Medical Tourism destination. India is a world leader in both traditional as well as

conventional systems of medicine. The hospitals and medical staff in India are

comparable to the best in the world.

In a report published in 2010, The Confederation of Indian Industry and Mckinsey

predicted the emergence of medical tourism as the next big Indian success story. This

industry, still in the nascent stage, is predicted to grow at a rate of 30% over the next 5

years and contribute additional revenue of USD 2.3 Billion by 2012. This industry is

slated to be the next largest export grosser after the software industry.

Medical tourism refers to the provision of facilities for a client to travel, stay and

recuperate at a healthcare facility. The medical tourism industry, therefore, generates

income directly for the travel industry, hospitals and medical staff, and the hospitality

24 | P a g e

industry. Other industries that indirectly gain from medical tourism are the banking and

medical insurance industry and the allied medical services industry.

India is the destination of choice for complex procedures such as cardiac surgery,

orthopaedic operations, and neurosurgery as well as dental treatment. India is the

preferred medical tourism destination among Americans, who are not covered by

insurance because of the high cost of medical facilities in the US. The cost of a medical

procedure in the US exceeds the cost of travel to and fro to India, medical and surgery

costs and also the cost for the recuperation in India. The British prefer to be treated in

India as their National Health Service is unable to provide immediate treatment because

of the long waiting list. Countries like Greece, Malaysia and South Africa also provide

similar services. India‘s USP in medical tourism is in the rates for surgical procedures,

which are 10 to 15 times lower than elsewhere in the world.

President Obama in a recent press release has expressed his opposition to medical

tourism and has proposed to make affordable healthcare available to Americans through

the 2010 US health reform law. The doyens of India‘s healthcare industry feel there is

very little cause for worry to India as people travel to India not only considering the costs,

but also because of the assurance of high-quality healthcare that India has to offer.

2.2 Importance of Medical Tourism in India

Now a days, the concept of medical tourism in India is gaining high popularity.

Lots of people travel or go on holidays for improving their health or for fitness purpose.

In real terms, Medical tourism means, traveling or visiting other country for the medical

treatment, to save costs, get better medical facilities or get the treatment fast. If we take a

look of the past few years, we will find a large chunk of patients from all over the world

visit India for their medical treatment. Some of the key factors for developing medical

tourism in India are as follow:-

(1) Cheaper pricing option available for treatment: This factor plays a very

important role for developing medical tourism in India. The cost of treatment is

25 | P a g e

very low as compared to USA, Russia, UK or any developed country. This is the

main reason that people from all over the world come to India for medical

treatment.

(2) Beautiful Country to visit: There are hundreds of visiting places, which attract

patients to come here for treatment and visiting places. Most visitors must visit

North India (Rajasthan, Delhi, UP) and South India (Kerla, Karnataka,

Tamilnadu). In this way it contributes to develop medical tourism in India.

(3) Availability of Doctors: The availability of the doctors is very convenient in

India. A patient need not to have to wait for long to consult a doctor and the

doctors are very efficient and can be considered to be of the world class level.

This factor also assists in developing medical tourism in India rapidly.

(4) World class services and infrastructural: Indian hospitals are equipped with

well infrastructural facilities and providing world class services to the patients and

also getting so much popularity and recognition from the patients, who come from

abroad for the treatment.

(5) Good Climate: Health tourists can find very good climate over here. Still lots

of cities are less polluted and peaceful. It keeps them refreshing and they can

recover very fast which is also playing its role for the growth of medical tourism

in India.

(6) No Language Barrier: This is also a very crucial factor that a large number of

people form USA and UK come down to India for treatment. Here a large chunk

of people can speak and understand English language. After US, India is the

second largest English speaking country.

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More than 100 Million people can communicate in English. So a patient does not face

any language problem. He can easily share and discuss his problem with doctors and get

the desired treatment. In this way this contributes to develop medical tourism in India.

In short, the scope of development of medical tourism in India is very high. According to

a survey, approximately 150000 medical tourists come to India every year. People who

visit India once, want to come again and again. Indian scenic beauty and its culture give

them a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

Medical tourism in India is a very good idea if a person wants to save his cost of

treatment on one hand and explore the Indian beauty on other hand. So these are the main

factors responsible for the rapid development of heath tourism in India.

Other aspects:

These days it seems like every country in the world promotes itself as a haven for

medical tourism. The reality is that in most cases they offer sub-standard facilities and

limited skills/qualifications.

India has tens of thousands of expert physicians and nurse practitioners. Over the last two

decades, the economic boom in India has led to the building of medical facilities &

infrastructure that competitor the very best that western medical care that the west has to

offer. Many of the physicians that practice in these hospitals and clinics have returned (to

India) from the U.S. and Europe, leaving behind successful practices.

While some small countries may be viable as alternatives for minor surgical procedures,

India is the only mainstream option that offers a comprehensive solution for any and all

medical needs, and does this with the highest levels of service, facilities, and professional

skills. A complex transplant or bypass procedure can be achieved for a tiny fraction of the

cost for the same procedure in the U.S.

This lower cost includes significantly longer post-operative care in the hospital itself. The

costs are usually a lot lower than even the deductable most insurance company's levy on a

27 | P a g e

patient.

Easy Tours has strong working relationships with Escorts Group Hospitals and Research

Centers and Apollo Group Hospitals and Research Centers. This ranges from

relationships with the top doctors and nurse practitioners to the board members and

administrators of the institutions. This allows us to facilitate the highest levels of service

combined with the very best medical treatment possible.

From the moment that a client contacts us and tells us what their medical needs are, we

become their guide, liaison, and coordinator. We serve as a conduit of information

between the client and the hospital/clinic and work with the client to determine the best

facilities and staff to handle their particular medical needs.

We then handle all of the details that require contact with the providers. The patient will,

of course, be able to speak to the hospitals, doctors, and other providers, but they need

not worry about all of the mundane tasks which need to be performed prior to their

departure.

We have a U.S. and India based staff of specialists who focus on Medical Tourism, and

stay abreast of all current developments in their respective fields. They work closely with

our leisure travel specialists and are able to coordinate explorations of India‘s (and other

Asian countries) major tourism attractions. These can be facilitated for a vacation for the

patient and/or their travelling companion(s).

A very important aspect of medicine is the recovery phase. It has been statistically shown

that patients recover more quickly and with a much higher success rate when they

incorporate practices that enhance physical, mental, and emotional well being. Your

client can take advantage of one of Easy Tours‘ optional extensions that include the

world‘s best guided regimens of Aryuveda, Yoga, and Meditation, which speed healing

and bring the mind and body together as one.

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The emerging world of medical tourism is one that must be tapped into by successful

travel agents. Most people who are considering it as an attractive option have already sold

themselves on the idea, but have no idea how to make it happen. Likewise many agents

may feel as though they have been struck by lightning when asked about medical tourism

by a potential client. This does not have to be the case.

A close partnership with Easy Tours will take the mystery out of the process, and convert

that person who, ―thinks it might be a good idea‖, into someone that understands the

incredible advantages that Medical Tourism offers, and is confident enough in the process

to make it happen.

Other importance:

The National Health Policy 2002 envisages an overall increase in health spending to 6

percent of GDP by 2010, of which one-third would be committed to public health

investment. The Policy aims at widening the extent and coverage of care. It also encircled

a greater role for private sector in the urban primary care and tertiary care sectors with

growth of private health insurance.

International tourists are choosing India as their medical treatment destination because it

has a rich cultural heritage and innumerable tourist destinations. In recent years, India is

being seen as an important player in the globally growing ―Medical tourism‖, which is

projected as a new segment in travel and healthcare business. This has put India on the

international map as a haven for those seeking quality and affordable healthcare. In 2004,

India treated and cared for 1.8 lakh patients, which approximately grew by 25-30 percent

in 2005 as Indian corporate hospitals are at par, if not better than the best hospitals in

Thailand, Singapore, etc. According to CII (Confederation of Indian Industries), India has

the potential to promote medical tourism by attracting one million tourists per annum, as

it offers holistic medical services with meditation, ayurveda, allopathic and other systems

of medicine.

India is the most touted healthcare destination for countries like South-East Asia, Middle

East, Africa, Mauritius, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Yemen with 12 percent patient inflow

from developing countries and the most sought after super specialties are cardiology,

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neuro-surgery, orthopedics, joint replacement, gastroenterology, ophthalmology,

transplants, urology, dentistry and plastic surgery.

―First World Treatment at Third World Costs‖

A combination of three key factors – quality, availability and cost has been key factors in

fuelling the phenomenal growth witnessed in the Indian medical tourism industry. 60% of

doctors in India‘s leading Indian hospitals have international qualifications, thus

increasing the acceptance and comfort levels among international patients. An English

speaking populace, exotic tourist locations and alternative medicinal cures are some

factors that are largely responsible for India having edge over other neighboring

countries. On the demand side, prohibitive medical costs and lengthy waiting time are the

prime factors, which generally encourage people to seek treatment outside their home

countries.

2.3 Other important aspects related to Medical Tourism Policy of Indian

Government

India is touted as the best destination for medical health tourism. The

opportunities are tremendous and every sector of tourism are exploring this burgeoning

growth industry, from the Government of India, travel agents, hotel companies, India‘s

State tourism boards and most of the hospitals, including all private hospitals. They‘re

seeking to combine both leisure tourism with medical tourism and capitalize upon just

how inexpensive the same quality and sometimes better quality medical care costs are in

India compared to the United States‘ soaring medical costs.

The Government of India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the

Ministry of Tourism has set up a Task Force to help facilitate the medical health tourism

industry and help this industry achieve its targets and to give momentum for its growth.

The Task Force will fast-track any opportunities for the industry and will formulate

policies for Accreditation programs for health-care institutions and will classify the

medical health tourism service providers on the basis of infrastructure, quality and

services provided, including services from other companies other than medical, such as

companies that will improve and facilitate foreign patients transportation and

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accommodations. The Task Force will standardize all procedures and will facilitate

foreign patients in choosing the best hospitals. Plus, the India Government will add to this

support by quickly processing medical visa‘s, improve flight connections and develop

better infrastructure for getting from the airport to the selected hospitals or other arranged

accommodations.

The Government of India has proclaimed that the treating of foreign patients is

legal and it encourages medical health tourism in its country by offering export incentives

and tax breaks to participating hospitals. This in turn has caused hospitals to invest in the

most current state-of-the-art medical equipment, the best skilled medical staff from

around the world, create programs that integrate clinical treatments and traditional

treatments with the services provided by airline carriers, tour operators and hotel

companies. This partnership gives foreign patients a worry free experience before and

during the medical health procedure and when they return to their native country, any

aftercare required will already be in set in place once the medical health procedure is

finished.

2.4 International Patient's Guide for Medical Care in India

Detailed invaluable information has been collated for you in just in 7 steps below:

Empower yourself with knowledge

Getting in touch with us

Final steps to decide on your medical treatment

Planning your travel to India

Ready to go at the hospital

After you return back home

Empower yourself with knowledge

As your health is of utmost importance to you, it is important that you empower

yourself by doing some research before you decide to go overseas for medical care.

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Update by reading all you can on the internet and other available media. If possible, talk

to people who have been abroad for surgery.

Consult your General Physician or Surgeon and get his opinion. Request your

General Physician to prepare a detailed medical history (summary) of your present

medical condition as this would be required by the overseas hospital physician as a basic

input for providing you an informed opinion on the course and cost of treatment. Your

physician would also brief you about the procedure that may benefit you or an alternate

treatment if available.

Your overseas physician would also advise you on planning the follow-up care in

the home country after your return from India.

There are always various options available like whether you want to deal directly

with the hospitals or go through a company working as a medical travel facilitator (a

mediating medical travel facilitator Company provides you and end to end solution to all

your requirement from the time you leave you country and reach back home in a

dedicated and personalized way making it cost effective and a satisfying experience).

Send your query by clicking on the send query button and emailing your present

medical condition and the procedure that you are planning to undergo and send by

clicking the Submit button. Make sure that you have filled in your phone number and

email address correctly. You would get an Auto response email confirming receipt of

your query almost by return mail. If you do not get this automated mail response, please

log in your query again.

Usually They would get back to you with in 24 to 48 hours with an initial

response and may ask you to send them more detailed medical information like scanned

copies of your medical reports, x rays and MRI scans etc enabling the hospital specialist/

surgeon‘s to give and opinion and a cost estimate

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Sometimes the heavy scanned copies of medical reports may not go as

attachments with your email. You can in that case use free services like

www.yousendit.com to send the reports.

Final steps to decide on your medical treatment

They would send you a detailed package cost with details of the inclusions and

exclusions (costs not included in the package) to have complete transparency. This would

also include the number of days of stay at the hospital included in the package.

They would also send you a profile of the surgeon or physician who would be

treating you.

You can ask as many questions that you may like at this stage to your physician or

surgeon to have a complete clarity regarding your condition and the expected results.

How many days you will be required to stay at the hospital and in India after you get

discharged from the hospital before you are able to fly back home? They would be able to

arrange the accommodation for you within your budget for your post hospital stay in the

India.

You can make the final decision about your treatment when all your questions are

answered and the opinion/ estimate have been confirmed to you for the hospital finally

selected by you.

Planning your travel to India

All major Indian cities are now connected to handle international flights from

Europe, Middle East and Far East as They'll as have daily connecting flights.

Passport and Visa is a must requirement to travel to any country abroad .You need

a valid Passport and Indian visa to enter India. If you do not have a passport, please apply

for one. For medical treatment related reasons, the passport is issued on priority. If you

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already have a Passport, it MUST HAVE more than 6 months of validity still left on it.

Or else please get the passport revalidated before applying for Indian Visa.

You can locate the local Indian consulate or Indian Embassy from the ―Mission

& Posts‖ section of Indian Government‘s website

http://india.gov.in/overseas/indian_missions.php

The website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country will have

all the information about applying for Indian Visa.

Please ask the hospital to email you a formal invitation letter for coming to India

for medical treatment and attach a copy of this letter with your visa application.While you

plan for your air travel, please check out the costs and air connections to the Indian city

where you would be going on various airlines or travel websites. Or you also contact your

local travel agents around you in your home country who specializes in inbound travel to

India.

It is good idea to let your airline know through your travel agent about your special

requirement like seat with a better leg room of wheel chair. Your travel agent will inform

the airline of all such requirements to ensure a safe and comfortable travel for you and

your companion if there during the travel to India.

In case you wish to stay for some more time for a holiday in India after your

hospital stay, please carry your mobile phone handset with you.

You can buy an Indian Sim Card locally while in India and save money on local

calling as well as be accessible to your Indian hospital or hotel staff.

Ready to go

Once the decision and all necessary formalities to have treatment is finalized,

please do inform us about your travel plans, flight numbers etc so that they can book your

surgery, room and airport pick up in time. Please do try to provide this information at

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least one week in advance of your arrival in India as they would also brief you about the

weather enabling you to do your packing accordingly.

You have a choice to transfer the cost of medical surgery or treatment by bank

transfer to the hospital prior to your starting the journey or make a booking in advance

prior to arrival. They would send you the Bank Wire Transfer Instructions of the Bank

Account. You can send these to your bank and ask them to transfer the required money to

hospital‘s bank account in India. They would send you the confirmation of the receipt of

your funds.

It is important that you carry all your medical records and any medicine that you

may be taking with you. Heavy woolens or warm clothing is generally not required as the

climate in India is generally warm and pleasant in winters. As long as you stay in the

hospital, you will be provided comfortable hospital clothing to wear. They suggest you

carry a few sets of loose fitting; comfortable clothing and a pair of walking shoes which

you can wear post the surgery.

Please ensure to take photocopies of your passport, visa and other documentation and

keep them separately at home informing the details of where you are going with someone

at home.

Please take good care of your personal belongings, Passport, Cash; Air tickets etc.

in the aircraft and till you reach the hospital.

Before your flight lands in India, please fill in the immigration and other form given to

you by air hostess and hand over these to the immigration officer with the passport. Both

the passport and a portion of form would be stamped and returned to you, please keep

these safely Please collect your baggage from the baggage area and proceed to the arrival

area where you will find our representative waiting to receive you with a board in your

name and he will take all care of you till reach you the hospital.

At the hospital

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On arrival at the Hospital, you will be taking to the room already reserved for you.

The admission formalities would be completed in the room itself and some initial

treatment related queries would be asked to you by the hospital admitting staff and the

duty doctor.

Your passports, valuables like cash, jeweler or expensive items can be kept in the

safe deposit box in your room.

Your treating physician or surgeon will explain you the proposed treatment and

answer any query from your side. The hospital will obtain your written consent to any

operation and any other procedures (including investigations). You will then be asked to

sign a consent form. Some procedures do not require formal written consent, but staff

will explain all the risks, benefits and alternatives before asking for your verbal consent.

Food and Beverages - The Diet is an integral part of your medication. The hospital‘s

dieticians, in association with your doctor, will assess your diet needs. You are advised to

follow the diet instructions specified by them for a speedy recovery. Please do let them

know your diet preference. Your companion however would get the normal choice of

meals and would be served food in the room itself. The hospitals also have a Cafeteria

where the patient‘s companions can walk in and choose from the varieties of cuisines

available at that time.

During the course of stay in India from your arrival to departure and specially

prior to being taken for surgery or procedure, your health updates would be informed to

your family back home and also as you progress. Your companion will also be kept

updated on daily basis. As your surgeon or physician intimates about the discharge from

the hospital. The hospital‘s guest relations executive will inform you when your final bill

is ready and if you have to pay any balance dues prior to leaving the hospital.

Please follow your physician's advice on rehab, physiotherapy and diet in a

disciplined manner to help your speedy recovery.

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While at the time of discharge from the hospital, you would be given a detailed

Discharge report and copies of all the investigations done during your stay. You would

also be explained anything that you may like to understand including your post care and

medication.

The airline flying you back to your country will require a ―Fit to Fly certificate‖

which will be provided by the hospital.

The hospital would also mention in case you have got a metal implant like stent or

artificial joint, as that will exempt you from going through the metal detectors at the

airport.

The return journey tickets would be reconfirmed prior to your departure and you

would be dropped at the airport by our representative assisting you all along.

After you return back home

While you follow up on the post care instruction given by your physician of

surgeon and progress towards speedy recovery, please share all your records with your

local physician enabling him to monitor your progress and advise you from time to time.

If you need any help or advice from your treating surgeon or doctor in India, They would

arrange the same through e-mail, telephone or web conferencing as required.

They would be following you on your health recovery for the first month ensuring

all support is available to you from your our side through your treating physician here.

Once your recover fully, They would request you for your feedback enabling us to

improvise further.

Do share your experience with others in your home country. Keep Smiling!

Please don‘t forget to share your satisfying experience with others and let

them also take the benefit of this service!!!!

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2.5 Facilities/Treatments available in India

Along with a choice of tourist places, India offers a range of outstanding medical

facilities like Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Joint Replacement, Orthopedic

Surgery, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Transplants and Urology. The Hospitals also

provide services like Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology,

Rheumatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurology,

Urology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Dentistry, Plastic Surgery, Gynecology, Psychiatry,

General Medicine and General Surgery. Other services like General Radiography, Ultra

Sonography, Mammography and Angiography are also provided

2.6 Reason behind the Growth of Medical Tourism in India

The popularity and growth of the ancient healing sciences as well as historical

traditions of treatment that are now making medical tourism in India as one of the most

preferred tourism choice across the world should be discussed with the emerging business

context of specialization and customization all across the travel and tourism industry in

the past few decades. The travel and tourism sector is speedily becoming one of the most

growing sector in the world following the customization drive and focus on specialization

all across the industry. Tourism is no longer just touring and travelling and it is becoming

more and more focused on the specialization in accordance with the customer choice,

requirement, travelling moods, cultural emphasis, economic factors, health condition and

specific social and socio-psychological trends. The specification drive and wide range of

diversification across various segments of tourism played a crucial role in the recent

boom and popularity of various types of tourism. As the health care situation all over the

world is continuously facing a wide range of medical challenges in respect of treating a

lot of life style oriented diseases and disorders that are chronic and almost tend to reach

an epidemic proportion, medical tourism is gaining in popularity and public appreciation

and India is one of the countries to offer a wide variety of choice of treatments and

healing traditions that are different in approach towards diseases and functioning of

organic system.

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India is the country that is widely acclaimed of its great traditions of healing and

medications that are organic as well as naturally validated and this is the precise reason

why there is a growing global interest in the healing and health care traditions of India

and the global or especially the interest of the people of world's developed nations in the

ancient Indian sciences of yoga, Ayurveda, meditative practices, natural herbal remedies

have made medical tourism in India one of the most sought after tourism categories. The

popularity factors that worked behind the medical tourism in India to be so much aspired

across the tourism industry mainly include the diversities of its ancient traditions and

corresponding wide range of treatment options along with other types of diversifications

in the social or cultural or natural resources that have been major attractions across the

tourism industry. Here we would discuss in depth regarding some of the most important

aspects of medical tourism in India.

The Great Diversity of Treatment

Before going into the discussion regarding the medical tourism in India we should take

note of some of the salient aspects in relation to the great diversity of treatment that made

the medical tourism in India so popular. India as a vast country has gone through a huge

dimension of historical upheavals, changes, transformations and faced a great array of

historical events in its thousand years of history and most interestingly India is one the

few countries in the world that have made so many cultural identities and influences

merged in the mainstream of the Indian culture and its national identity. Along with this

process of merger of the diverse range of cultures and influences several medical

traditions and natural healing sciences reciprocated and influenced each other and

enriched the medical tradition of the country in an unprecedented way. That is the reason

why medication in India boasts of so diverse a range of treatment comprising developed

tradition of modern medical science, Ayurveda, yoga, meditative practices and other

natural as well as organic medical procedures. Some of the most popular medical

traditions of the present India that are most crucial in promoting the medical tourism in

India are mentioned below.

Medical Tourism in India with emphasis on Ayurvedic Treatment

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Ayurveda is the most popular natural healing science of the great tradition of the country

that is accounted as a major contributing factor to the development of medical tourism in

India in regard to making various places in India as tourist destinations for medical

treatment seeking people from all over the world. The tradition of Ayurveda is one of the

most widely practiced medical discipline across various parts of India and traditionally

symbolizes natural and organic healing that has a coherent and intrinsic relation with

nature. Though Kerala tops the list in regard to the Ayurvedic treatment facilities across

India that are considered to be the most preferred destination for medical tourists from all

over the world, the wellness resorts and Ayurvedic hospitals are spreading all across the

country and becoming popular in the map of medical tourism in India. Some of the top

Ayurvedic clinics and hospitals in India include AryaVaidyaSala in Kerala,

Padinharkhara Ayurveda Hospital and Research Centres in Kerala, Indus Valley

Ayurvedic Centre in Bangalore, Ayurvedagram in Kerala, Ayurvedic Natural Health

Centre near Goa, etc.

Medical Tourism in India with emphasis on Yoga Treatment

Yoga is one of the most ancient tradition that primarily was associated with the Indian

spiritual traditions and yoga before being considered as a medical discipline of the

modern era mainly used to be viewed as the main body of spiritual practice comprising

cathartic and spiritual development across the physical, psychic, philosophical and

spiritual realities and perception as well as senses of devotees. The perception of yoga as

a medication or treatment of natural tradition is relatively new and modern. The tradition

of yoga comprises of mainly two separate traditions, namely Buddhist and Hindu and

these two traditions boast off different treatment procedures like physical exercise,

meditations, pranayama or exercises involving control of inhale and exhale of air,

developing natural living habits, etc. From the lush green flowery valleys of the snow

covered mountains in the Himalayas to the tropical backwaters of Kerala, you will be

finding huge varieties of yoga and meditation centers across India and many of them

centers are popular as the destinations for tourists interested in medical tourism in India.

Some of the most popular destinations for yoga and meditation for the medical tourists

visiting India include RamamaniAyenger Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune,

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ParmarthNiketan, Rishikesh, Ashtanga Institute in Mysore, Krishnamacharya Yoga

Mandiram in Chennai, Shivananda Vedanta Center in Trivandrum, Biuhar School of

Yoga in Munger, etc.

Medical Tourism in India with emphasis on Modern day Medical Treatment

procedures like Surgery

India is now one of the preferred destinations for surgery related modern medical

treatments like orthopedic surgery, obesity surgery, cosmetic surgery, neurosurgery and a

lot of other treatment categories. India now provides the cheapest rate of surgery in the

entire South East Asia and with comparative low and affordable treatment cost and global

standard it is becoming one of the most sought after destinations for medical tourists all

from over the world. For surgery and related treatments still Chennai and Delhi comes at

the top of the list with most number of world class facilities for surgery and the province

of Goa along with its global popularity for scenic and most exuberant sea beaches are

speedily becoming one of the to destinations for medical tourism in India as well. Some

of the top surgery facilities that are globally acclaimed for their excellence in medical

treatment include Apollo Victor Hospital, Goa, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, Nova

Medical Center, Bangalore, Chennai Plastic Surgery, Chennai, Madras Joint Replacement

Center, Chennai, Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital, Kerala, All Smiles, Bangalore, Etc.

The above mentioned description of the treatment facilities and categories of tourist

attractions for medical tourism in India have been derived from the various sources of

information in regard to the popularity and most frequent visits of tourists from all over

the globe to the healthcare & medical tourism destinations in India.

Some Other successful aspects related to scope of medical tourism in India

Indian Tourism in the 21st century has come a long way. Its latest venture is the

promotion of Medical Tourism. Medical Tourism or Health Tourism is the idea of

travelling abroad to well-known destinations for obtaining a wide variety of medical

expertise in the form of consultancy and medical procedures including surgery.

India has some of the best hospitals in par with USA, UK and Europe in terms of

expertise and facilities. India is considered a favorable destination for medical tourism

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because of its world class treatments at substantially lower costs. Treatment in India can

also be administered almost immediately without any waiting period owing to the large

pool of experienced doctors and supporting facilities. This is a major advantage for

citizens of western nations where healthcare is subject to long waiting period in case of

non-emergency procedures.

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

In India, top quality treatment is provided with anonymity and luxury at affordable rates.

The costs for the procedure, travel fare and convalescing stay in India together may cost

much lesser than the procedure alone in some nations. India also provides world class

treatment for every specialty in medical science like Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiology,

Plastic Surgery, Gynecology, Dental procedures, Fitness therapies etc.

Indian tourism has built advanced transportation and communication systems, and the

country is now a fast growing economy despite global economic recession. These factors

have enabled it to provide competitive medical care as well as all the other logistical

needs required to make medical tourism attractive. A major reason medical tourism in

India has enormous potential for development is because of its cost effectiveness for

patients coming from the USA and UK, and the good healthcare facilities which is not

available in Middle east and African countries. People, especially Americans, who are

uninsured, choose medical treatment overseas due to its affordability and convenience.

Many countries like Singapore, Poland, Thailand, Israel, and Brazil are also promoting

medical tourism. But relating to cost and facilities, India is a reliable, affordable, and safe

medical tourism destination.

Alternative forms of medicine are also practiced widely and successfully in India. These

include:

Ayurveda

Aroma Therapy

Music Therapy

Meditation

Pranic Healing

Yoga

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The concept of Wellness tourism has been envisioned to re-establish the equilibrium of

lives and to help overcome the effect of prolonged stress due to today's fast paced life.

Here customers pay substantial fees to eat less, eat better, exercise, be counseled, sleep

more, meditate and be subjected to a regimen of massages, purging and sweating. The

aim of the treatment is to make one feel de-stressed, de-codified and reset the biological

clock and to be more focused in future.

2.7 SWOT analysis

India in Medical Tourism – SWOT Analysis

Medical Tourism may be defined as the ―provision of cost-effective medical care

with due consideration to quality in collaboration with tourism industry for foreign

patients who need specialized treatment and surgery‖. Statistical data indicate that in the

year 2008-09 around 126 million domestic trip has been made by Indians in order to get

cure at different places of the country as a result of the lack of economic opportunity and

poor health infrastructure in their own home town and a sum of 23,000 corer rupees have

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been spend by them on such trips. This waste of money can be stopped if initiatives in a

positive manner are taken by the local and the state level organizations and the

Government itself. It has been seen that where international tourist are migrating into

India for cheaper treatment and greener pastures, domestic migration in India is a result

of poor health infrastructure In rural areas and small towns.

The main reason for growing importance of medical tourism in India is the cost of

medical treatment which is comparatively 40% less, than offered by any other developed

countries whereas a cardiac patient has to pay

US$ 40,000 - 60,000 in the United States,

US$ 30,000 in Singapore,

US$ 12,000 - 15,000 in Thailand for his Treatment, the same treatment can be availed in

India in only US$ 3,000 - 6,000. At London one is charged £350 for some tests which

include blood tests, electro-cardiogram tests, chest X-Rays, lung tests and other tests

While in India same tests cost only US$ 84.A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan

costs US$ 60 at Escorts Hospital in Delhi compared with roughly US$ 700 in New York.

When India is compared with Thailand it is found that India is comparatively very cost

effective rather Than Thailand in case of medical treatment. It is clear from the following

Table:-

Table -I

Treatment Cost In India (In US$) Cost In Thailand (In US$)

Bone Marrow Transplant US$ 30000 US$ 62500

Liver Transplant US$ 40000 US$ 75000

Open Heart Surgery (CABG) US$ 4400 US$ 14250

Hip Replacement US$ 4500 US$ 6900

Knee Surgery US$ 4500 US$ 7000

Hysterectomy US$ 511 US$ 2012

Gall Bladder removal US$ 555 US$ 1755

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This segment of tourism is increasingly gaining importance and attracting several

large orporations, such as pharmaceuticals and industrial companies, and several iris and

foreign investors to invest money in setting up super-specialty hospitals in India such as

Apollo, Medinova, CDR, Mediciti in Hyderabad; Hindujas and Wockhardt in Mumbai;

Max, Escorts, and Apollo in Delhi etc. These hospitals are well equipped with those new

machineries and technologies, which are required by the medical professionals to tackle

the serious diseases, and are capable to cater the needs of aristocrats and as well as of the

budgetary class. A Tourist who is coming to indulge/ lure himself in a healthy and pure

atmosphere, to learn the art of yoga and meditations, to rejuvenate oneself at the spas, or

for maintaining their looks by travelling to Cosmetic Surgery Clinics will be considered

as a medical tourist. It is not necessary that they should come for any surgery or treatment

to be count as the medical tourist. For example, going to China to get treated of backache

with acupuncture and acupressure is the example of former travelling to Kerala for

ayurvedic treatment for entire body. Specific Tour Packages for Medical Tourist in India

Government is launching various schemes and programmers to promote health tourism

and inviting foreign and private investors to invest in hospitals and accommodation

sector. According to a study 75-80% of health care services and investments in India are

now provided by the private sector. India is granting various incentives and tax rebate to

various pharmaceuticals industries to provide medicines, surgical equipments, and other

medical facilities. Various specific tour packages available to medical tourist are as

follows:-

1) Bone Marrow Transplant

2) Brain Surgery

3) Cancer Procedures (Oncology) and Cardiac Care

4) Cosmetic Surgery

5) Dialysis and Kidney Transplant

6) Drug Rehabilitation

7) Gynecology & Obstetrics

8) Health Checkups

9) Internal/Digestive Procedures

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10) Joint Replacement Surgery

11) Nuclear Medicine, Neurosurgery & Trauma Surgery

12) Osteoporosis, Urology and Vascular Surgery

13) Gall Bladder stones surgery and Hernia surgery

14) Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

15) Laparoscopic Banding of stomach for Morbid Obesity and others

16) Hip-Knee replacement surgeries and other orthopedic surgeries.

17) Heart surgery packages like Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, Open Heart

Surgery, Angiographies and Angioplasties.

18) Treatments of different skin problems including skin grafting Contribution of

Many hospitals in India are accredited by international institutions and are

offering world-class treatment at that cost which is comparatively 40-50% less

than that of any European country. Acknowledging the significance of medical

tourism in India, Government is trying to persuade the international tourist traffic

by offering medical visa. Generally a medical visa is valid for one year, or the

period of treatment whichever is less. The period of medical visa can further be

extended for one year with the permission of state government or erros, if

prescribed by the specialized doctor/specialized hospital.

India not only offers the medical treatment but also other rejuvenative services

such as yoga, meditation, herbal therapies and other skin treatments which could

uplift the mood and enhance health of medical tourists. As a result India is

receiving a huge number of international tourists who are coming to gain the

rejuvenative benefits. In 2009, India has received a total of 180,000 foreign health

tourists. It is estimated that it will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of

over 19% and will reach up to 1.3 million by 2013.

Medical Tourism in India is playing a vital role in improving the economic and

social status of the society. According to a study by mckinsey & Company and the

confederation of Indian Industry, India will receive $1 billion business by 2012,

from medical tourism. Which is 1% of the total world-wide revenue? Generated

by medical tourism. The total revenue generated from medical tourism in the year

2004, worldwide was $40 billion which has increased up to $60 billion

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in the year 2006. Mckinsey& Company estimates that it will raise to $100 billion

by the end of the year 2012.

Table-2

Revenue Generated Through Medical Tourism World-Wide

Year Revenue (In Billion US $)

2004:-40

2006:-60

2008:- 80

2012:-100

Source:-www.health-tourism-india.com

India is preferred as a health destination, mostly by those people who are living

abroad and by those foreigners who demand for speedy and in expensive treatment.

Indian hospitals are now well equipped with skilled, trained and experienced doctors,

who have good command on English .Indian doctors treat twice number of patients, in

comparison to doctors in the western European countries. India is considered as a safe

place for medical treatment in comparison to other countries. Medical Tourism in India is

on the peak. Now health tourist can avail every kind of medical facilities easily and

conveniently. Various private investors and pharmaceuticals companies are coming

forward to provide their services to the health tourist. Statistics indicate that by the end of

the year 2012, India will receive around one million health tourist with a compound

annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.09% over the year 2007. In India a health tourist has to

spend less on different surgeries in comparison to other developed countries.

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Tourism in India is flourishing and gaining a status of industry and contributing a lot

towards the revenue generation and removing the problem of unemployment from the

society. Today many states of India like Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal,

Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh, Dadar & Nagar Haveli, and uts of Daman &

Diu, has got a status of an industry. State governments are making provisions to include

tourism in Schedule-I, of the Industries Development Act 1951 to grant it the status of an

industry and to promote accommodation sector, so that every segment of tourism industry

including hotels throughout the country can avail various benefits under the Industrial

Policy of the respective state governments like Land banks for budget hotels, Exemption

of duty on stamp paper, Exemption in VAT and Sales Tax, and Single window clearance

for new hotel projects etc.

Quality

Large pool of doctors, nurses & paramedics

Strength: Over 650,000 doctors; - Highly skilled experts, and Comfort Level NRI doctors

Usage of English Indian Nurses increasingly getting international exposure.

Value Proposition

Quality medical services at 1/10th costs:

Complicated surgical procedures possible at 1/10th the cost

Increase in use of Computerized Hospital Information Systems

Software technologists facilitating tech revolution in healthcare

State-of-the-art medical establishments of great repute

Price advantage is a major selling point. The slogan, thus is, ―First World treatment‘ at

Third World Prices‖. The cost differential across the board is huge: only a tenth and

sometimes even a sixteenth of the cost in the West. Open-heart surgery could cost up to

$70,000 in Britain and up to id="mce_marker"50,000 in the US; in India‘s best hospitals,

it could cost between $3,000 and $ 10,000. Knee surgery (on both knees) costs

Rs.3,50,000 ($7,700) in India; in Britain this costs Rs.10,00,000

(id="mce_marker"6,950), more than twice as much. Dental, eye and cosmetic surgeries in

Western countries cost three to four times as much as in India (prices are based on 2004-

05 year).

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Thus healthcare industry has shown considerable growth in recent years in India. The

emergence of top-notch corporate hospitals and continuous efforts for improvement of

quality of care has placed Indian private healthcare in an envious position on the global

map. High ratio of foreign qualified experienced medical practitioners/specialists, well

trained nursing and medical staff have greater confidence levels amongst the people who

are seeking medical care from Indian hospitals.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Mckinsey Report mention that the medical

tourism market has been growing at the rate of 15 percent over the past five years and by

2012, globally, medical tourism is said to be US$ 40 billion industry, and analysis

available projects that people from the Afro-Asian countries spend as much as US$ 20

billion every year on healthcare services outside their countries.

Medical Tourism in India: Finding A New Meaning!

Indian Medical Tourism Industry is very fast growing industry .Medical Tourism in India

is a fast developing concept. According to an estimate, Medical Tourism in India is

approximately growing by 25% per annum. People from all over the world visit India for

treatment like heart surgery, dental care and many more. Indian infrastructure has also

contributed to a great extent for developing Medical Tourism in India. This includes

superior medical facilities, advance technologies, quality services, better health care

advices and many more. All these factors are responsible to make India a preferred and

favorable medical tourism destination.

If we look at the past record, we will find that people from US, UK and Europe

frequently visit India for their treatment. The number is increasing day by day. So the

question is that why people from these countries regularly visit India and not other Asian

countries (Like Malaysia, Thailand) for their medical treatment? The answer is that

Indian offers cheapest pricing option for the treatment and patient can also get fast and

superior services.

Medical Tourism in India offers various kinds of benefits to the patients who come from

abroad.

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(1) Better and reasonable Pricing Option: This is the crucial factor which play a very

important role to attract patients form abroad. The cost of treatment is very low and

reasonable, compared to other countries.

(2) Widely English Spoken country: India is the second largest English spoken

country after US. Approximately 150 million people speak English. This is also an

important factor that attracts visitors form US and UK. People can easily exchange their

views and in this way this factor contributes in developing Medical tourism in India.

(3) Well equipped with best healthcare institutions: India is well equipped with world‘s

best health care institutions. Patients can find world class facilities and services over

here. Fortis hospital is emerging as a world class hospital for health care. It caters large

number of foreign patients and provides incomparable medical services and facilities.

(4) Worth watching places to visit: India is also equipped with hundred of beautiful and

worth watching places to visit. Thousands of visitors come here for their treatment, as

well as visiting the places also. Several tours and traveling companies are operating their

business at very reasonable prices. It costs very low for the people from US, UK and

Europe.

In short we can say that the concept of Medical Tourism in India is still new, but there are

huge scope for development and build it as an industry. Government is putting all of its

efforts to develop Medical Tourism as an industry and why not, because it is attracting

lots of Foreign currency to India and in this way helping in strengthening the Foreign

Reserve. If Medical Tourism in India continues to grow at a speed of 25- 30% every year,

we can easily anticipate what would be the future of this Industry.

Strength is an inherent capacity which an organization can use to gain strategic

advantage. An example of strength is superior research and development for a new

service industry development so that the industry can gain a strategic advantage. The

strengths in medical tourism are:

• Quality and Range of Services.

India has number of hospitals offering world class treatments in nearly every medical

sector such as cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacement, orthopedic

surgery,

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gastroenterology, ophthalmology, transplants and urology to name a few. The various

specialties covered are Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology,

Rheumatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Paediatrics, Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric

Neurology, Urology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Dentistry, Plastic Surgery,

Gynaecology, Pulmonology, Psychiatry, General Medicine & General Surgery. For its

quality of services and the infrastructure available, India is attracting a vast pool of

tourists from the Middle East, Africa etc.

• Affordable costs:

For a long promoted for its cultural and scenic beauty, India is now being put up on

international map as a heaven for those seeking quality and affordable healthcare. With

50 million Americans without health insurance and waiting lists for state- run facilities

often endless in the UK,Canada and Europe, foreigners are increasingly flocking to India

because it offers quality treatment at a fifth of the cost abroad. In India, complicated

surgical procedures are being dine at 1/10th the cost as compare with the procedures in

the developed countries.

Limitation:

A limitation is an inherent limitation or constraint which creates strategic disadvantages.

An example of a limitation is overdependence on a single service line, which is

potentially risky for a service industry in times of crisis. The limitation is as follows:

• No strong government support/ initiative to promote medical tourism.

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• Low coordination between the various players in the industry- airline operators, hotels,

and hospitals.

• Lack of uniform pricing policies across hospitals.

• Cheating

• Political problems etc

A comprehensive approach was taken to scoping a variety of sources to synthesize what

is known about the patient's experience of medical tourism. The inclusion of steps such as

having two reviewers for every full source, developing a search strategy in consultation

with a librarian, and searching for sources of all types from a comprehensive grouping of

databases have added rigor to the scoping process and thus serve as strengths. However,

two main limitations exist. The first is that only English-language sources were retrieved

and reviewed. No doubt there is literature on medical tourism that has been produced in

other languages. At the same time, there were very little non-English-language sources

cited in the pieces reviewed, and so this suggests that the most important sources may be

available in English. For example, industry and government reports produced in non-

English-speaking countries were commonly available in English and so were included in

the review process. The second main limitation is that the media sources reviewed were

limited to Canada and a few major North American magazines and newspapers known to

cover Canadian health and health care issues. Placing this restriction on the inclusion of

media sources was necessary in order to keep the review manageable. As such, the media

sources included are presented as a representation of the types of local, regional, and

national coverage that exists of medical tourism within a particular country known as a

departure point for medical tourist.

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CHAPTER:-3 Medical tourism prospects in Gujarat

3.1 Gujarat Medical tourism

Medical tourism is focused as potential growth sector in Gujarat. Gujarat‘s

leading city, Ahmadabad is a fabulous place for medical tour or medical treatments venue

for India‘s leading exhibition for the travel and tourism industry. Ahmadabad is a

preferred medical tourism destination all over the world. With world class health

facilities, zero waiting time and affordable cost, Ahmadabad is becoming one of the most

sought after medical tourism destination in India. Apart from the world class amenities,

Hospitals offer pick up and drop service and ambulance services also. The 108 Service is

the highly appreciated ‗Medical at doorstep‘ Service.

Patients who required dedicated treatment and Surgery can avail the ‗cost

effective‘ facility with medical camps, travel trips and entertainment.

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Gujarat has evolved as one of the most preferred medical destinations for

international as well as domestic patients, Nikita Apraj, ENN analyses the healthcare

boom

Gujarat has been in a limelight for its stupendous development in various sectors–

infrastructures, industry, agriculture – to note a few. Healthcare sector in Gujarat has also

joined the club, given to rise in medical tourism and government initiatives

India‘s medical tourism sector is expected to experience an annual growth rate of

30 percent, making it a US$ 2 billion industry by 2015. Advant ages for medical tourists

include reduced costs, the availability of latest medical technologies and a growing

compliance on international quality standards, as well as the fact that foreigners are less

likely to face a language barrier in India.

Ahmadabad is one of the most preferred destinations for medical tourism in the

country given economic stability, industrial and agricultural development state of

Gujarat. Other cities in the state like capital Gandhinagar has also become one of the

most favored medical destinations for both Indian and foreign patients.

Medical tourism is divided into two categories – Domestic medical tourism in

which patients travel within cities or states to seek better healthcare and second one is

international medical tourism. International medical patients can be divided into two

subsets – Non Resident Guajarati, a subset specific to Gujarat, who want to be treated in

or around their native place. Another subset is of truly international patients who come to

India for a cost-effective treatment.

Over the time, Gujarat has build capabilities within the state reducing number of

patients going outside Gujarat for treatment to negligible. Ahmadabad is one of the most

preferred destinations for medical tourism in the country. Ahmadabad is one of the most

preferred destinations for medical tourism in the country

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Gujarat preferred by foreigners

―International patients come to India to be treated for old problems, not for acute

problems because they won‘t be able to reach here for acute problems. Majority of

patients arrive for joint replacement, spine surgeries, mental treatment, cosmetic

surgeries, and hair transplantation,‖ Dr Vikram Shah, MD, Shalby Hospitals says. While

these patients are being treated in the hospital, their relatives are free roaming various

departments in the hospital. So they utilize their free time to get treatments done – like

cosmetic surgeries, dental treatments.

―It‘s like pilgrimage; they would visit every small temple!‖ Dr Shah adds on a

lighter note. Shalby Hospitals, a leading hospital chain in the state can be said to the

pioneer in the medical tourism in India. Shalby Hospitals entered medical tourism almost

15 years ago. Patients from across Africa, England, Canada and US come to Shalby to get

their treatment done.

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Preferred by Indians as well

Medical tourism has given a significant impetus to Indian healthcare. In coming

years, medical travel is expected to be growing. International medical tourism is more

glamorous and often gets more limelight as compared to domestic medical tourism.

However, both kind of medical tourism play a significant role in the success of a hospital.

―We found success in internal medical travel but we get patients from Rajasthan, Madhya

Pradesh and from Maharashtra as well. We have been able to build that kind of brand

equity across India. That plays an important part in medical tourism,‖ says Dr Rajiv

Sharma, CEO, Sterling Hospitals. He feels ‗medical tourism‘ is not a proper phrase. ―I

would rather say medical travel. Nobody travels for fun, in case of medical condition,‖ he

explains. Sterling Hospital, a major chain of hospitals in Gujarat receives international

patients mainly from African countries like Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania. Most of these

patients come for high-end tertiary care and treatment.

Building bridge between patients and doctors

Besides hospitals, there are several companies that help international medical

tourism by attracting patients from developing countries. Me-disoft Telemedicine of

Ahmadabad is one of these medical tourism companies that advise and help international

patients during their stay in India. Devendra Patel, MD, Medisoft Telemedicine who also

runs a telemedicine company explains the genesis of the company.

A telemedicine client in Africa requested Devendra Patel for an opinion of an

Indian doctor in a particular case. Through his contacts, he provided the client an opinion

of an Indian doctor free of cost by means of teleconferencing. The client got much

impressed by the quality of knowledge of the doctor and some of his patients actually

flew all the way from Africa to India for their treatment. Then request came from the

Indian doctors to help them with legal formalities, foreign regional registration and other

things like accommodation of these patients. That was how the company was born.

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―We get patients mainly from Asian countries, Gulf countries and countries in

Africa. Telemedicine is one of the ways to market our medical tourism services. We act

as a bridge between international patients and Indian doctors and hospitals. We are a

facilitator where we provide pick-up from the airport, hotel accommodation, physical

consultation and other support. Our person is always there to help the patients and their

relatives. We also help them in following-up the case as doctors may not always be able

to reply quickly to patient queries. We help the patients get their queries answered. We

take care of our patient-clients just like their relatives in their resident country would

have. We have associations with hospitals for international medical tourism,‖ Devendra

Patel explains the procedure in detail.

―Healthcare in Gujarat is becoming more structured and it will become more so in

coming future. Dr Rajiv Sharma, CEO, Sterling Hospitals

3.2 Policy and regulations

The Government of India is taking steps to address infrastructure issues that hinder the

country‘s growth in medical tourism. The government has removed visa restrictions on

tourist visas that required a two-month gap between consecutive visits for people from

Gulf countries which is likely to boost medical tourism. A number of hospitals in Gujarat

have hired translators for African and Gulf languages to make patients from Gulf and

African countries feel more comfortable while at the same time helping in the facilitation

of their treatment.

Though this has certainly helped medical tourism, hospitals still express

disconcert over the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) process. Patients

coming from countries other than India are required to complete FRRO norms within 14

days of their arrival in the country. The norms require personal presence of the person for

registration and involve many formalities and tedious paperwork. Given the condition of

the patient, it could prove to be a very painful experience. It also portrays a negative

image of the country.

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―International patients come to India to be treated for old problem, not for acute

problem.‖Dr Vikram Shah, Founder Chairman & MD, Shalby Hospitals

Image is important

Image of the country plays an important role in patient‘s decision of choosing a

destination for his treatment. International patients first choose a country depending upon

their budget and more importantly, quality of healthcare infrastructure in the country.

Then they choose a state and then a city where they want to be treated. So, image of a

state as well as a city, local policies and regulations, transport infrastructure in the city –

whether or not the city has any international airport, image of the city – crime rate,

experience of other patients, social milieu are all become deciding factors in patients

choice. Any sort of regulation that directly or indirectly affects travel will affect

international medical travel as well.

Organizations like CII and FICCI organize regular events in these target countries

and encourage delegations from these countries to come and see the facilities that we

have. We ourselves have received several delegations from countries like Kenya and

Tanzania in the past. Government intervention or regulatory intervention is critical for

growth. ―When these patients arrive in the city, we have to notify to the police. Things

like their safety and security, stay and accommodation which may seem very minor for a

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person in India but are very important for a person coming from out of India,‖ Dr Sharma

adds.

Majority of experts agree on the statement that international medical tourism in

India will flourish. Central and state government has realised importance of medical

tourism and he role it can play in the growth of economy. Talking about government

support to promote medical tourism in India in countries abroad, Dr Sharma says,

government is trying well to sell India and medical excellence in India.

3.3 Development of healthcare in Gujarat

Development in medical infrastructure and easily accessible healthcare facilities

has remarkably improved the health index of the population in Gujarat over the last few

years. Well developed ports, roads, airports, rails are also said to be responsible factors.

Today Gujarat has made a rapid progression to the state-of-the-art tertiary care corporate

hospitals getting established in major as well as two and three tier cities. Changing

mindset of the patients who have become quality conscious and more aware of their

healthcare needs can be listed as one he reasons behind this rapid progression. Besides,

growing per capita income and want of specialised and sophisticated healthcare has given

further impetus to this healthcare boom.

Central and state Government has realised importance of medical tourism and the

role it can play in the growth of economy.

Experts agree that healthcare in Gujarat is evolving fast. Earlier most of the

patients from Gujarat used to go to Mumbai and metro cities for treatment. Over the time,

Gujarat has been able to build capabilities within the state reducing number of patients

going outside Gujarat for treatment to negligible. ―Healthcare in Gujarat is becoming

more structured and it will become more so in coming future. I am sure we are looking at

a very bright future as far as healthcare delivery in Gujarat is concerned,‖ says Dr

Sharma.

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For example the prices of some medical treatments packages at Apollo Hospital are given

below:

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Hospitals in India

India offers world-class healthcare that costs substantially less than those in developed

countries, using the same technology delivered by competent Specialists attaining similar

success rates.

Please find below some hospitals that are highly known for their respective specialties :

Apollo Hospital

B.M.Birla Heart Research Centre

Escorts- Heart Surgery and Cardiac Surgery Hospital

Fortis Healthcare

Christian Medical College

Tata Memorial Hospital

Indraprastha Medical Corporation

Institute Cardiovascular Diseases

AIIMS

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Internal medical travel from Gujarat has diminished. Ahmadabad is now recognized as a

city that can provide best-in-class healthcare delivery. That is a reason there are many

patients coming to the city from Rajasthan, which is not as developed as Gujarat in terms

of healthcare and medical infrastructure. ―Gujarat has a good healthcare system.

Government of Gujarat is very supportive; things move fast when it comes to hospitals or

healthcare-related issues,‖ Dr Shah says.

―We take care of our patient-clients just like their relatives would have ‖Devendra

Patel, Director, Medisoft Telemedicine

3.4 Expanding for better

Major corporate hospital groups such as Sterling, Shalby Hospitals, CIMS, Apollo

and Wockhard have made significant investments in setting up state-of-the-art hospitals

in major cities of Gujarat. The other major private players in the state are.

Expansion is happening not only in terms of beds, but also in terms of super specialties.

As Dr Sharma informs, Sterling Hospitals has won the crown of being the only hospital

in Gujarat to have achieved ability to perform functional neurosurgery. The hospital

recently performed a successful surgery for Writer‘s Cramp, achieving the title of being

the first hospital in India and one of the few hospitals across the world to perform this

surgery.

Sterling Hospitals is planning on expanding its facilities to Surat. Shalby

Hospitals is coming up with two new hospitals – one will be in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

and another will be in Naroda, Gujarat. Each will be a 250-bed hospital, together

expanding capacity of Shalby Hospitals by 500 beds.

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CHAPTER:-4 Travel destinations countries

4.1 Cost Comparison of Medical Treatments: India vs. the World

India has no parallels in healthcare when it comes to cost effective treatments in

comparison with other countries. Significant cost differences exist among US, UK and

South Asian countries. Add to it, the waiting time which is almost nil in case of India.

After all, your health cannot be put at stake due to long waiting lists.

The American Medical Association has made a cost comparison study of

healthcare in different countries. According to the statistics released by AMA, a knee

replacement surgery would cost $40,000 in US, $10,000 in Thailand and $13,000 in

Singapore, while the same surgery would cost the person $8500 in India. That gives India

a certain edge when it comes to reasonable medical treatments. In addition, Indian

doctors are renowned all over the world for their prowess and skills.

A heart valve replacement surgery would cost the patients $200,000 in the US and

$90,000 in Britain while it would cost $12,500 in Singapore and $10,000 in Thailand.

The same procedure in India would cost only $8,000. While a bone marrow transplant

would cost $30,000 in India, in US it would cost anywhere between $250,000 - $400,000

while in UK the cost would be of the order of $150,000. Doctors in Thailand would

charge $3,500 for cosmetic surgery while those in US and UK would charge $20,000 and

$10,000, respectively. But in India, it costs only $2000. No matter what procedure you

undergo, you are sure to save 75% to 95% of healthcare costs. Besides, India is a great

place to explore with rich heritage, architecture and culture. So you can always combine

your treatment with a holiday.

Although costs in European countries such as Germany and Belgium may be less

than that in the United States, but Europe is still more expensive than India. In fact, the

data of AMA shows that India is the least expensive when compared to European as well

as other Asian countries. Apart from the cost benefit, you will have the same

sophistication in healthcare in India as available in any western country. Tour operators

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like Indian Holiday provide medical tourism packages at competitive prices and offer you

a hassle free recovery from your ailments and a great holiday too!

So, if you are suffering and medical intervention is inevitable and urgent, and you

are hard pressed to pay from your savings, India is the best option for medical assistance.

Would you not go to a country where top-notch medical professionals provide care for a

fraction of the cost?

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Following cost comparison tables prove the financial viability of the Indian

healthcare industry:

Cost Comparison of Selected Surgeries:

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Cost comparison between India, Thailand and Singapore:

Procedure India Thailand Singapore

Heart bypass 10,000 11,000 18,500

Heart valve 9,000 10,000 12,500

replacement

Angioplasty 11,000 13,000 13,000

Hip 9,000 12,000 12,000

replacement

Hysterectomy 3,000 4,000 6,000

Knee 8,500 10,000 13,000

replacement

Spinal fusion 5,500 7,000 9,000

Different-different hospitals in India have different medical treatment packages which

includes in medical tourism packages.

Hospitals in India that provide such facility:

- Apollo Hospital

- B.M.Birla Heart Research Centre

- Escorts- Heart Surgery and Cardiac Surgery Hospital

- Fortis Healthcare

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- Christian Medical College

- Tata Memorial Hospital

- Indraprastha Medical Corporation

- Institute Cardiovascular Diseases

- AIIMS

4.2 Destination countries of medical tourism

Include: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,

Colombia, Cuba, Turkey, Thailand and Ukraine. In South America, countries such as

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia lead on plastic surgery medical skills relying on

their experienced plastic surgeons. In Bolivia and Colombia, plastic surgery has also

become quite common. According to the "Societal Bolivian de Cirugia Plastica y

Reconstructiva", more than 70% of middle and upper class women in the country have

had some form of plastic surgery. Colombia also provides advanced care in

cardiovascular and transplant surgery.

In Europe Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine are also breaking into the

business. South Africa is taking the term "medical tourism" very literally by promoting

their "medical safaris".

A specialized subset of medical tourism is reproductive tourism and reproductive

outsourcing, which is the practice of traveling abroad to undergo in-vitro fertilization,

surrogate pregnancy and other assisted reproductive technology treatments including

freezing embryos for retro-production.

However, perceptions of medical tourism are not always positive. In places like the US,

which has high standards of quality, medical tourism is viewed as risky. In some parts of

the world, wider political issues can influence where medical tourists will choose to seek

out health care.

Health tourism providers have developed as intermediaries to unite potential

medical tourists with provider hospitals and other organizations. Companies are

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beginning to offer global health care options that will enable North American and

European patients to access world health care at a fraction of the cost of domestic care.

Companies that focus on medical value travel typically provide nurse case managers to

assist patients with pre- and post-travel medical issues. They also help provide resources

for follow-up care upon the patient's return.

4.3 Process

The typical process is as follows: the person seeking medical treatment abroad

contacts a medical tourism provider. The provider usually requires the patient to provide

a medical report, including the nature of ailment, local doctor‘s opinion, medical history,

and diagnosis, and may request additional information. Certified physicians or

consultants then advise on the medical treatment. The approximate expenditure, choice of

hospitals and tourist destinations, and duration of stay, etc., is discussed. After signing

consent bonds and agreements, the patient is given recommendation letters for a medical

visa, to be procured from the concerned embassy. The patient travels to the destination

country, where the medical tourism provider assigns a case executive, who takes care of

the patient's accommodation, treatment and any other form of care. Once the treatment is

done, the patient can remain in the tourist destination or return home.

4.4 Risks

Some countries, such as India, Malaysia, or Thailand have very different

infectious disease-related epidemiology to Europe and North America. Exposure to

diseases without having built up natural immunity can be a hazard for weakened

individuals, specifically with respect to gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. Hepatitis A,

amoebic dysentery, paratyphoid) which could weaken progress and expose the patient to

mosquito-transmitted diseases, influenza, and tuberculosis. However, because in poor

tropical nation's diseases run the gamut, doctors seem to be more open to the possibility

of considering any infectious disease, including HIV, TB, and typhoid, while there are

cases in the West where patients were consistently misdiagnosed for years because such

diseases are perceived to be "rare" in the West.

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The quality of post-operative care can also vary dramatically, depending on the

hospital and country, and may be different from US or European standards. Also,

traveling long distances soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications. Long

flights and decreased mobility associated with window seats can predispose one towards

developing deep vein thrombosis and potentially a pulmonary embolism. Other vacation

activities can be problematic as well — for example, scars may become darker and more

noticeable if they sunburn while healing.

Also, health facilities treating medical tourists may lack an adequate complaints

policy to deal appropriately and fairly with complaints made by dissatisfied patients.

Differences in healthcare provider standards around the world have been recognized by

the World Health Organization, and in 2004 it launched the World Alliance for Patient

Safety. This body assists hospitals and government around the world in setting patient

safety policy and practices that can become particularly relevant when providing medical

tourism services.

If there are complications, the patient may need to stay in the foreign country for

longer than planned or if they have returned home, will not have easy access for follow

up care.

4.5 Legal issues

Receiving medical care abroad may subject medical tourists to unfamiliar legal

issues. The limited nature of litigation in various countries is one reason for the lower

cost of care overseas. While some countries currently presenting themselves as attractive

medical tourism destinations provide some form of legal remedies for medical

malpractice, these legal avenues may be unappealing to the medical tourist. Should

problems arise, patients might not be covered by adequate personal insurance or might be

unable to seek compensation via malpractice lawsuits. Hospitals and/or doctors in some

countries may be unable to pay the financial damages awarded by a court to a patient who

has sued them, owing to the hospital and/or the doctor not possessing appropriate

insurance cover and/or medical indemnity.

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4.6 Ethical issue

There can be major ethical issues around medical tourism. For example, the

illegal purchase of organs and tissues for transplantation had been alleged in countries

such as India and China prior to 2007. The declaration distinguishes between ethically

problematic "transplant tourism" and "travel for transplantation". Medical tourism may

raise broader ethical issues for the countries in which it is promoted. For example in

India, some argue that a "policy of 'medical tourism for the classes and health missions

for the masses' will lead to a deepening of the inequities" already embedded in the health

care system. In Thailand, in 2008 it was stated that, "Doctors in Thailand have become so

busy with foreigners that Thai patients are having trouble getting care"..Medical tourism

centered on new technologies, such as stem cell treatments, is often criticized on grounds

of fraud, blatant lack of scientific rationale and patient safety. However, when pioneering

advanced technologies, such as providing 'unproven' therapies to patients outside of

regular clinical trials, it is often challenging to differentiate between acceptable medical

innovation and unacceptable patient exploitation. Some US employers have begun

exploring medical travel programs as a way to cut employee health care costs. Such

proposals have raised stormy debates between employers and trade unions representing

workers, with one union stating that it deplored the "shocking new approach" of offering

employees overseas treatment in return for a share of the company's savings. The unions

also raise the issues of legal liability should something go wrong, and potential job losses

in the US health care industry if treatment is outsourced.

Employers may offer incentives such as paying for air travel and waiving out-of-pocket

expenses for care outside of the US. For example, in January 2008, Hannaford Bros., a

supermarket chain based in Maine, began paying the entire medical bill for employees to

travel to Singapore for hip and knee replacements, including travel for the patient and

companion. Medical travel packages can integrate with all types of health insurance,

including limited benefit plans, preferred provider organizations and high deductible

health plans.

In 2000 Blue Shield of California began the United States' first cross border

health plan. Patients in California could travel to one of the three certified hospitals in

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Mexico for treatment under California Blue Shield. In 2007, a subsidiary of BlueCross

BlueShield of South Carolina, Companion Global Healthcare, teamed up with hospitals in

Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, Ireland, Costa Rica and India. A 2008 article in Fast

Company discusses the globalization of healthcare and describes how various players in

the US healthcare market have begun to explore it.

Traveling for medical management in another country for better technology,

services and standard, saving cost, availability and other reasons is medical tourism.

Millions of patients worldwide visit hospitals and clinics each year in countries other than

their own. India alone received 4, 50,000 patients in 2007 and they paid just 20% of what

hey would have paid in USA. Destination countries can be any one but India, Thailand,

Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey Belgium, Hungary, South Korea Brazil, Costa

Rica, Panama, Mexico, USA are leading one.

You might go for medical tourism if -

1. You want to save up to 90% on world class medical treatment.

2. Insurance cover for you does not exist or is unknot sufficient.

3. Procedure advised to you is not offered in your country.

4. Insurance company does no cover procedure you plan to undergo.

4.7 Benefits

4.7.1 Cost savings.

The single biggest reason people travel to other countries for medical treatment is

the opportunity to save money. Depending upon the country and type of treatment,

uninsured and underinsured patients, as well as those seeking elective care, can realize 15

to 85 percent savings over the cost of treatment in the United States. Or, as one successful

health traveler put it, "I took out my credit card instead of a second mortgage on my

home." As baby boomers become senior boomers, costs of healthcare and prescriptions

are devouring nearly 30 percent of retirement and pre-retirement incomes. With the word

getting out about top-quality treatments at deep discounts overseas, informed patients are

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finding creative alternatives abroad. Airfare and lodging costs are governed by individual

preferences. To compute a ballpark estimate of total costs, add $5,000 to the amounts

shown in the table for you and a companion, figuring coach airfare and hotel rooms

averaging $150 per night. For example, a hip replacement in Delhi, India, would cost

about $10,000, for an estimated savings of at least $20,000 compared with the U.S. price.

The estimates above are for treatments alone. Airfare, hospital stay (if any), and lodging

vary considerably. Savings on dentistry become more dramatic when "big mouth-work"

is required, involving several teeth or full restorations. Savings of $15,000 or more are

common.

4.7.2 Better-quality care.

Governments of countries such as India and Thailand have poured billions of

dollars into improving their healthcare systems, which are now aggressively catering to

the international health traveler. VIP waiting lounges, deluxe hospital suites, and staffed

recuperation resorts are common amenities, along with free transportation to and from

airports, low-cost meal plans for companions, and discounted hotels affiliated with the

hospital. Moreover, physicians and staff in treatment centers abroad are often far more

accessible than their U.S. counterparts

4.7.3 Excluded treatments

Although health insurance policies vary according to the underwriter and

individual, your plan probably excludes a variety of treatments, such as cosmetic

surgeries, dental care, vision treatments, reproductive/infertility procedures, certain no

emergency cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, weight loss programs, substance

abuse rehabilitation, and prosthetics—to name only a few. Even the most robust health

insurance plans exclude a variety of conditions and treatments. You, the policyholder,

must pay these expenses out of pocket. In addition, many policies place restrictions on

prescriptions (some quite expensive), postoperative care, congenital disorders, and pre-

existing conditions. Rich or cash-challenged, young or not-so-young, heavily or only

lightly insured, folks who get sick or desire a treatment (even one recommended by their

physician) often find their insurance won't cover it. Confronting increasingly expensive

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choices at home, nearly 40 percent of American health travelers hit the road for elective

treatments. In countries such as India, Singapore, Dubai, and Thailand, this trend has

spawned entire industries, offering excellent treatment and ancillary facilities at costs far

lower than U.S. prices.

4.7.4 Unique Procedures.

Some procedures like orthopedic procedure known as hip resurfacing, a less

expensive alternative to the traditional hip replacement still no practiced in the United

States. While this procedure has been performed for more than a decade throughout

Europe and Asia, it was only recently approved in the United States, and its availability

here remains spotty. Some procedures and prescriptions are simply not allowed in your

country. Either Government or the Food and Drug Administration has specifically

disallowed a certain treatment, or perhaps it's still in the testing and clinical trials stage or

was only recently approved. Such treatments are often offered abroad. Hundreds of

forward-thinking Americans, many having suffered years of chronic pain, have found

relief in India, where hip resurfacing techniques, materials, and instrumentation have

been perfected, and the procedure is routine.

4.7.5 No waiting.

For decades, thousands of Canadian and British subscribers to universal, "free"

healthcare plans have endured waits as long as two years for established procedures.

"Some of us die before we get to the operating table," commented one exasperated

patient, who journeyed to India for an open-heart procedure. In the United States, long

waits are a growing problem, particularly among war veterans covered under the

Veterans Administration Act, for whom long queues are becoming far too common.

Some patients figure it's better to pay out of pocket to get out of pain or to halt a

deteriorating condition than to suffer the anxiety and frustration of waiting for a far-future

appointment and other medical uncertainties.

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4.7.6 Sufficient stay:

Medical travelers will welcome the flexibility at the best hospitals abroad, where

they are often aggressively encouraged to spend extra time in the hospital post-procedure.

Patient-to-staff ratios are usually lower abroad, as are hospital-borne infection rates.

There is no push out policy in overseas hospital, patient remains in hospital as longs as

necessary and for doctors and hospital.

4.7.7 Attraction of the new and different.

Although traveling abroad for medical care can be challenging, many patients

welcome the chance to blaze a trail, and they find the creature comforts often offered

abroad a welcome relief from the sterile, impersonal hospital environments so often

encountered in U.S. treatment centers. For others, simply being in a new and interesting

culture lends distraction to an otherwise worrisome, tedious process. And getting away

from the myriad obligations of home and professional life can yield healthful effects at a

stressful time. What's more, travel—and particularly international travel—can be a life-

changing experience. You might be humbled by the limousine ride from Indira Gandhi

International Airport to a hotel in central New Delhi or struck by the simple, elegant

graciousness of professionals and ordinary people in Thailand, or wowed by the sheer

beauty of the mountain range outside a dental office window in Mexico. As one veteran

medical traveler put it, "I brought back far more from this trip than a new set of teeth."

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CHAPTER:-5 Packages and health medical mix

5.1 Health Marketing Mix

Marketing mix is the set of controllable variables that an organization uses to influence

the target market. The four Ps have long been the basis for marketing strategy in most

industries and are increasingly being considered by healthcare organizations. Below

follows the implementation of 4 Ps to health services.

Product: the product decision involves deciding what goods or services should be offered

to a group of customers. ―An important element is new product development. As

technology and tastes change, products become out-of-date and inferior to competition so

companies must replace them with features that customers

Value: Product decisions also involve choices r regarding brand names, warranties,

packaging and the services which should accompany the product offering‖. The decision

of designing the product or service is crucial due to the fact that it gives the opportunity

to the company to keep a step ahead of its competitors. It is worth mentioning that before

designing the product, the company should take into consideration the future needs of

customers by formulating the market and being pioneer. In the health industry, the

product represents goods, services, or ideas offered by a healthcare organization. The

product is difficult to precisely be defined in healthcare, creating a challenge for

healthcare marketers. While, on the other hand, it is more difficult to quantify services

and consumers evaluate them differently from more tangible products. Health services

have changed and nowadays it is not necessarily the client himself who seeks medical

treatment but it can be the other way round. However it is the specific nature of the

―product‖ of healthcare that needs to be further explained and looked into.

Price: ―price in general is a key element of the marketing mix because it represents

a basis what the company receives for the product or service which is being marketed. All

the other elements represent costs, for example, expenditure on product design (product),

advertising and salespeople (promotion), transportation and distribution (place).

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Marketers, therefore, need to be very clear about pricing objectives, methods and the

factors which influence price setting. They also must take into account the necessity to

discount and give allowances in some transactions. These requirements can

influence the level of list price chosen, perhaps with an element of negotiation

margin built in (Jobber D., 1998:14). Price in the health services sector means that

a healthcare provider offers a service in exchange for its customers money. For

example, an employee paying an annual premium to a health plan, an insurance company

reimbursing a physician s fee and a consumer purchasing over-the-counter drugs are all

exchanges involving a specified price. In past pricing wasn't essential in the choosing of

medical tourism service segment. Cost effectiveness was negligible compared to the

desired result. Nowadays this has slightly changed but the introduction of private

insurance companies and the larger market share of private hospitals and clinics

has created a more competitive environment. Besides public hospitals are unable to

cope with the larger number of medical cases and needs, while furthermore private

hospitals offer diversified health packages depending on the patient financial

background. Due to the fact that the healthcare environment changes, the pricing for

health services is becoming a growing concern for marketers whose challenge is in

developing an understanding of what a customer is willing to exchange for some

satisfying good or service and a pricing approach compatible with the goals of the

organization and its cost constraints.

Promotion:―decisions have to be made with respect to the promotional mix: advertising,

personal selling, sales promotions and public relations. By these means the target

audience is made aware of the existence of a product or service and the benefits (both

economical and psychological) that it confers on customers (Jobber D., 1998:14)‖.

Regarding to health services, promotion represents any way of informing the market that

the organization has developed a response to meet its needs and includes the mechanisms

available for facilitating the hoped-for exchange. The promotional mix refers to the

various communication techniques such as advertising, personal selling, sales promotion,

and public relations or product publicity available to the marketer to achieve specific

goals. Nowadays marketing has moved from ―mouth to mouth‖ advertisement to more

sophisticated methods. It is not so strange anymore that health

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services should promoted and there is a rising interest in health related awareness and a

need to learn more in an accessible way. Also medical related world days have been

established to further promote public awareness. Finally the organizations through

their donations or sponsorship in charity or scientific research as an indirect

advertisement become popular.

Place:―place involves decisions concerning the distribution channels to be used and

their management, the locations of outlets, methods of transportation and inventory

levels to be held. The objective is to ensure that products and services are available in the

proper qualities, at the right time and place. Distribution channels consist of

organizations such as retailers or wholesalers through which goods pass on their way to

customers. Producers need to manage their relationships with these organizations

well because they may provide the only cost-effective access to the marketplace

(Jobber D., 1998:14)‖. Place in the health industry may refer to the location or the

hours a health service can be accessed. While in past years a physician could establish

an office in a location convenient for him, today the consumer increasingly

dictates the role of place in the marketing mix. In this, have also contribute the

economies of scale which have made modern and high tech equipment affordable to a

greater number of (even small) private hospitals and clinics in almost every city helping

prevent movement of clients to larger cities for specialized and complex medical

checkups. In some cases place factors may enhance perceptions of the quality of the

product, as when the physician s office or hospital is in a trendy location or on a

campus that facilitates efficiency of care. Also all major cities even the most remote are

able to ensure quality medical treatment for their citizens. Unfortunately

mountainous areas, small towns and little islands still lack complicated medical

equipment and have to move in many cases. Doctors who make house calls may be the

only way that home bound patients can get routine care. Systems or health plans

may speed up or hinder the setting of appointments by making them available

through online communications, for example. Finally, the ability to have one s

medical record available online has added a different dimension to the concept of place.

Health services

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According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete

physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or

infirmity. ―Essentially, health does not only mean diseases of body and soul but

also concerns a more general sense which has to do with an equilibrium state

between humans and the physical, biologic and social environment compatible with

full functional activity‖ ( Last JM., 1997:56). It can be seen that, health services are

organized so as to mediate in an effective way between health providers and people

who need medical care. Health care can be delivered by healthcare professionals,

dentists, nurses, pharmacies and other healthcare providers.

Figure 2.4: Production of health in society (Liaropoulos L., 20 07:66) Depending on the

nature of the health services they are classified as follows:

A. Primary Health Care

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―It is essential care made universally accessible to individuals and families in the

community by means acceptable to them, through their full participation and at cost

the community and country can afford. It forms an integral part both of the

country s health systems of which it is the nucleus and the overall social and

economic development of the country (World Health Organization 1978:12). ―The

purpose of existence primary care is something more than providing health care to

patients when it is needed. Health providers have to care for people throughout the course

of their lives. They should treat people as members of a community whose

health must be protected and enhanced and not as body parts with disorders that require

treating‖ (The World Health Report 2008: 11) This primary care requires among other

matters, accessibility to all patients and the existence of necessary therapeutic and

diagnostic centers which will be available to public 24 hours a day. This means

that a well-organized, political and financial supported system is required which

seems to be unaffordable to both developed and developing countries.

B. Secondary Health Care

The secondary health care is provided primarily by hospitals, by specific health

providers and health professionals who do not have the first contact with the patients.

However, the providers of health care may not necessarily work in hospitals as well as

hospitals can provide primary care services only in certain cases such as through the

outpatient clinic or laboratories. Institutional care is distinguished from non-hospital care

due to the fact that their main purpose is to provide collective services on an individual

basis. The various institutions, the main of which is the hospital, constitute the main

providers which gather medical knowledge of various sciences and expertise with

the purpose of investigation and treatment illness usually in its acute phase. The main

characteristic of institutional care is the reliance on the industrial or animation of

production where the division of labor enables many patients to benefit from

advances in scientific knowledge to the extent and in ways which are not possible on an

individual basis. ―The hospital or institution included in the general hospital sector

is a factor y of specialized services through a highly complex of production

process. Depending on the characteristics, hospitals can be distinguished according to:

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Their purpose or function

The type of cases that are hospitalized

Their legal form

Their geographic scope and the population with access to them

Their educational role (Liaropoulos L., 2007:74)

―Especially in Greece the secondary health services are provided by three

structures: a) the public hospitals which function is under the national health system and

responsible for their administration, organization, operation and financing is the state, b)

the public hospitals outside the national health system in which included the military

hospitals, the hospitals of some insurance agents such as the Social Insurance Institution

and the hospitals of Ministry of Justice and c) private hospitals and clinics that operate as

profit units‖ (Economou C., 2004:26)

C. Tertiary Health Care

―Tertiary y health care requires specialized knowledge and advanced equipment. It is

provided by university clinics which have the necessary technological infrastructure and

qualified staff in order to provide high expertise of health services. Depending on the

range of services provided, hospitals are divided into general hospitals which possess at

least surgical and pathological sector in specific parts and specific hospitals which have

hospitalization departments in one specialty. Finally, depending on the duration of

hospitalization divided into acute hospitalization and chronic disease situations‖

(Economic C., 2004:27).

5.2 Product: - Healthcare overseas Pvt. Ltd.

As of medical tourism provider offering various medical packages for our clients. The

basic motto of our company is to cater services to upper middle class family Bangladesh.

The basic advantage for them is cheapest treatment as compared to other countries like

U.S. and with the help of experienced doctor.

The services or the packages we offer are:-

1) Quit drugs habit treatment

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2)

3)

4) Heart surgery packages like Cardiac Surgery And Cardiology, Open Heart Surgery, Angiographies and Angioplasties.

5) Treatments of different skin problems including skin grafting

5.3 Price

Procedure Charges in India & USA

Procedure United States (USD) Approx India (USD) Approx

Bone Marrow transplant USD 2,50,000 USD 69,200

Liver Transplant USD 3,00,000 USD 69,350

Heart Surgery USD 30,000 USD 8,700

Orthopedic Surgery USD 20,000 USD 6,300

Cataract Surgery USD 2,000 USD 1,350

Smile Designing USD 8,000 USD 1,100

Metal Free Bridge USD 5,500 USD 600

Dental Implants USD 3,500 USD 900

Porcelain Metal Bridge USD 3,000 USD 600

Porcelain Metal Crown USD 1,000 USD 100

Tooth Impactions USD 2,000 USD 125

Root Canal Treatment USD 1,000 USD 110

Tooth Whitening USD 800 USD 125

Tooth Colored Composite USD 500 USD 30

Fillings / Tooth Cleaning USD 300 USD 90

COST COMPARISON – INDIA VS UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

Bone marrow transplantation surgery.

Knee replacement

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Significant cost differences exist between U.K. and India when it comes to medical

treatment. Accompanied with the cost are waiting times which exist in U.K. for patients

which range from 3 months to over months.

India is not only cheaper but the waiting time is almost nil. This is due to the outburst of

the private sector which comprises of hospitals and clinics with the latest technology and

best practitioners.

Procedure

Cost comparison between India, USA, Thailand, Singapore:

Procedure United Kingdom (USD) Approx India (USD) Approx

Open Heart Surgery USD 18,000 USD 4,800

Cranio-Facial surgery and skull base USD 13,000 USD 4,500

Neuro- surgery with Hypothermia USD 21,000 USD 6,800

Complex spine surgery with implants USD 13,000 USD 4,600

Simple Spine Surgery USD 6,500 USD 2,300

Simple Brain Tumor -Biopsy - USD 4,300 USD1,200

SurgeryUSD 10,000 USD 4,600

Parkinsons

- LesionUSD 6,500 USD 2,300

- DBS

USD 26,000 USD 17,800

Hip Replacement USD 13,000 USD 4,500

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Procedure US Cost India Thailand Singapore

Heart Bypass $130,000 $10,000 $11,000 $18,500

Heart Valve

Replacement $160,000 $9,000 $10,000 $12,500

Angioplasty $57,000 $11,000 $13,000 $13,000

Hip $43,000 $9,000 $12,000 $12,000

Replacement

Hysterectomy $20,000 $3,000 $4,500 $6,000

Knee $40,000 $8,500 $10,000 $13,000

Replacement

Spinal Fusion $62,000 $5,500 $7,000 $9,000

*approximate retail costs, US figures based on HCUP data, intl. figures based on hospital

quotes in named countries

Here's a brief comparison of the cost of few of the Dental treatment procedures between

USA and India

Dental Procedure Cost in USA ($) Cost in India ($)

General Dentist Top End Dentist Top End Dentist

Smile designing - 8,000 1,000

Metal Free Bridge - 5,500 500

Dental Implants - 3,500 800

Porcelain Metal Bridge 1,800 3,000 300

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Porcelain Metal Crown 600 1,000 80

Tooth impactions 500 2,000 100

Root canal Treatment 600 1,000 100

Tooth whitening 350 800 110

Tooth colored composite 200 500 25

fillings

Tooth cleaning 100 300 75

5.4 Package for course of quit drugs, drinking habit and smoking

habit. Name: Quit drugs habit organization.

Location: Nal sarovar

This course is available for Indian or non-Indian citizen.

Younger can also join this course without any hesitation.

Person who wants to join this course must follow the registration process.

No one can allow to using drugs during course.

Family residency is available with A/C rooms, food, and other supporting tools.

Only ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments are available.

Course handle by good skilled and experienced doctors.

For 1 person Rs 1, 00,000/- Indian rupees. Including with accommodation, food, total course of 30 days, medicines, and one day small picnic in a week.

For 1 person Rs 60,000/- Indian rupees. Including with accommodation, food, total course of 15 days, medicines, and one day small picnic in a week.

For 1 person Rs 1, 50,000/- Indian rupees. Including with accommodation, food, total course of 45 days, medicines, and one day small picnic in a week.

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Travelling charges from Mumbai to Ahmadabad by air and Ahmadabad to Nalsarovar by road are included.

Scheduled for course (MON TO SAT)

TIME PARTICULER5:00 AM TO 6:30 AM YOGA, EXERCISE, SPORTS ACTIVITY7:30 AM TO 7:45 AM BREAK FAST7:50 AM TO 11:50 AM MEDICAL TREATMENT12:00 PM TO 1:00 PM LUNCH BREAK1:00PM TO 3:30 PM PHYSICAL TREATMENT3:30 PM TO 4:00 BREAKFAST4:00 PM T0 7:00 PM PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT7:00 PM TO 8:00 PM DINNER8:00 PM TO 10:00 PM OTHER ACTIVITY

Organization provide A/C car for traveling at cost of Rs. 13/- kmpl.

5.4 Place

Nalsorver

Knee replacement center.

5.5 Promotion

The key "selling points" of the medical tourism industry are its "cost effectiveness" and

its combination with the attractions of tourism. The latter also uses the ploy of selling the

"exotica" of the countries involved as well as the packaging of health care with traditional

therapies and treatment methods.

Price advantage is, of course, a major selling point. The slogan, thus is, "First World

treatment' at Third World prices". The cost differential across the board is huge: only a

tenth and sometimes even a sixteenth of the cost in the West. Open-heart surgery could

cost up to $70,000 in Britain and up to $150,000 in the US; in India's best hospitals it

could cost between $3,000 and $10,000. Knee surgery (on both knees) costs 350,000

rupees ($7,700) in India; in Britain this costs £10,000 ($16,950), more than twice as

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much. Dental, eye and cosmetic surgeries in Western countries cost three to four times as

much as in India.

The price advantage is however offset today for patients from the developed countries by

concerns regarding standards, insurance coverage and other infrastructure. This is where

the tourism and medical industries are trying to pool resources, and also putting pressure

on the government. We shall turn to their implications later.

The entire concept of medical tourism hangs on the efficiency, skill and competency level

of the doctors, specialists and consultants etc. World over patients and hospitals trust

Indian doctors without doubt. This is therefore an advantage for India. Patients from

around the globe expect the best of services solely based on the reputation of doctors of

Indian origin. But so far the government has failed to realize the advantage of this

important factor. This reputation and goodwill that Indian doctors enjoy could be

leveraged to attract and promote Indian medical tourism.

The other most important reason why India has not been able to attract more customers is

that there is no specific campaign which only promotes medical promotes medical

tourism. The incredible India campaign has catapulted India in the top 5 must visit unique

destination for lonely planet but so far as it goes Thailand, Bangkok and other east Asian

countries are still market leaders. Therefore there is still scope that with specific

marketing, advertising and promotion campaigns considerable number of tourists can be

attracted.

In India the strong tradition of traditional systems of health care such as in Kerala, for

example, is utilized. Kerala Ayurveda centres have been established at multiple locations

in various metro cities, thus highlighting the advantages of Ayurveda in health

management. The health tourism focus has seen Kerala participate in various trade shows

and expos wherein the advantages of this traditional form of medicine are showcased.

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A generic problem with medical tourism is that it reinforces the medicalised view of

health care. By promoting the notion that medical services can be bought off the shelf

from the lowest priced provider anywhere in the globe, it also takes away the pressure

from the government to provide comprehensive health care to all its citizens. It is a

deepening of the whole notion of health care that is being pushed today which

emphasizes on technology and private enterprise.

The important question here is for whom the 'cost effective' services is to be provided.

Clearly the services are "cost effective" for those who can pay and in addition come from

countries where medical care costs are exorbitant - because of the failure of the

government to provide affordable medical care. It thus attracts only a small fraction that

can pay for medical care and leaves out large sections that are denied medical care but

cannot afford to pay. The demand for cost effective specialized care is coming from the

developed countries where there has been a decline in public spending and rise in life

expectancy and non-communicable diseases that requires specialist services.

Urban concentration of health care providers is a well-known fact - 59 per cent of India's

practitioners (73 per cent allopathic) are located in cities, and especially metropolitan

ones. Medical tourism promotes an "internal brain drain" with more health professionals

being drawn to large urban centers, and within them, to large corporate run specialty

institutions.

Medical tourism is going to result in a number of demands and changes in the

areas of financing and regulations. There will be a greater push for encouraging private

insurance tied to systems of accreditation of private hospitals. There is a huge concern in

the developed countries about the quality of care and clinical expertise in developing

countries and this will push for both insurance and regulatory regimes. The potential for

earning revenues through medical tourism will become an important argument for private

hospitals demanding more subsidies from the government in the long run. In countries

like India, the corporate private sector has already received considerable subsidies in the

form of land, reduced import duties for medical equipment etc. Medical tourism will only

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further legitimize their demands and put pressure on the government to subsidies them

even more. This is worrying because the scarce resources available for health will go into

subsidizing the corporate sector. It thus has serious consequences for equity and cost of

services and raises a very fundamental question: why should developing countries be

subsidizing the health care of developed countries?.

Mediums of Promotions:-

Television

Radio

News Paper

Hoardings

Brochures

Internet websites

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Chapter 6 :-Recommendation

1. Here majority of the patients are from US, UK and Australia. So hospital should try to

capture the number of patients from other than these country.

2. The majority of the patients are coming for the Cardiac, Orthopaedic, Dental & Cosmetic

treatment, so our hospitals should develop super specialty ward and department to capture

more number of patients.

3. Our hospitals should develop alternative therapy ward or department like Ayurveda,

Yunani, Spa and Yoga along with the rehabilitation centres.

4. To increase the Advertisement of the Hospitals by using different media.

5. As most of the patients are satisfied with the Treatment and Facilities provided by the

hospitals, so hospitals should maintain them.

6. For patients who are dissatisfied with the treatment and facilities, hospitals should try to

know the reasons behind the dissatisfaction.

7. Hospital should reduced the Professional Attitude towards the NRIs patients.

8. Increase travel facility for the overseas tourists

9. Improve and modernize airport infrastructure and services.

10. Make more and more advertisement by using different medias to capture more market

shares.

11. Create public awareness about economic and social benefits of tourism.

12. The heath care centres can also dispatch membership card to their customers, this will result

in retaining of the customers for a longer period of time

13. The promoters should hold various campaigns in different nations and continents and offer

better discount packages.

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Chapter 7 :-Conclusion

India is a developing country and a lot needs to be done before we can call ourselves as a

developed country, all we can claim is to be a progressive one. After the dotcom boom in the

nineties we have gone through a lean patch as such. India as an emerging nation needs to grow

both from with in and outside; in the sense development needs to done both for the Indian

Diaspora and at the same time opportunities need to be grasped and developed so that overseas

investment pours in.

After the dotcom rush India has again got the opportunity to earn billions of dollars with medical

tourism . We have all the bases coved in the sense we have the qualified doctors and consultants,

we have already developed the trust of people the world over in the past decades and we also

have the exotic environment meant for tourism. All that we do need is to make the transition

from being a potential destination to a fully rewarding and sound medical tourism destination

which is equivalent to or better than any service offered world over.

The question that India will have to handle in the coming years is how to justify giving world

class medical care to visitors where as it spends just 1.4 % of its GDP on medical care of its own

people. Health of its own people will reflect on the robustness of the general state of the country.

So unless this is balanced off the issue of biasness will keep on cropping up.

Time and again we see that the root of all our national issues and problems arise from having an

inherently weak infrastructure with poorly executed law and order and political red tape.

Compounded with the problem of over population, dwindling natural resources and reckless

disregard for the environment we stand at a junction where things can go haywire or they might

become extremely successful if we only start resolving them. Currently it is like moving 1 step

ahead and then going 3 steps backwards. Medical tourism is based on having a well oiled

network of tour operators, medical facilities, hotels, conventional tour packages and

infrastructure tools such as electronic connectivity, air network and good sanitation. Only then

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we can compete with already established markets such as in Thailand , south American states

such as Mexico and Costa Rica etc.

Although the situation appears to be grim there is still hope. One step at a time is all that is

needed. First and foremost is to have the basic infrastructure in place such as having proper road

and rail connectivity, having a good network of airports to all the major states and cities and with

the countries from where the potential tourists will arrive such as the US the middle east and

western Europe and also the major African and Islamic countries in Asia. Secondly but more

importantly there is a need to put forward the information required by the tourists. Aggressive

marketing is the only way to go as seen in the case of Thailand, Singapore , malyasia etc. Not

only that there should be government authorized websites where people can get all the

information regarding surgeries, hotels, cost comparison etc . They have to be developed

exclusively for the medical tourism purpose. Twenty four hours helpline, television

advertisements, getting information and advertisements published in medical journals and

popular magazines etc is a worthwhile investment. We have already seen how successful the

Incredible India campaign is. Based on similar line but exclusively for medical tourism other

such campaigns must be developed.

Since India already has the advantage of having highly qualified, English speaking doctors and

medical staff it seems just a matter of time when medical tourism will take off in a big way. We

have the cost advantage, we have the skills advantage we even have world class facilities and so

all we need is a better image, a functional infrastructure and some clever promotional campaign.

This is a golden opportunity which we cannot pass up. Not only that the overseas currency that

we earn is going to give our own people various benefits. It just seems like a circle in which all

the bodies who participate have a win win situation on hand.

The idea of doing this project was to bring to light how medical tourism is the 21 st century‘s

golden goose for India. Bringing out all the true facts, the weak points and in general trying to

understand the phenomenon itself of medical tourism has been insightful. This project has been

laborious since finding out relevant information is difficult and there are very few sources to find

it out from. It has been worthwhile doing this project on medical tourism since it is an upcoming

industry with lots of potential and also facing various difficulties. The main idea

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behind doing this project was to highlight all the important features and data and give atleast a

birds eye view over the concept of tourism for medical purpose.

In conclusion We can easily say that medical tourism for India is a once in a life time

opportunity and we certainly need to take up on our strong points in order to become the leading

nation in this area. We hope we have done justice to my project and based on the data collected

we might easily say that India is the place where people come to heal themselves since god‘s

grace seeps and flows through all the pores of India.

We are a nation of people who feel honor in helping out and healing the mind and the spirit. I

therefore dedicate this project to all the worthy doctors and medical professionals and to India

my mother and may gods will guide us to to a better and prosperous era.

“Atithi Devo Bhava

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Chapter 8 :-Bibliography

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medical-tourism-india

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