The affordable and high-quality medical expertise of the country attracts patients worldwide, especially from Muslim countries.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — India’s healthcare system continues to earn international acclaim with the recent successful heart transplant of a Pakistani teenager, showcasing the country’s prowess in providing elite medical services. The success underscores India’s emergence as a preferred destination for patients seeking top-notch treatment at affordable prices, especially from Muslim-majority nations.
Ayesha Rashan, a 19-year-old from Karachi, underwent a successful heart transplant surgery at Chennai’s MGM Healthcare in late January this year. She was discharged on April 17.
Big hospitals across India have tailored their services to accommodate foreign patients, particularly from Arab and other Muslim countries. These facilities boast dedicated cells catering to the needs of international patients, offering assistance in their native languages and providing substantial concessions in treatment costs.
Mahmood Kayamkhani, an Arabic language expert at a prominent Delhi hospital, said: “Given the poor financial condition of foreign patients, sometimes hospitals give huge concessions in treatment.”
Invest India, a government website, reports a significant rise in medical tourism to India over the past decade, attributing it to the country’s reputation for delivering high-quality care at competitive charges. Despite the several challenges including the COVID pandemic, India has sustained substantial growth in the healthcare sector.
The healthcare landscape in the country is distinguished by its integration of modern and traditional medical practices, including ayurveda, yoga, and other therapies, garnering global recognition. Efforts led by the government and supported by international bodies aim to elevate traditional Indian medicine, such as AYUSH, to an international platform. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have begun acknowledging the significance of ayurveda, while yoga has gained acceptance worldwide.
In a bid to promote health tourism, the healthcare industry has forged partnerships with guest houses nationwide, offering attractive packages to patients seeking treatment in India. These collaborations not only enhance patient experience but also mitigate the risk of infection by providing safe accommodation options.
Government initiatives, including the promotion of health insurance to foreigners, have bolstered the medical tourism sector, contributing to additional revenue of approximately $9 billion. India has emerged as a top destination for medical tourism globally, with a business turnover of $13 billion in the last four years. With a proposed budget of $28.7 billion for health and welfare, the government aims to further strengthen the infrastructure and facilities to cater to medical tourists’ needs.
Special provisions, such as medical visas for tourists seeking healthcare in India, have been introduced, benefiting patients from 165 countries. Emphasising convenience and reliability, the government aims to streamline the process for medical tourists through initiatives like the ‘Heal in India’ scheme and the ‘One Step’ online portal, offering comprehensive information and support, from treatment packages to complaint redressal.
The Ministry of Tourism actively promotes India’s holistic wellness offerings, including yoga, ayurveda, and wellness tourism, through various media channels as part of the ‘Incredible India Campaign.’ With immense potential to attract medical tourists, India is poised to become a prominent hub in the global healthcare landscape, generating employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings exceeding $13 billion.
India’s unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare, coupled with proactive government interventions, sets the stage for a thriving medical tourism industry, affirming the country’s position as a beacon of hope for patients worldwide.
