CLOSE on the heels of introducing medical visas, the Government is shifting gears. Come October, the Government plans to start overseas marketing of India as a medical tourism destination.
According to senior Government officials, “The formalities for marketing medical facilities to a global audience have already started. We hope to complete the process of price-banding of hospitals in various cities by the third quarter of this year.”
By marketing India as a global medical tourism destination, the Government hopes to capitalise on the low-cost, high-quality medical care available in the country. Medical tourism focuses on treatment of acute illness, elective surgeries such as cardiology and cancer, among others.
Statistics suggest that the medical tourism industry in India is worth $333 million (Rs 1,450 crore) while a study by CII-McKinsey estimates that the country could earn Rs 5,000-10,000 crore by 2012. Probably realising the potential, major corporates such as the Tatas, Fortis, Max, Wockhardt, Piramal, and the Escorts group have made significant investments in setting up modern hospitals in major cities. Many have also designed special packages for patients, including airport pickups, visa assistance and board and lodging, health care industry officials said.
More: thehindubusinessline.com
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