Medical Tourism in India

Medical Tourism in India


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Medical tourism is a multimillion dollar industry. Today, it is the fastest growing sector in the Indian economy. In mid–2020, India's medical tourism sector was estimated to be worth US$5–6 billion.[1] In 2017, 495,056 patients visited India to seek medical care.

The main reason for India being the first choice of destination for medical tourism is quality procedures being offered at affordable prices. Medical treatments are very expensive in the developed nations like United States followed by other western countries. 

People from these countries can get the medical procedures done for 1/10th of the cost in India. And people from under developed nations cross borders to get treatments in India that is not available in their countries. Every year, 150,000 medical procedures are done in India to the people visiting from other nations.

Advantages of Medical Tourism in India

Medical tourism in India

India is becoming popular hub for medical tourism. Many other smaller countries in Asia also offer treatments for lesser price to the foreign patients. But, most of those countries lack qualified professionals and up to date technology.  

A person suffering from heart problem can get his/her bypass surgery done for a very little cost in India as compared to the high cost of treatment in developed nations. 

Most of the physicians who work in the super specialty hospitals are trained in countries like the US and UK. The most sought after treatments in India include:
  • Cardiac bypass
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Eye surgery
  • Hip replacement and
  • Alternate Medicine

Trained Doctors and Medical Professionals

The healthcare system in India is one of the best around the world. The treatment and procedures are carried out by highly qualified and trained doctors. 

The post-operative care is taken by nurses who are trained to be the best. Most of the Indian hospitals are equipped with state of art facilities and modern technology that are required to carry out the complicated operations. 

With the doctors and nurses being highly qualified along with the advanced technology in the super specialty hospitals the success rate of the procedures done are very high.

Language

Language is not a barrier in India. Most of the people in India can speak fluent English and the communication with the doctors/surgeons and the hospital support staff is easy and comfortable. 

For patients from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, Delhi and Kolkata are preferred destinations. Pakistanis find Delhi a better place because Hindi is spoken largely and some can even speak Urdu.

Similarly, people from Bangladesh find communication in Kolkata easy because Bengali is commonly spoken by the people of Kolkata and Bangladesh.

Less waiting time

Apart from being cost effective, the waiting time in India is also very less. So is the cost of travel and accommodation. As the aging population is increasing in the countries like UK, US and Canada, the time taken to get an appointment for regular checkups as well as for surgeries is quiet long. 

Cost Effective

One of main component that is fueling the success of medical tourism in India is the cost effectiveness of treatments. The cost of treatment is cheaper by five to ten times in India as compared to the cost in the developed nations. 

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. 

Medical tour packages

Healthcare companies in India are encouraging the patients in other countries to consider treatments in India by offering affordable and attractive tour packages. These packages include, flight, hotel stay, treatment cost, hospital stay and post treatment vacation. 

The tour planner helps the patients by fixing the appointments with the concerned doctors, booking the flights and accommodations, obtaining Indian visa, arranging transportation and escorting the patient from airport to the hospital.

Growth of Medical Tourism in India

India today is definitely emerging as the leading destination for medical treatments in the world. Serving an estimated 250,000 international patients annually, the medical sector in India is growing at a speed of 30%. 

As per the report generated by FICCI and KPMG, India ranks one of the top three countries in the world for medical tourism.

Medical Tourism in India


Even though there is a steady competition from other Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand, India is still leading the race.  On average a patient can save 65 to 90% of the treatment cost in India depending on the type of treatment needed. 

As per the global demand, the US-based joint commission has started its own affiliate, the Joint Commission International (JCI) that accredits the hospitals for their international standards. Most of the hospitals in India offering treatments to the international patients are accredited by JCI.

Many patients return happy having their health problem cured successfully.

Top Super Specialty Hospitals in India for Medical Tourism

Most of the metro cities in India have super specialty hospitals that treat both domestic and international patients. These hospitals have separate departments that deal with the international patients. 

If the patients require any translator, the hospital also provides one. The hospitals make sure the stay of the patient and their family in the hospital during the course of treatment is comfortable.

Some of the Popular hospital in India 

Cardiology in India

Medical Tourism in India

Cardiac treatments are specialty in India. The unmatched expertise of Indian cardiologists combined with the latest technology and medical electronics provide comprehensive cardiac care. 

The cardiologists in India provide preventive cardiac care to complex surgeries to high risk patients with innovate and sophisticated curative technology like robotic surgery and minimal invasive surgery. The contemporary technology used is world class with the success rate of 98.50 percent.

Fortis Escorts (Heart Institute and Research Centre)
Address: Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre, Okhla Road, Near SukhdevVihar Metro Station, New Delhi- 110025

Indraprastha Apollo(Cardiac Heart Centre), New Delhi
Address: SaritaVihar, Delhi Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110076 (India)
Tel:+91-11-26925858/26925801+91-11-26825563

Asian Heart Hospital, Mumbai
Address: Asian Heart Institute, BKC Rd, Bharat Nagar, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
Tel: 022 6698 6666

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Address: Press Enclave Marg,District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017

Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
Address: 439, Cheran Nagar,Perumbakkam,Chennai Tamil Nadu 600001,India

Dr B.L. Kapoor Hospital, New Delhi
Address: Pusa Rd, RadhaSoamiSatsang, Rajendra Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Address: Near Unitech Cyberpark, Sector 51, Gurgaon Haryana 122001, India

Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
Address: Mulund Goregaon Link Road, Mulund West, Mumbai 400078, India

Medanta – The Medecity
Address: Near Olympus, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

Venkateshwar Hospital, New Delhi
Address: Sector 18, Sector 18-A Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi 110075

Pediatric Heart Care

Pediatric Treatment in India

The pediatric cardiac surgeries are carried by world renowned team of cardiologists, critical care specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthetists and electro physiologists. 

The pediatric cardiac hospitals in India offer minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, minimally invasive beating heart surgeries, and awake-bypass surgeries using latest technologies. Top hospitals proving pediatric heart care in India:
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
  • Indraprastha Apollo, New Delhi
  • Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
  • Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
  • Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
  • BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
  • Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
  • Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
  • BGS Gleneagles Hospital, Bangalore
  • Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Oncology – Cancer treatment in India

Oncology in India

Cancer treatment in India is at par with that of any cancer institute world-wide at a much lesser cost. India provides finest treatments for all kinds of cancer related health problems.
  • Adyar Cancer Hospital, Chennai
  • Regional Cancer Center, Trivandrum
  • MIOT Hospital, Chennai
  • Apollo Hospitals
  • Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
  • P.D. Hinduja National Hospital
  • Kidwai institute of Oncology
  • Max Institute of Oncology, Delhi
  • Harshamitra Super Specality Cancer Centre, Trichy
  • Amala Cancer Hospital Thrissur

Ophthalmology

Opthamology in India

Ophthalmologists in India diagnose and treat all kinds of eye diseases. Eye care in India is very affordable. Eye surgery in India is fast gaining popularity abroad. Qualified doctors along with state of art technology provide treatments that are as per international standards.

Medanta-The Medicity
Address : CH Baktawar Singh Road, Sector 38 Guru gram Haryana
Timings : 9 am to 4:30 pm
Accommodation : Air Ambulance, Wards &Rooms, Lab Tests &Diagnostics, Patient care Services.

Apollo Cancer Specialty Hospital, Chennai
Address : Padma Complex, 320, Anna Salai, Rathna Nagar, Alwarpet,Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Specialty : Super Specialty

Max Super Specialty Hospital
Address : 1 & 2, Press Enclave Marg Saket District Centre, New Delhi, 
Accommodation : Cafeteria, ATM Facility, Parking, Pharmacy

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital& Medical Research Institute
Address : Rao Saheb,  Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Fortis Malar Hospital Chennai
Address: No. 52, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi
Address :Mathura Road, Opp. Jasola Metro Station New Delhi

BLK Hospital
Address : Pusa Road Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place, New Delhi

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
Address : Sector 51, Guru gram Haryana

Gleneagles Global Hospital
Address : 9, Raja Muthiah Road, Vadapalani, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings : 8 am to 8 pm

Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
Address : SV Rd, near LIC, LIC Colony, Suresh Colony, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings : 24x7
Accommodation : 352beds

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery in India

When a person undergoes cosmetic surgery, it changes the look and appearance of that person. With the advancement of technology, people today have an option to choose how they look. 

From breast implantation to hair transplant, everything is possible in India. The cosmetic surgeons in India can carry out these multiple surgeries with ease. Popular hospitals offering these multiple treatments in India include:
  • Fortis Memorial Research Institute - FICCI Medical Travel Value Awards 2018 for Cosmetic Surgery.
  • Medanta - The Medicity
  • Max Super Specialty Hospital
  • Indraprastha Apollo
  • Artemis Hospital
  • BLK Super Specialty Hospital
  • Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
  • Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
  • Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
  • BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bangalore
  • Global Hospital, Chennai

Minimal Invasive Surgery

Medical Tourism in India

Minimal access surgery is rapidly becoming popular all over the world. It is a process where the surgery is done by entering the body either through skin, anatomical opening or body cavity.

Endoscopy is the main form of Minimum Access Surgery. The pain will be less and the recovery will be fast when a surgery is done through Minimum Invasive process.
  • Gleneagles Global Hospitals India

Orthopedics

Orthopedic in India

The orthopedic surgery corrects any problem that is affecting the musculo-skeletal system. The hospitals in India are popular for Knee replacement surgeries, hip replacement surgeries and spinal surgeries. 

The doctors are well trained and the cost in India is very pocket friendly. The leading hospitals in orthopedic surgeries are:
  • Medanta The Medicity
  • Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket
  • Fortis Memorial Research Institute
  • Alexis Multispeciality Hospital
  • BLK Super Speciality Hospital
  • Apollo Hospital Chennai

Alternative Medicine in India

Medical Tourism in India

India, being one of the oldest civilizations of the world is rich in cultural heritage. Alternative medicine is widely in practice in India. Alternate medicine refers to the natural and spiritual healing methods.

This ancient method of treating diseases is also a great contributor to the medical tourism in India. Alternate treatment techniques like Yoga, Ayurveda and Therapeutic massages are popular among tourists.

The alternate treatments primarily focus on the causes of the problem to come with a solution that gives permanent or long term relief. Natural herbal remedies attain vitality by building a healthy body through good metabolism. Popular wellness treatments in India include;
  • Ayurveda Therapy
  • Naturopathy
  • Homeopathy
  • Unani Therapy
  • Yoga and Meditation Therapy

The health and wellness spas offer holistic and life enhancing treatments. Tourists can enjoy aromatic scrubs, ayurvedic treatments, soothing massages and body wraps in the health and wellness resorts that can be found in the foothills of Himalayas or the boathouses of Kerala or in the sandy deserts of Rajasthan.

Ayurveda

Alternate Medicine in India

Ayurveda is the most traditional and ancient science that was originated in India many centuries ago.  It has remedies for small health problems to chronic and more serious diseases. 

Ayurveda studies the doshas in the body that cause imbalances in the system. These impurities in the body are cured with medicines that are made of herbs, metals, minerals and the ingredients of animal origin.  The oil massages of Kerala are popular all over the world for their relaxing and healing properties.

Unani

Unani is another form of alternative medicine that concentrates on the flow of elements in the body. The medicines in Unani are made of food and herbs - the main ingredient being honey. 

Honey is known for its healing properties. Unani has treatment every disease. It aims at achieving a healthier lifestyle with almost negligible side-effects. Unani promotes a better balance between mind and body.

Naturopathy

Alternative medicine in India

Naturopathy as the name indicates believes in treating the aliments naturally through the power of Mother Nature – water, air, earth, sun and natural herbs and food.  It involves various treatments like acupuncture, herbalism and homeopathy. 

Naturopathy has the power to cure most comp. lex diseases. The rate of success depends on the person’s belief in this form of wellness treatment and the ability of the body to heal naturally. 

It believes in non-invasive treatments thus following holistic approach in treating patients. 

Yoga & Meditation

Alternative Tourism in India

Yoga and meditation have become popular for their capacity to calm and heal the body from different diseases. It is the management of breath along with some exercises that channelize the energies in the body. 

Whether the body is suffering from a physical aliment or mental disturbance, yoga and meditation has the power to cure it. A person performing yoga can undergo a positive transition that helps them to lead a healthy and peaceful life.

SOWA-RIGPA

It is commonly referred to as Amchi system of medicine. It is practised in Tibet, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Himalayan regions of India. The treatment is quite similar to Ayurveda. It is a science of healing the mind and body.

Spa Resorts in India

Spa in India


The latest fad of the country is a spa resort. A spa by definition is a place where spring water is used to give medicinal bath for treating various health ailments. 

The curative powers of using spring water along with other oils and natural ingredients like honey cleanses both the mind and the body! Some of the other health benefits of Wellness treatments in India are:

  • Massage improves the blood circulation in the body thus easing off the knots in the nerves.
  • The lymphatic system that carries out waste products is also stimulated.
  • A hormone called Serotoninis is released which causes the feel good state of mind and body.
  • The massage also reduces all the tension in the body and reduces muscles cramps.
  • Chronic ailments like arthritis and muscle spasms can be treated.
  • Skin can be exfoliated by clearing the pores and the massage can also rejuvenate the cells thus making the skin more healthier and beautiful.
  • The immune system and the lymphatic system can be stimulated with the hot and cold treatments.

Popular health and spa resorts offering wellness treatments to international tourists in India

  • Ananda – In the Himalayas, Rishikesh
  • Popular health and spa resorts
  • Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kerala
  • Vana Retreat, Dehradun
  • Ashiyana: Yoga And Spa Village, Goa
  • Soukya Holistic Health Centre, Bengaluru
  • Atmantan, Pune, Maharashtra
  • SwaSwara, Gokarna, Karnataka
  • Auroville, 150km South of Chennai
  • The Leela Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan
  • Soul & Surf, Kerala

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