About Author: Danish Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Healthtrip, India’s leading medical travel company. He is a core member of the medical value travel committee of the government of India. As a serial entrepreneur, he launched Bigshoebazaar in the year 2004 and rebranded it as Yebhi.com, the largest fashion e-tailer (2009-2014) sold Yebhi.com to Flipkart in 2015. Then Founded Shopsity in 2015, enabling the retailer to sell online, Sold Shopsity 2016 to Paytm in 2016 and was Vice-President at Paytm till 2018, exited Paytm in 2018, and later launched HealthTrip.
In recent times, India has emerged as a radiant luminary in the realm of medical tourism, enticing 2 million international patients seeking superlative, cost-effective, and accessible treatment for life-threatening ailments. The nation’s metamorphosis into the second-largest medical tourism hub in Asia has been nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by world-class medical facilities, adept healthcare professionals, reduced treatment costs, and an abundance of cultural allurements, rendering India a captivating haven for medical voyagers.
India’s repute as a healing haven extends back centuries, steeped in the sagacity of ancient curative traditions that have withstood the test of time. Ayurveda, often hailed as the “science of life,” stands as one of the world’s most ancient holistic healing systems, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Complementing Ayurveda, Yoga, another gift bestowed upon the world by India, fosters physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. The amalgamation of Ayurveda and Yoga engenders a potent synergy, magnetizing wellness seekers from all corners of the globe.
These traditional therapeutic modalities have coalesced harmoniously with modern medicine, proffering patients an assortment of treatment choices and cementing India’s position as an all-encompassing healthcare destination.
As contemporary medical tourism takes center stage, India’s profound ancient healing legacy continues to play a pivotal role. Medical tourists from across the world often seek solace in these age-old practices alongside contemporary medical treatments, recognizing the supplementary dimension of healing that they impart. This seamless integration of the antique and the contemporary renders India a healing haven unlike any other, where the quest for well-being transcends the boundaries of time, beckoning travelers to embark on a profound voyage of self-discovery and health.
The Indian Edge: Exemplary Healthcare at an Affordable Expense
One of the primary catalysts behind India’s ascent as a medical tourism hub is its capacity to furnish top-notch healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to many developed nations. Procedures ranging from cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, orthopedic treatments, and cosmetic surgeries to fertility treatments and advanced cancer therapies are obtainable at 60-80% lower costs without compromising on quality.
India has made substantial investments in its healthcare infrastructure, establishing world-class hospitals and medical centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities that are unparalleled across Asia, Africa, and at times, even Europe. Numerous Indian hospitals boast international JCI accreditations and partnerships with renowned medical institutions worldwide, guaranteeing that patients receive the utmost standard of care and treatment.
India’s ascent as a medical tourism hub has been further fortified by the world-class talent nurtured within its plethora of medical colleges. Decades of investment in medical education have culminated in a robust ecosystem that yields an impressive number of doctors each year – over 100,000 to be precise. These institutions have evolved into breeding grounds for excellence, churning out highly skilled medical professionals who are well-equipped to tackle the most intricate healthcare challenges. The rigorous training, coupled with substantial hands-on experience in state-of-the-art hospitals, empowers these doctors with the assurance and expertise to deliver exceptional patient care.
Health with Care, through Specialized Medical Travel Companies
Specialized medical tourism companies play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and secure experience for international patients. These companies act as trusted intermediaries, offering a comprehensive range of services that transcend mere facilitation. They serve as the bridge between medical voyagers and the extensive network of world-class hospitals, aiding patients in finding the most suitable and high-quality healthcare facilities for their specific needs. Acknowledging the crucial role of these facilitation companies, the Indian Government has also created a special accreditation for such companies under the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and healthcare providers (NABH).
Apart from hospital selection, these companies provide a host of conveniences that make the entire medical journey hassle-free. From arranging accommodations and transportation to offering translation services for non-English-speaking patients, these companies ensure that patients can focus solely on their health and recovery without the burden of logistical challenges in a foreign land.
Equally critical is the role these companies play in safeguarding medical tourists from unethical practices in healthcare. They diligently work to maintain a robust quality assurance process, vetting hospitals and ensuring the costs of treatments are not inflated by hospitals. This level of due diligence not only safeguards patients from potential malpractices but also fosters a sense of trust and reliability, rendering medical tourism a viable and credible option for those seeking medical treatment abroad.
Moreover, medical tourism companies often employ dedicated patient coordinators who serve as personal concierges, guiding patients throughout their medical journey, addressing queries, and providing support at every step. This personalized care fosters a sense of comfort and reassurance for patients, who may find themselves far away from their home and loved ones during a vulnerable time.
Government Support and Visa Facilitation
The Indian government, guided by Honorable Prime Minister Modi’s vision, has been proactive in promoting medical tourism and has introduced policies to facilitate the process for international patients. Post Covid, the Ministry of Health, under the guidance of India’s dynamic health minister, Dr. Mansukh Madaviya, has taken groundbreaking initiatives to boost medical tourism, resulting in the industry quickly surpassing pre-covid numbers within just 18 months. Streamlining visa processes, accrediting hospitals and Medical Travel companies, organizing various events, emphasizing transparency, addressing grievances, and other initiatives have significantly propelled the industry towards a phase of hypergrowth, which has the potential to elevate India’s medical tourism industry from $6 billion currently to $25 billion by 2025.
Outlook
India’s remarkable journey from a nation celebrated for its cultural heritage to a global medical tourism hub has been awe-inspiring. The convergence of top-quality healthcare services, proficient medical professionals, advanced infrastructure, affordability, and a rich cultural experience has set India apart as the medical destination of choice. As the CEO of India’s premier medical travel company and the Vice President of METRA, the industry’s largest association, I take great pride in witnessing and being part of this transformative era, where India’s emergence as a medical tourism hub begets hope, healing, and happiness to countless lives worldwide.
In a world searching for accessible and effective healthcare solutions, India’s ascent as a medical tourism hub offers a beacon of light, directing towards a brighter and healthier future for all, embodying the Prime Minister’s vision of One World, One Family, One Health.
Above views expressed by the author are his own and can’t be necessarily attributed to the BioVoice News.
