“Medical Travel Values”
Medical Travel is increasing day to day.It refers to people travelling across international borders,generally from a developed country to developing country,to deliver health care,often on a temporary basis.India is a popular destination for surgery.The price of bariatric treatment is reportedly about half the cost of undergoing the same procedure in the U.S.
Recently Eman Ahmed’s from Alexandria in Egypt,came India which was suffered from lymphedema.In February weighing about 500kg,she was flown to Mumbai for treatment by one of India’s leading bariatric surgeon,Muffazal Lakdawal.Our external affairs minister helped her for getting visa.Majority of the patients coming to India for treatment are from the Middle East,Africa,Bangladesh,Afghanistan,Maldives,Pakistan,Bhutan and Shrilanka.India’s cost advantage will significantly open doors to the U.S. and Europe over future due to lower cost than the U.S. and almost half that of Europe.Government support for medical travel is appreciated.In cosmetic surgeries,doctors are surely doing great work in India.
Medical travel helps in increasing government revenue by bringing direct foreign exchange.It is the business and employment opportunities for the local people.Medical Travel provides qualitative medical care on foreign land.India is rapidly becoming a hub of medical treatment for foreigners.
Medical travel to India is valued at about U.S. dollar 3bn each year though estimates vary.A 2015 report from the consultancy Grant Thornton forecast the market could rise to U.S. dollar 8bn by 2020.
The ministry of tourism has recently released revised guidelines for the promotion of wellness and medical as niche tourism product.India now has a simplified e-medical visa facility which allows three visits to the country.
