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Over the previous ten years, India has carved a niche for itself as a provider of quality medical services at economical prices to medical tourists from worldwide. The country has surfaced as a highly favoured healthcare provider for international patients in search of top-tier healthcare services at a cost-effective price.
With its advanced medical amenities, competent medical experts, and a deep-rooted cultural history, India has evolved into a chosen destination for those pursuing medical treatments along with relaxation and wellness experiences. Peering into the future of India’s medical tourism sector, this article explores answers to the following questions- Why has India become a popular choice for medical tourism? What are the efforts of the Government of India that contributed to the flourishing of Medical Tourism?
Key Factors Contributing to India’s Medical Tourism Appeal
A significant factor propelling India’s success in medical tourism is its considerable cost advantage over many developed nations, along with world-class medical facilities. A variety of medical procedures in India are substantially cheaper than those in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Singapore. For instance, according to HFS Research and MediConnect India, a dental implant costs around US $2800 in the US, while in Thailand it is around US $3600, but in India, it is just about US $1000. Another study by the American Medical Association compared the cost of knee replacement surgery in various countries. It revealed that the surgery costs US $40,000 in the United States, US $13,000 in Singapore, and US $10,000 in Thailand.
The same surgery is expected to cost around US $8500 in India. A bone marrow transplant, which costs over US $400,000 in the United States and US $150,000 in the United Kingdom, costs only about US $30,000 in India. Thus, patients save around 70 to 75% of the total treatment cost. This cost-effectiveness, along with the presence of highly skilled medical professionals and cutting-edge healthcare facilities, has made India an attractive choice for individuals seeking quality medical care without draining their finances.
Currently, India has 40 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and more than 1400 hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). This generates a great deal of trust in people planning to travel to India for their treatments.
Secondly, beyond the financial benefits, India offers a comprehensive range of healthcare options, from modern medical treatments to traditional healing methods such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, which are increasingly being recognized globally. India’s abundant cultural history, diverse tourist sites, and deep-seated wellness traditions like Yoga and Ayurveda have contributed to the development of a unique model known as “medical value travel.” This model integrates medical care with leisure pursuits, providing patients with the opportunity to recuperate and rejuvenate in a peaceful and culturally rich environment.
It is pertinent to mention that post the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of medical tourists in India are gradually increasing every year. According to Crisil, in 2020, the number of medical tourists visiting India was around 1.8 million, a number which slumped due to the pandemic and is now increasing yearly with an estimated 6.1 million medical tourists in 2023. The agency has also projected the number to be around 7.3 million in the 2024 calendar year. This number is expected to go on an uptrend in the future attributed to the growing healthcare market in our country.
Efforts of the Government of India
Healthcare has been a top priority of the Indian government. In the past 10 years, the number of medical colleges has increased from a mere 145 medical colleges to 260, and the number of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) has grown from 7 to 23. Today, India is recognised as the vaccination hub of the world having produced the DNA Covid Vaccine, the world’s first intra-nasal Covid Vaccine, India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for the prevention of cervical cancer and many other vaccines for different diseases.
Similarly, the government of India is also firmly committed to establishing India as the world’s preeminent destination for medical and wellness tourism. It is noteworthy that in 2020, the Government of India introduced e-medical visas to streamline the process. It extends an invitation to the global community to experience healing and rejuvenation in India through an approach rooted in the spirit of service and the ancient tradition of revering guests as manifestations of the divine (‘Atithi Devo Bhava’).
This mission is being pursued with unwavering dedication. As part of the “Heal in India” initiative, which aims to promote India as a prime destination for affordable and high-quality medical treatment, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has developed a dedicated digital platform called the Medical Value Travel (MVP) Portal. This portal is designed to facilitate a seamless experience for international patients seeking medical care in India, streamlining their journey from initial inquiry to post-treatment follow-up.
It offers robust search capabilities, enabling users to identify relevant healthcare providers, doctors, procedures, and MVT facilitators based on their specific needs and preferences across various cities. It ensures transparency by providing upfront pricing information for medical packages spanning allopathic, traditional Indian systems of medicine, and integrated approaches.
The Future of Medical Tourism
As of 2021, Thailand, Mexico, the US, Singapore, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan are the top destinations in terms of the number of patients for Medical Value Travel. India has been ranked 10th in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) for 2020-21 out of 46 destinations in the world by the Medical Tourism Association. The overarching goal is to leverage India’s rich cultural heritage, advanced medical expertise, and cost-effective healthcare services to attract individuals from around the world seeking medical treatment or wellness experiences. By positioning India as a global hub for medical value travel, the government aims to bolster the country’s healthcare ecosystem while providing exceptional care and hospitality to international visitors.
The future of medical tourism as a market in India looks promising when statistics are considered. According to a report by Future Market Insights, the flourishing medical tourism sector in India is estimated at a substantial valuation of US$ 10,362.9 million in the year 2024.
This burgeoning industry, which attracts individuals from across the globe seeking high-quality yet cost-effective medical treatments, is anticipated to experience remarkable growth in the forthcoming decade.
Driven by India’s exceptional healthcare facilities, skilled medical professionals, and competitive pricing, the medical tourism market is forecasted to undergo a transformative expansion, surpassing the impressive milestone of US$ 50,670.5 million by the year 2034. The trajectory of this industry’s development is expected to exhibit a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.20% during the period spanning from 2024 to 2034.
In conclusion, India’s medical tourism industry is poised for remarkable growth and expansion in the upcoming years possessing a unique competitive advantage with its cost-effective and economical healthcare services, which are complemented by an ever improving and expanding medical infrastructure.
One of India’s standout value propositions lies in its ability to seamlessly combine top-notch medical treatment with leisure and recreational activities, providing a holistic and culturally enriching experience for international patients. This compelling combination positions India favourably to attract an increasing influx of global patients seeking high-quality healthcare services.
However, to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global medical tourism landscape, India must remain steadfast in its efforts to address prevailing challenges and ensure adherence to stringent quality standards across its healthcare facilities. For instance, in comparison to other countries like Thailand and Singapore, India’s efforts to promote medical tourism are lacking as far as international marketing campaigns are concerned. By capitalizing on its inherent strengths, such as affordability and cultural diversity, while simultaneously addressing areas that require improvement, India can cement its position as a preeminent destination for medical tourism.
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