MEDICAL TOURISM

Submitted by :- Himanshu jain

MBA 3rd sem
MEDICAL TOURISM
Medical tourism refers to people travelling abroad to obtain medical
treatment. In the past, this usually referred to those who travelled from less-
developed countries to major medical centres in highly developed countries
for treatment unavailable at home. 
However, in recent years it may equally refer to those from developed
countries who travel to developing countries for lower-priced medical
treatments. The motivation may be also for medical services unavailable or
non-licensed in the home country:
There are differences between the medical agencies (FDA, EMA etc.) world-
wide, whether a drug is approved in their country or not. Even within Europe,
although therapy protocols might be approved by the European Medical
Agency (EMA), several countries have their own review organizations (i.e. NICE
by the NHS) in order to evaluate whether the same therapy protocol would be
"cost-effective", so that patients face differences in the therapy protocols,
particularly in the access of these drugs, which might be partially explained by
the financial strength of the particular Health System.
Medical tourism most often is for surgeries (cosmetic or otherwise) or similar
treatments, though people also travel for dental tourism or fertility
tourism. People with rare conditions may travel to countries where the
treatment is better understood. However, almost all types of health care are
available, including psychiatry, alternative medicine, convalescent care, and
even burial services.
Health tourism is a wider term for travel that focuses on medical treatments
and the use of healthcare services. It covers a wide field of health-oriented,
tourism ranging from preventive and health-conductive treatment to
rehabilitation and curative forms of travel. Wellness tourism is a related field.

Medical Tourism in India

Every patient across the globe has a right to seek the highest level of quality
medical treatment at the most affordable cost, no matter whether they have
to travel abroad for it. India has evolved to become one of such top-notch
medical tourism destinations which boasts to provide affordable yet qualitative
treatment, thus scoring high on several aspects, including patient satisfaction,
quality hospitals and renowned doctors to name a few.
 Medical tourism in India has grown tremendously in the last few years. The
current medical tourism industry in India is estimated to be worth $3 billion
and is expected to grow by another $4 - $5 billion in the next three years.

Almost two hundred thousand patients travel to India each year to seek
medical care. "Total hip arthroplasty, knee replacement, heart
bypass, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and liver, kidney, and heart
transplant are some of the popular and life-saving procedures for which
medical tourists visit India."

High quality of medical services and affordable cost of medical treatment in

India are the two leading reasons behind the boom in healthcare tourism in
the country. A large majority of inbound medical tourists to India are from
Bangladesh and Afghanistan (34%), Russia and Commonwealth of Independent
States (30%), the Middle East, (10%), Africa (10%), and the UK and the US
(16%).

Medical tourism companies in India help foreign patients seek affordable

treatment at some of the best hospitals in India, which are located across the
length and breadth of the country. New Delhi and NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai,
Bangalore and Chennai are some of the top Indian destinations that receive
highest number of medical tourists each year.

TOP REASONS WHY INDIA IS BECOMING FAMOUS AS A MEDICAL TOURISM

DESTINATIONS

Being one of the fastest growing medical destinations around the world, India
is predicted to drive higher with time. Everybody can get tertiary medical
treatment in India which is either not available or people cannot afford it in
their home country. Here are 7 major factors which make India an ideal
medical tourism spot.
 Low Cost of Treatment when compared to the first world countries like
the US and UK.
 Getting Visas for medical purpose is much easier than ever.
 Access to immediate service is what attracts the foreign medical
tourists. Surgeries are done almost immediately.
 Even though India is a developing country, it provides world-class and
standardized medical services and care with the help of the latest
technology.
 Post retreatment recovery provided to the patients with therapies like
Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga.
 India provides an opportunity to the medical tourists to visit some of
the most alluring and awe-inspiring places by taking them on a medical
tourist trip.
 India has a strong base of qualified and skilled doctors. Another major
factor that has made India succeed in inviting the medical tourists is the
populace of good English speaking doctors, guides and medical staff which
makes it easier for the foreign tourists to correlate well to Indian doctors.

Factors advantageous for the growth of Indian Medical

Tourism:
 Facilities: India offers best in class medical health facilities duly
accredited to NABH or Frontier Technology: India offers cutting-edge
technology to support medical diagnostics and medical procedures.
Complicated heart surgeries, cancer care,
and surgeries, neuro and even general surgeries require highend technol
ogy tocontinually better outcomes, minimize complications,enable faster 
recovery and reduce lengthof hospital  The recent advancements in robo
tic surgeries, radiation surgery or radiotherapies with cyberknife
stereotactic options, IMRT / IGRT, transplant support systems, advanced 
neuro and spinal options are all available in India.
 Doctors:The country has the largest pool of doctors and paramedics in S
outh Asia (1.2 million Allopathic, 0.17 million dental surgeons, 2 million
nurses). Many of them have established their credentials as leaders
around the world.
 Financial Saving: Quality of care is what attracts people. However,
quality services should not be beyond the affordability of the patient
 who requires it. If quality comes at an affordable cost it is an unbeatable
advantage. This confluence of highest quality and cost advantage is
unique for India. The benefit is unimaginable when it comes
to major treatments such as for leukemia where the difference in cost is 
10 to 20  If we see the below graph, we will observe that the cost is least
in India as compared to other countries promoting medical tourism.
 Zero Waiting Time: It’s zero waiting time in India for any procedure, be
it heart surgery, kidney care, cancer treatment, neuro-spinal procedure,
knee/hip/joint replacements, dental, cosmetic surgeries, weight loss
surgery etc.
 Language:Among the top medical destinations of the world, India has th
e highest percentage of English language speaking people. If other
language options are essential, there are expert interpreters who will be
arranged by the hospitals. All leading to reassuring hospitality and great
after

India ranks among top 3 medical tourism destinations in Asia'

India is placed among the top three medical tourism destinations in Asia,
mainly due to the low cost of treatment, quality healthcare infrastructure and
availability of highly-skilled doctors, says a study.

"Within Asia, India, Thailand and Singapore are the three countries that receive
maximum medical tourists owing to low cost of treatment, quality healthcare
infrastructure, and availability of highly-skilled doctors.

"These three countries together accounted for about 60 per cent of the total
Asian revenue in 2012," the report Medical Value Travel in India by KPMG and
FICCI said.

India is known mostly for its cost-effective medical treatments along with high
standards in cardiology, orthopaedics, nephrology, oncology and neuro
surgery, it said.

The country is also known for its alternative treatment options such as yoga
and ayurveda, it said.

The leading destinations of medical tourism in India are Andhra Pradesh,

Karnataka, New Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Top 10 Hospitals for Medical Tourism in India

1. BLK Super Specialty Hospital, Pusa Road, New Delhi

BLK Super Specialty Hospital provides services to people of all ages.

However, the fact that draws the attention is that the hospital has reserved
125 beds out of the total 650 beds for the ICU. The prime destination
features state-of-the-art technologies which are put to use by reputed
personalities in the medical industry. With the outpatient services extended
up to two floors, the hospital is one of the largest tertiary care private
hospital.

Facilities – Modular operation Rooms, electronic security system,

modern fire-management systems, medical record transfer, online
doctor consultation, personal assistance / concierge, private rooms
for patients’ available, special dietary requests accepted

Specialties – Anesthesiology, Ayurveda, Bariatric and Adv.

Laparoscopy Surgery, Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dermatology,
Emergency & Acute Care Medicine, Endocrinology and Endocrine
Surgery, ENT & Cochlear Implant, External Counter Pulsation, General
and Minimal Access Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics Hepato
Pancreato Biliary Surgery etc.

2. Fortis La Femme, Greater Kailash, New Delhi

Fortis La Femme Hospital efficiently meets the needs of females seeking for
best medical care. Working on a common belief that a woman is very
special person with special need, the hospital proffer services for every
stage of woman’s lifespan.  Female patients from abroad can approach
hospital’s international travel agency for any help required. From finding
airfares to currency exchanges, everything is taken care of! The hospital
won the award of Most Popular Maternity Hospitals in the year 2013 for
providing quality care services.

Facilities – Genetic & Foetal Medicine, Advanced Diagnostics

(Ultrasound, Mammography & Bone Densitometry), Mamma Mia:
Wellness, Fitness & Education for New & Expecting Mothers, A
variety of rooms to choose from, Cafeteria, Gift Shop

Specialties –  High Risk Pregnancy Care, Advanced New-born Care

(NICU), Minimal Access General & Gynecological Surgeries, Fertility
Clinic & IVF, Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery etc.

3. Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru

Columbia Asia Referral Hospital  is known for giving services in various
countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam and has spanned across
India as well. The first hospital in India began functioning in Hebbal –
Bangalore in the year 2005. With a mission to provide the best clinical
outcomes in most efficient, effective and caring environment, the hospital
has a passion of making people better. The staff is handpicked carefully,
trained properly and rewarded handsomely.

Facilities – Histopathology, Clinical pathology, Cytology,

Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, 24 Hours Cafe at Ground
Floor, Out Patient Cafe at 4th Floor, Inpatient dining, Speech Therapy,
Swallowing Therapy, Voice Therapy

Specialties – Anesthesiology, Bariatric Surgery, Cardiology and

Interventional Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery,
Critical Care Medicine, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine,
Endocrinology, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Gastroenterology,
General Surgery, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Liver
Transplant & Hepatic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical
Oncology & Clinical Hematology, Minimally Invasive Gynecology,
Psychiatry, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Renal Transplant,
Rheumatology, Surgical Gastroenterology, Urology, Vascular and
Endovascular Surgery etc.

4. VPS Rockland Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi

With a renowned network of 19 hospitals in UAE and Oman, VPS Rockland

has entered into Indian medical sector by setting its roots in Delhi and NCR.
With highly accomplished and trained doctors, staff and nurses, the
hospital facilitates integrated and seamless services. The 103 bedded
hospital in Dwarka was launched in 2012. Portraying a welcoming design
architecture, Rockland Hospital is nothing less than a five star hotel. The
hospital creatively uses the natural light and maintains air circulation
meanwhile offering pleasant views.

Facilities – Blood Bank, Trauma Care, Ambulance, Laboratory,

Pharmacy, Radiology & Imaging, Preventive Health Checks, Cancer
treatment, Pediatrics, Clinical psychology, Anesthesiology, Internal
medicine, Pain management Clinic, Dermatology, Pulmonology and
sleep medicine, Respiratory medicine and critical care, Department of
physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Preventive health check-ups

Specialties – Center of Excellence for Cardiology, Orthopedics and

Spine care, Neuro sciences, Renal Sciences, Gastroenterology,
Emergency & Trauma care, Knee replacement, Joint replacement, Hip
replacement, Renal transplant and urology, General and bariatric
surgery (minimal access), Dental and maxillofacial surgery, Plastic,
aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, Head and neck surgery,
Surgical oncology, Obstetrics and gynecology, Ophthalmology

5. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI), New Friends Colony, New Delhi

Prestigious accreditations, numerous awards, latest technologies and

excellent services – Fortis Escorts Heart Institute boasts of it all. Many heart
patients have benefitted from the excellent cardiac care. Internationally
renowned specialists provide path-breaking services which team up with
contemporary medical technologies to set benchmarks in providing cardiac
care services. The most trusted cardiac institutes work with a vision to
transform cardiac care in India. The commitment to give the nation a
‘healthy heart’ aids the hospital to work round the clock with full
dedication.

Facilities – ICD Clinic, Pacemaker Clinic, Heart Failure Clinic, One Stop
Shop for Counseling, Admission and Discharge, Overnight Attendant
Lounge, ATM, Parking, Valet Parking, Pharmacy, Emerald Lounge,
International Services Desk, Corporate Desk, Business Centre, etc.
 Specialties – Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery,
Interventional Cardiology, Non-invasive Cardiology, Pediatric
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Electrophysiology and
Preventive Cardiology, Heart Transplant, Kidney and Urology
Institute, Bone and Joint Institute, Liver and Digestive Diseases
Institute

6. Akshaya Apollo Hospital, Bhat GIDC Estate, Ahmedabad

Akshaya Apollo Hospital always keeps its patients first. Right from owning
the latest medical technology to infrastructure, the hospital strives to
bestow world’s best care. The 282 bedded multi-specialty quaternary care
hospital is the largest corporate hospital in Gujarat and can extended its
capacity up to 400 beds. Under the flagship of Apollo Hospitals Group, the
Akshaya Apollo Hospital wish to improve the clinical quality and establish
world-class healthcare facilities. The hospital also have a vision to enhance
the operating efficiencies of existing healthcare facilities.

Facilities – Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and health

education for patients, their families and clients, Spiral CT scan,
Electro physiology, Gamma camera, Cell saver in CT OT and
Lithotripter, Preventive Health Checks, Occupational Health Centre,
On-site Doctor, Ambulance Service, Screening Camps, Training and
Education, Awareness Lectures, Health and Wellness Workshops,
Dependent Health Care Programs, Corporate Emergency
Management Services

Specialties – Cardiac Sciences, Neuro Sciences, Orthopaedics, Cancer,

Emergency Medicine and Solid Organ Transplants

7. Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket

One of the premier names in the healthcare world, Max Super Specialty
Hospital is a Unit of Devki Devi foundation. Housing 500+ beds, the hospital
offers treatments in various disciplines of medical care. Lakhs of patients
have benefitted from the remarkable services of the experienced
professionals across 35 specialties. After establishing strong foundations in
North India, Max Healthcare  proffer world-class healthcare services
through 14 hospitals.
 Facilities – State-of-art 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 64 Slice CT
Angio, Asia’s first BrainSUITE- an advanced Neurosurgical operation
theatre

Specialties – Cardiac, Oncology (Medical, Surgical and Radiotherapy),

Neurosciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Metabolic and Bariatric
Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant, Urology, Nephrology, Kidney
Transplant, Aesthetics and Reconstructive Surgery, and other
ancillary services

8. Medanta, Gurugram, Haryana

Some of the most distinguished doctors in the world are an inevitable part
of Medanta. At this hospital, the patient is under the experienced hands of
doctors who are pioneers in their field and have developed revolutionary
and innovative procedures. Many of them are blessed with Padma Shri,
Padma Bhushan etc. The vision of Dr. Naresh Trehan to gift India with an
advance multispecialty medical institution of its own, led to the inception of
Medanta. Treatments at reduced costs using modern technologies have
made India a second home to patients seeking best healthcare.

Facilities – Air Ambulance, Emergency & Trauma Care, Wards &

Rooms, Critical Care Units, eClinic-Telemedicine Services, Patient,
Support Services, Lab Tests & Diagnostics, Day Care

Specialties – Bone and Joint Institute, Cancer Institute, Breast

Services, Head and Neck Oncology, Institute of Critical Care and
Anesthesiology, Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences,
Gastroenterology, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery,
Heart Institute, Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Electrophysiology
and Pacing, Kidney and Urology Institute, Institute of Liver
Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine,
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine etc.

9. Continental Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

A part of the Parkway Pantai Ltd. – one of the region’s largest integrated
private healthcare groups, Continental Hospitals strives for excellence in
medical services. The 232 bedded super specialty hospital is dedicated
towards providing high quality patient-centric care. Defining new frontiers
in the healthcare, the hospital ensures that patients benefit from the most
effective and latest treatments. Well-chosen team of internationally
recognized experts diagnose the problem accurately and guide about
effective remedies or solutions.

Facilities – Advanced Diagnostics- Molecular, Advanced Diagnostics-

Flow Cytometry, Cobas Modular 6000- Immunoassay + Routine
Chemistry, Roche E411 Analyzer, D10 Hemoglobin Testing System-
BioRad, Hematology, Hemostasis & Coagulation Testing, Microbiology
& Serology, Histopathology

Specialties – Continental Institute Of Cancer, Continental Institute of

Orthopedics, Continental Institute of Neurosciences and
Rehabilitation, Continental Institute Of Cardiovascular Sciences,
Continental Institute Of Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases,
Continental Centre For Women And Child, Continental Institute of
Emergency, Trauma Services & Critical Care

10. Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Acknowledged as centre of medical excellence, Lilavati Hospital & Research

Centre is a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital. Serving patients from all
walks of life, the hospital has emerged on the basis of latest facilities.
Experienced doctors and amicable staff master the art of providing care
with a human touch. With the motto ‘More than Healthcare, human Care’,
the hospital opened its door in 1997 with only 10 beds. But now it features
323 beds, 12 advanced OTs, 300+ consultants and much more.

Facilities – Ambulance, Blood Bank, Critical Care, Day Care,

Diagnostics, Dialysis Centre, Emergency/ Trauma, Health Check Up,
Interventional Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology, Out Patient,
Pharmacy/ Chemist, Physiotherapy, Social Initiatives, Visa
Investigation

Specialties – Anesthesiology, Audiology & Speech Therapy, Bariatric

Surgery, Cardiology & Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery, Chest
Medicine, Corneal Transplant, Colorectal Surgery, Dental, Dermo
Cosmetology, Diabetology & Endocrinology, ENT, Head & Neck
Surgery, Gastroenterology & Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hair
Transplant, Headache & Migraine Clinic, Infectious Diseases, Liver
Transplant, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Urology/ Andrology etc.