Medical tourism in India is growing at a rapid rate. This growth has also raised prompting questions about what factors are driving this phenomenon. Cardiology, Neurology, and Orthopedics are among the most popular medical treatments sought by international patients visiting India for medical tourism.
Additionally, India’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking a holistic healing experience. There are other numerous factors contributing to the increased influx of international patients seeking medical care here. Let’s dive into understanding them.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Medical Tourism in India:
1. Leading and highly skilled doctors
2. Finest Healthcare Services
3. Reasonable and Convenient Costs
In developed countries procedures cardiac surgeries, orthopedic treatments, and other major treatments often require hefty costs. Coming to India can provide the same quality of treatment at a much lower cost, reducing expenses by up to 50%.
Indian hospitals offer more extensive hospital stays during recovery and rehabilitation which may otherwise be beyond the reach of a patient in his/her home country.
4. Fewer waiting lists – better availability for medical care
Patients from abroad often consider medical tourism in India because of its quick access to care—especially for those with chronic conditions who must wait for treatment in their own country.
The immediacy of attention to their health needs is a major factor in their choice. Prior planning, effective communications with medical professionals and surgeons, etc can be some of the reasons for better availability and fewer waiting lists.
5. Customized approach
6. Brilliant Connectivity
Connectivity in India has played a significant role in the growth of medical tourism. Major Indian cities are well connected by air and other transportation modes, with many of the world’s top airlines operating in the country. The growth of low-cost airlines has made air travel more affordable and accessible to people from all over the world.
India has also built modern airports in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, which are hubs for medical tourism. This has facilitated direct flights from many countries to India, reducing travel time and cost.
Key Highlights of Medical Tourism in India
- The medical tourism sector in India is estimated to be valued at $4 billion, with healthcare tourism experiencing robust growth over the past decade.
- India receives over 1.27 million visitors annually, largely from nations such as the United Kingdom and other neighboring nations, such as Bangladesh.
- India’s three most popular destinations for international travelers are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi. These three states are major sources of medical tourism, accounting for a significant number of visitors to the country
- The Indian government has also contributed to the raise by easing the visa requirements and introducing a new E-visa policy, aiming to encourage medical tourism in India