A patient going to a new country for either immediate or elective surgical procedure is named medical travel and leisure. Medical travel and leisure is a term that has increased from the quick growth of an industry, where people from all around the world are traveling to other countries to acquire medical, oral, and surgical good care, while at the same time touring, travelling, and fully exceptional visitors attractions of the countries they are visiting. Medical travel and leisure is next flourishing sector in India as it. Patients going to a new country for either urgent or elective surgical procedure are fast learning to be a worldwide, multibillion-dollar industry. The reason why patients travel for treatment vary. Many medical travellers from america are seeking treatment at 25 % or sometimes a good 10th of the cost at home. From Canada, it is folks who are frustrated by long hanging around times. From Great Britain, the individual can't await treatment by the National Health Service but also can't find the money for to visit a physician in private practice. For others, becoming a medical traveler is an opportunity to combine a tropical vacation with elective or cosmetic surgery. And much more patients are via poorer countries such as Bangladesh where treatment might not be available. Medical tourism is in fact thousands of years old. In historic Greece, pilgrims and patients originated from all over the Mediterranean to the sanctuary of the restorative healing god, Asklepios, at Epidaurus. In Roman Britain, patients got the waters at a shrine at Shower, a practice that sustained for 2, 000 years. From your 18th century wealthy Europeans travelled to spas from Germany to the Nile. In the 21st century, relatively low-cost jet travel has used the industry beyond the prosperous and eager. Countries that positively promote medical travel and leisure include Cuba, Costa Rica, Hungary, India, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia and Thailand. Belgium, Poland and Singapore are now entering the field. South Africa focuses on medical safaris-visit the country for a safari, with a stopover for plastic surgery, a nasal area job and a chance to see lions and elephants. Health tourism is another name or synonym for medical travel and leisure. However it is sometimes used in the framework of wellness, where people are looking to make healthy lifestyle alternatives such as eating better, practicing yoga or starting spa treatments. Medical Travel is another name or synonym for medical tourism.
Medical Wellness and Spas
Medical Spas and Wellness is sometimes called Health Travel and leisure. Medical Wellbeing and Medical Spas have grown to be an accepted industry within medical. People's wellness on the whole has been seen as a way to treat the body obviously. Many hospitals round the world have started to integrate medical wellbeing. Sometimes these medical wellness and spa treatments are called "complementary" or alternate treatments. The mayo clinic recommends for certain people the next kinds of medical wellbeing for cancer tumor patients, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Exercise, Hypnosis, THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE, Music Therapy, Rest, Tai Chi, and Yoga.
Medical Packages
The health care sector in India has observed an enormous expansion in infrastructure in the private and voluntary sector. The private sector which was very moderate in the first stages has now turn into a flourishing industry outfitted with modern state-of-the-art technology at its disposal. It's estimated that 75-80% of health care services and investment funds in India are actually provided by the private sector. An added plus have been that India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries on the planet. It is self sufficient in medicine development and exports drugs to more than 180 countries.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Brain Surgery
Cancer Techniques (Oncology)
Cardiac Care
Cosmetic Surgery
Dialysis and Kidney Transplant
Drug Rehabilitation
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Health Checkups
Internal/Digestive Procedures
Joint Replacing Surgery
Nuclear Medicine
Neurosurgery & Stress Surgery
Preventive Health Care
Refractive Surgery
Osteoporosis
Spine Related
Urology
Vascular surgery
1. 2 Medical Tourism in Karnataka
Situated in the southern part of India, the express of Karnataka spreads over the Deccan Plateau. At 300 BC. , it experienced shaped the southern suggestion of the Mauryan Empire. Its limitations enlarged or receded swaying to the drum beats of background & today it makes up about a sixteenth area of India & has a population of about 45 million. Its vocabulary is Kannada & its people are known as kannadigas. The three distinctive areas are a thin coastal area along Arabian Sea; high hills, the European Ghats; & sprawling plains into the east. Karnataka popularly known for Carnatic Music through out the earth has given a lot more to the planet than Carnatic Music, a distinctive form of Classical Music patronized by many across the continents. Karnataka with all its richness in culture and traditional grandeur is also one of the fastest growing expresses in conditions of sectors and facilities. Karnataka is also known as the administrative centre of Agarbathi (Incense Sticks), Arecanut, Silk, Espresso and Sandal Real wood. All of this is apart from the fact that it has been the culture middle for hundreds of years and its testimony stands propagate across the express pulling an incredible number of holidaymakers from all parts of the globe to Karnataka. Karnataka was known as Karunadu (elevated land) in early times. It is also believed that the name Karnataka has come from "Kari-nadu" signifying the land of dark earth say the scholars & many others hold that Karunadu does mean beautiful country; in any event the land is celebrated as beautiful throughout its traditional literature. The traditional western strip across the Arabian sea is humid & warm in summer season, water-soaked in monsoon, profuse with coconut grooves & paddy areas criss-crossed by pieces of silvery streams & sparkling stretches of fine sand. The hilly uplands of Malanad, Among the wettest regions of the world, where in fact the bamboo flourishes untamed & areca, teak, rosewood & matti are cultivated. Additionally it is the house of the stately gaur & langur. In its southern gets to recurrent kheddas are held to capture roaming groups of elephants. Also the swift deer & the fatal tiger, roam animatedly in the forests. The east of the ghats is strikingly bare. This elevated stretch is meant to be the oldest land on the earth where ancient rocks of earth are seen jutting in & out peculiar shapes. Waterways like Cauvrey, Sharavathi & Ghataprabha go through improved valleys & leading to water-falls & infrequent rapids.
1. 2. 1 THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE par excellence
The capital par excellence Bangalore today has become an Industrial Metropolis. It is also called India's technology city. Sophisticated industries in the public sector employ thousands and thousands of workers. It is also called the Gadgets city because most of the country's basic electric industries are established here. It is the quickest growing city in Asia. Aircraft building, telecommunication, aeronautics, machine produce, etc. , have taken big strides here. Bangalore was known for its salubrious weather, which however is currently being debated due to accelerated progress of modern industry. It is also called an air-conditioned city and a pensioner's paradise. Karnataka is beautiful not only in the eye of her sons and daughters. She captivates anybody who sets sight on her. It was the fantastic Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta who traversed completely from Magadha to distant Sravanabelagola to place his remains in this land before getting into the Kingdom of God. The course of Karnataka's record and culture needs us back to pre-historic times. The initial find of the Stone Age period in India was a palm axe at Lingasugur in Raichur area. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicates that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Sravanabelagola. Adding new sizes to the ethnic and religious ethos of the land, many great dynasties still left their imprint after the cosmetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent included in this were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The Chalukyans built some of the very early on Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental bottom part for the energetic creations of architects. The Hoysalas who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way in to the pages of glory because they build more than 150 temples each one is a masterpiece in its way. The amazing dexterity and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur open themselves to the wide-eyed question in one's eyes. Vijayanagara, the greatest of all middle ages Hindu empires and one of the biggest around the world, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. "The attention of the pupil has never seen a place enjoy it and the ear canal of intelligence hasn't been informed that there been around anything to equal it on earth" is what Abdur Razaaq the Persian ambassador had to state about Krishnadevaraya's time.
The Vijayanagara Empire with its capital at Hampi fell a victim to the marauding army of the Deccan Sultan in 1565 A. D. As a consequence of this, Bijapur became the most crucial city of the region. This city is a land of monuments as well as perhaps no other city except Delhi has as much monuments as Bijapur. The Bahmani Shahis and the Adilshahis of Bijapur have played out a well known part in the annals of Karnataka by their contribution to the field of artwork and structures and also by their propagation of Islam in the state. Hyder Ali and his valiant kid Tipu Sultan are noteworthy figures in the annals of the land. They widened the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented size and by their resistance against the English, became personages of world fame. Tipu was a great scholar and enthusiast of literature. His imaginative pursuits were also many and he made abundant products to the Hindu temples. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A. D. , and the Mysore throne was paid to the Wodeyar's. The whole of Karnataka came under the control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century. The new state was known as as new Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was appointed Governor by Indie India. This unified condition was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973.
1. 2. 2 Karnataka on global medical map
Karnataka and especially Bangalore is currently an acknowledged global medical destination. This is because of referral quality health services backed by trained and experienced medical professionals, reputed medical research corporations, well linked for travel, conducive climate and cost of treatment being just one single tenth that of global private hospitals. Between 2005 end and 2006 August, the state of hawaii has also witnessed a money of 445 crore from leading corporate hospitals as part of the brownfield and renewable field projects. These include a Rs. 200 crore from the Manipal Health Systems, Rs. 140 crore from Wockhardt Group of Clinics, Rs. 100 crore from One World Hospital and Treatment Centre marketed by Maureen Berlin and Rs. 5 crore by Health care Global Enterprises Limited (HCG), a leader in oncology attention in the private sector in India. "Bangalore has been acknowledged as metropolis with the best number of multi speciality medical centres that have successfully treated a sizable variety of international patients. These clinics have demonstrated the scientific competence and scientific delivery systems, '' Within the last 18 months, there has been a major growth in the healthcare sector in the state of hawaii. From new nursing homes to expansions and partnerships, the medical care sector is by using an upward golf swing both at the federal government and private levels, explained medical minister.
Under the state government's medical travel and leisure job, six ISO 9000 skilled district hospitals strategically located at tourist spots in Mandya, Hubli, Chitradurga, Kolar, Belgaum and the Vani Vilas Medical center in Bangalore are actually prepared to administer treatment during vacationer emergencies. One of the main reasons why patients from the western world come this is actually the long waiting period for a surgery in their country. Hence medical in Karnataka is on an expansion mode, explained Vishal Bali, vice chief executive, Wockhardt and leader, Confederation of Indian Industry (Healthcare). The state attracts foreign holidaymakers in large numbers right through the entire year and lots of the medical facilities provides treatment on par with international requirements. The team of trained doctors, paramedics and extremely low treatment costs open up a huge business potential arising out of the difference in the price of treatment. "The ISO functions has helped in putting in place standardized protocols for operating in every the departments of the nursing homes in terms of functions and work instructions that happen to be drawn from managing patients from reception to discharge. It has allowed the state to provide medical tourism services, '' explained Bali. Foreign visitors can cash in on the treatment cost factor which is one tenth lesser than in other countries stated Premachand Sagar, vice chairman and CEO, Sagar Hospital.
Bangalore is also known because of its leading medical facilities in all disease segments such as cardiac, nephrology, oncology, mental health, neuro good care, orthopedics, ophthalmology, standard medicine. Clinics here get patients from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the center East and many African countries. Patients come here even from the united kingdom and the united states, informed Dr. Nagendra Swamy, Manipal Medical center. The hospitals determined for the medical tourism project are A. J Clinic and Research Centre, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Clinic, Hosmat Medical center, Mallige Medical Centre, Mallya Clinic, Manipal, Sagar Apollo, St. . John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore Institute of Oncology, Bangalore Kidney Basis, Country wide Institute of Mental Health insurance and Neuro Sciences, Rajan Conversation and Healing Centre and Shekar Nethrayalaya. Besides, the International Holistic Health Centre (IIHC), going by Dr. Issac Mathai. IIHC where its health insurance and medical centre known as 'Soukya' a recognized exclusive top notch therapeutic service which adopts the idea of holistic healing merging all systems of treatments and therapies is also a accepted centre by the Union government. Soukya-India is a full-fledged health and medical facility at Whitefield near Bangalore which is thronged by patients from 42 countries. "More clinics, better services and commercial management have all created more careers in the healthcare sector in Karnataka not simply for doctors, nurses and technicians, but professionals, administrators and IT-enabled services as well, '' explained government options. For 2006-07, MHS will invest around Rs. 200 crore for setting up new hospitals and acquisitions. In Bangalore, a 300-bed facility will come up in 2009 2009 neat the new airport terminal at Devanahalli in Yelahanka. This is a one-of-a-kind Quardinary Attention Centre focussing on multiple organ transplant among other specialities. "We need to deploy a blend of principles in medical management like mergers, acquisitions and new investment funds which is an approach to survive in a high-risk business besides chalk strategies to keep forward. In terms of bed strength, MHS is the highest in the united states with a capacity of 5, 000, '' prepared R Basil CEO, Manipal Medical center.
Wockhardt Private hospitals Group has commissioned its state-of-the-art second hospital in Bangalore which is on the Bannerghatta Road. The multi area of expertise 400-bed center with cardiac care, brain & spinal column, bone & joint and women's health is expected to touch Rs. 140 crore investment once it is completed. The service will have the best intensive care device of 75 mattresses. For paediatric cardiology it'll become the Country wide Referral Centre with a neonatal ICU of 15-bed. Between the two hospitals in Bangalore, the Group will have 520-bed offering. It has the latest equipment from medical technology majors like Medtronic, GE Medical, Philips and Siemens and with the best doctors. A 200 foundation One World Medical center and Restoration Centre marketed by Maureen Berlin at an investment of over Rs. 100 crore on the 10 acre area within the premises of the best 1, 200 foundation missionary medical centre, St. John's National Academy of Sciences campus. Is likely to be commissioned in overdue 2007. This is a multi super niche clinic with eight operation theatres, 44 intense care unit beds. The procedure and therapy is dependant on the 'blended medicine' principle proven and tried by Dr. Earl Bakken co-founded Medtronic, Inc. and inventor of the first transistorized cardiac pacemaker and creator, the North Hawaiian Hospital in the best Islands, Hawaii. Hence the hospital will incorporate modern medical tactics along with yoga, Pranic therapeutic and Reiki besides aqua-therapy turned out by the american healthcare specialists Health care Global Enterprises Small (HCG), a innovator in oncology treatment in the private sector in India, has brought up Rs. 5 crore in equity from IDFC Private Collateral Finance II, a account handled by IDFC Private Equity. The funds are to develop a countrywide network dedicated to oncology. Under the first stage of the job which requires an investment of Rs. 1. 5 crore, 13 new cancer tumor treatment centres at various locations and expansions to Bangalore Institute of Oncology will be produced. Besides, PET-CT centre and GMP radiopharmaceutical product and Central reference point laboratory and professional medical trials management centre will be set-up, explained Dr. Ajai Kumar, Chairman and Promoter of HCG Companies.
1. 2. 3 Dual Goal Tourism
According to the official from the Karnataka Travel and leisure Department, medical care in Bangalore arrived to the limelight when Noor Fatima from Pakistan came up to Narayana Hrudayalaya in July 2003, and was run on by Dr Devi Shetty. After that, there was no looking back again for the town. Her surgery was a landmark because not only achieved it help in thawing the hostility between your two neighbouring countries, but also greatly reversed the desk in the medical circumstance of the town for the better. Nursing homes and corporate institutions in the city have realised the actual of this niche market and have appropriately channelised their needs and facilities. Travel companies and hotels are structuring their plans and holiday plans relative to the inflow of foreign patients getting into the city. Corporate bigwigs like Apollo have collaborated with travel agents to come up with SitaCare in a bid to get more travellers to the town. It's not simply the Indians and the NRIs from the neighbouring countries who are streaming into India for treatment. Apart from NRIs, international patients mainly come in from the Gulf, European countries (mainly UK) incredibly from South East Asia and the US. They come to Bangalore with a dual strategy in mind to get their treatment at one-third the cost and explore Bangalore. A spokesperson from Thomas Make India informs, "International patients mainly go to Coorg, Mysore, Hampi, Ketur, Belgaum and Bagalkot. " In the long run, they enhance the forex of the country. The theory is to destroy two birds with one natural stone.
1. 2. 4 Bangalore as a destination
From being truly a global outsourcing centre, Bangalore has now become a health giver to the globe. Medical travel and leisure as a happening is merely eight to a decade old in the town. In comparison to metros like Mumbai and Chennai, Bangalore was a past due basic in the contest. However, considering the entrepreneurial spirit of the city, it has caught up. Today, the town aims to become the numero uno in appealing to international patients from all over the world. Therefore the question is, why Bangalore? How has it managed to emerge as the hot seats for medical both for home and for just offshore patients? Experts point out myriad reasons. Dr Kishore Murthy, CEO, Hosmat Clinic clarifies, "Bangalore is a well-known brand on the globe. It is an understanding city, gets the top private hospitals and also offers pleasant weather for patients coming here for treatment. " Vishal Bali, CEO, Wockhardt Private hospitals echoes, "Bangalore has a tremendous impact on the planet. Today, people overseas associate India with Bangalore. There is a great deal of new health infrastructure. Courtesy the IT industry it is recognized as the data hub and the private hospitals here are internationally acclaimed. " Corresponding to a spokesperson from Manipal Clinic, "The weather of Bangalore could very well be the largest factor for foreign patients coming into the city. It suits almost all patients. Patients say that unlike other locations, they are really comfortable with the elements here. " Vittal Murthy, Secretary, Kannada Culture Information and Travel and leisure throws light on another aspect. "Bangalore is definitely the hub for health care since the United kingdom period. Now, it is among the most centre of appeal primarily because of the large numbers of top private hospitals in metropolis and the many medical institutes and colleges. Hence, the number of doctors and professionals are also increasing each day. " Another source from Karnataka Federal government Tourism highlights, "Most of the nursing homes in Bangalore have capitalised on the development of the floating people and the progress of the income bracket. " Also, holistic health centres in the city also offer alternate systems of remedy like yoga, Art of Living classes and Ayurvedic solutions. Additionally, most experts from the industry acknowledge the fact that the price of surgeries like cardiac surgeries, tumors treatment or an orthopaedic surgery is one-third the cost incurred in developed countries like the US or the united kingdom. There is also a close nexus between technology and the health care sector in Bangalore. "There were cases inside our hospital in which a patient was not diagnosed of a specific disease abroad but when they emerged here their disease was found, " offers the same spokesperson from Manipal. "Online visits with doctors and specialists have made treatment easier and the waiting period for patients has considerably reduced. Therefore has resulted in an inflow of international patients in to the city, " informs HOSMAT's Dr Murthy. The concept of telemedicine is being used on a large scale by nursing homes such as Manipal and Narayana Hrudayalaya. Resumes of doctors are viewed online so that international patients can pick their doctors.
1. 2. 5 International Collaboration
Internationally-acclaimed doctors and specialists choose to venture out in this city-this is just one more feather in the cover for the town, which till time was only associated with IT. This isn't all. Hospitals are experiencing tie ups with internationally acclaimed medical brands. Bali provides, "Possibly the advantage for Wockhardt is its association with Harvard Medical International (HMI), which has a reputation around the world for the quality services rendered to its patients. This in turn has led to more overseas patients coming into our medical center. International patients are extremely discerning. Before venturing out for treatment overseas, they ensure they are well informed and not kept at night. " At the end of the day, patients are always on the look out for quality services, and that is exactly what clinics in Bangalore are aiming to achieve-to strike the perfect equilibrium between quality and quantity.
1. 2. 6 Different Strokes for Different Folks
Different hospitals choose different strategies to attract overseas patients. Sagar Apollo Clinic, for example, has systematically designed its strategies. "We've standardized almost all protocols in conditions of smoother licensing with international system of designed health-oriented value improvements, holistic health alternatives as well as conceptual health-oriented options. For instance, we have started with a system of cashless payment with providers and working on a new strategy healthcare concentrating not only on the best international standard health care but also on included health and hospitality snergy where in fact the services are not only marketed as a bundle. It is rather positioned as an effort to spotlight Bangalore as just not a medical hub but as a place which in technology travellers in taking their medical beyond restrictions at their personal standards. " Clinics in Bangalore are actually providing the services usually provided by the five-star hotel. Accommodation in hotels, which is usually a herculean process for overseas patients, is provided both for the family as well as the patients. HOSMAT Medical center even has a building within its campus to support family members of patients. International airport drops and pick-ups for patients and relatives are rendered by the hospitality section of a healthcare facility. Most of the hospitals have come up with a travel desk to focus on international patients and their relatives. Manipal Clinic, for instance, comes with an International Patient Health care Centre. Additionally, a lot of emphasis is laid on the infrastructure of these hospital. Manipal, for example, has specially designed delux rooms, with posh dcor and offers myriad facilities like pantry service and a radio Web connection. HOSMAT Medical center is discovering two flooring in its premises focused on international patients. These two surfaces exclusively have around 80-100 beds. This is indicative of the growing realisation about promoting medical tourism in the town.
1. 2. 7 Administration Will Its Bit
Apparently the Karnataka Federal is taking a slew of initiatives in promoting medical tourism in the state. An expert says, "Not just the Karnataka Federal government, but State Government authorities all across the united states are realising the and the huge benefits that will come about through medical tourism. " Most experts from the industry have recognized the actual fact that the State Government is supportive and enthusiastic to advertise medical travel and leisure in the location specifically and the state of hawaii as a whole Commissioner, Team of Travel and leisure, Karnataka, states, "We have regular annual matches wherein we talk with the medical industry on a one-to-one basis. We do have ideas to form a council of the medical community, but it is within a nascent stage as of this moment. " The Karnataka federal right now could be employed in a careful manner. They first conduct research to study key players in the field, which include not just the most notable hospitals but travel companies and consulates in the city. Their performance over the year is analyzed and simultaneously ideas are used. "Consulates and travel agents have their systems in foreign countries. So, it is simpler for us to own international meetings and associates, " adds Tourism commissioner. Vittal Murthy also provides an interesting little bit of information. "Following the introduction of the IT industry in Bangalore, the IT recreation area was exposed. On similar lines, with the advent of the professional medical industry here, were contemplating opening up a health recreation area. " However, the endeavour continues to be in its ideation stage and will take some time before it requires shape. The Government also keeps health tourism expos. A recent one happened at Bahrain. Such matches are a system for the Government to meet international experts from the medical fraternity and brief them about the competence of Indian medical care industry. It's not just the STATE which is investing in a lot of interest. The Central Federal government, realising the of the sector, has think of a national agenda and is holding tourism trade fairs at regular intervals around the entire year. It has given new impetus to medical travel and leisure. Naik diplomatically provides, "Were open to whatever will promote medical tourism. Ultimately, it's the doctors and experts from the medical fraternity who are responsible for the boom of medical tourism in the city. " This remark is definitely a testimony to the positive nexus of private professional medical with the government.
1. 2. 8 Travel Reaps the Fruits
It is not only the hospitals that happen to be getting the limelight. Travel agents and hotels are cashing in on the situation and are coming up with schemes and deals to attract international patients to the town. They are steadily realising that enormous benefits can be reaped. The Leela Palaces and Resorts, Bangalore, which strictly caters to the corporate class, have now decided to disperse its wings based on the change in times and fads. The five-star hotel group has made a decision to tie up with Manipal Hospital. Nitienaa Arif, Brain- PR and Marketing communications, Leela Palaces, Bangalore mentions, "We are an enterprise hotel, but understanding the necessity for medical tourism in the city, we have tangled up with Manipal. Everything is in the processing stage. " This isn't all. The five-star hotel in addition has joined hands with Earth Health Tours. Air Travel Enterprises (ATE) also offers a whole lot of packages to overseas patients. EM Najeeb, Chairman and Managing Director, ATE, points out, "You can expect deals for cardiac surgery, cosmetic surgery, dental surgery, Ayurveda and orthopaedic surgeries. " Furthermore, ATE has a careful plan chalked out. "We first identify patients who want medical treatment in this area of the country. We then recommend these to hospitals. Their arrival, departure and accommodation are completed by us. " A significant point to keep in mind is that the role of travel agents and hotels is merely in its elementary level. Purnima Castelino-D'abreo, PR Professional, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Bangalore, areas, "Medical tourism is a nascent stage, but we are looking at cultivating it as a potential section. " The starting of the international airport in the city has attracted the attention of not just the holidaymakers but even players in the hotel industry. Altogether, there are 39 tasks coming up in the town. This, over time can eliminate problems of accommodation in the city. It will require some time before these brokers become one of the major makes in promoting healthcare in Bangalore. Vigilance and persistence will be the keywords-perhaps the means to achieve that end.
1. 2. 9 Hurdles to Overcome
The lawn always looks greener on the far side of the fence. However the reality remains that for just about any upcoming trend, the voyage is not smooth sailing. There are always two edges to any storyline. As of now, the major obstacle that might hamper the development of this encouraging development is the unsystematic infrastructure of the town. Due to upsurge in the floating populace, the highways are congested and traffic snarls have become the order of your day. Hene, commuting in the town has turned into a major problem. Paucity of hotel accommodation within metropolis for patients and relatives also poses an obstacle for international patients approaching to the city. Despite a rise operating flats and a increase in the real estate business, there is absolutely no change in the trouble. International flights have commenced in Bangalore, but there may be connectivity and then a few countries. Bali highlights, "The first impression is sustained in your brain of your person browsing Bangalore for the first time. International patients in particular get dismayed at the appalling conditions of Bangalore's infrastructure in contrast to the plush dcor of the hospitals. " Daniel provides another interesting aspect, "In case there is medical evacuationswhere patients need to be airlifted, at least eight car seats need to be reserved. Most of the time, this is not possible. Moreover, a lot of money is required to transport the physician, the attendants the patients and their family members. "
1. 2. 10 Possible Solutions
Government representatives have chalked out a solution to the problem. "In a different one to one and a half years, the international airport in Bangalore will have connectivity with almost all the major countries across the globe, " predicts Murthy. He further gives, "We could also coming up with a Metro Rail Task and five townships in the location to ease congestion. " There are plans to release air ambulances and helipads to accomplish easy transfer of patients from other countries. And so far as the situation of accommodation is concerned, most private hospitals are coming up with accommodation of their premises for patients as well as their family. In addition, more than hotels, service flats coming up in every nook and area of metropolis are now demonstrating to be the answer to the condition of accommodation. In fact the majority of the five-star hotels along with their accommodation services also have their own service flats. Subratrin Paul, Director of Sales, The Oberoi Hilton Hotel, Bangalore illustrates, "Bangalore hotels are costly. Foreign patients arriving for treatment won't want to pay out big money just for accommodation. They'll be taking a look at cheaper options to save money. I have not seen way too many foreign patients putting up at five-star hotels. " So far as medical tourism in the IT city can be involved, the good news is that experts and Authorities officials are positive that with the movement of time, they will be successful in effacing the hurdles that lay in their course.
1. 2. 11 Expectation Not Hype
The question now that confronts healthcare Bangalore - could it be all just hoopla? Experts assert to the in contrast. Murthy stresses, "Were self-confident about the probable of the town and it is definitely not a passing period or a bubble that may burst anytime. " Bangalore is currently going through an identical stage that Thailand was going through around five years back. Through their own expertise and by cooperation with the Government, Thailand became one of the market leaders in South East Asia. Medical pundits predict that a couple of years down the road, Bangalore might surge to that level. Therefore there is an air of assurance among doctors that medical travel and leisure is here forever and to result in radical changes on the market. It is certainly not a mirage to fade away immediately.
1. 2. 12 Medical tourism 2nd quickest growing sector after IT
Medical travel and leisure is booming in Karnataka and the potential clients for development are second and then the information technology sector. At least that's the word among tourism and medical care specialists who note that Bangalore only, the Karnataka capital, features 25 medical centres, including eight cardiac nursing homes of world-class benchmarks. The town also hosts a variety of complementary or substitute therapies that are unique to Karnataka. One substitute therapy centre, Soukya, has hosted Sarah, Duchess of York; and Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. This week's movie star visitor at the center is former Prime Minister Deve Gowda. Corresponding to Karnataka travel and leisure commissioner Mahendra Jain, such alternative therapy centres within the state are so successful that they are currently generating foreign exchange of $10 million yearly, a shape that is likely to twin and even treble within the next two years. "Karnataka's facilities are the best in the united states, that's why we have taken the lead in promoting health travel and leisure, " says Jain, who was lately in London to participate in the World Tourism Mart. "Because we have these facilities available, we thought it appropriate to market them. Recently, when baby Noor Fatima from Pakistan came for treatment, she drawn a great deal of media attention. Her parents helped bring her to Bangalore because we have people like Dr Devi Shetty, who's a very renowned body, " he said. "That's what brought on it off, but often we always understood Banaglore acquired great potential because of its weather and facilities available and regardless people are coming here for business, travel and leisure, etc. So we thought it would be appropriate to promote health tourism, " he added. London and Kerala-trained Dr Issac Mathai, medical director of Soukya, is the patron saint or godfather of the medical center where starting rates at $40 per hour for the cheapest treatment are lapped up by both Indians and foreigners who need that extra special touch for his or her particular disorder. Accommodation with food starts off from $90 per nights at the medical clinic, which is pass on across a 30-acre site, in which friends or patents are accommodated in specific cottages. A spokeswoman for Dr Mathai, said, "Some people come here for every day program, others for treatment. Dr Mathai places them under the treating a particular doctor who designs a programme to them that incorporates different kinds of treatment. It is all done under one roof and it is very care specific. " "We have a wide range which range from ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, homeopathy, healing and a whole lot of other things, " Jain said, adding: "Whether it is Soukya, Angasana, Ayurgrama, or Golden Star possessed by Sanjay Khan, they feature a wide range of complementary medicine. "
1. 3 India and Medical Tourism
India is definitely the leading country promoting medical tourism-and now it is moving into a new part of "medical outsourcing, " where subcontractors provide services to the overburdened medical care systems in american countries. India's National Health Coverage declares that treatment of foreign patients is officially an "export" and deemed "eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export cash flow. " Government and private sector studies in India estimation that medical travel and leisure could bring between $1 billion and $2 billion US into the country by 2012. The reports estimation that medical travel and leisure to India keeps growing by 30 per cent each year. India's top-rated education system isn't just churning out computer developers and technical engineers, but around 20, 000 to 30, 000 doctors and nurses every year. The largest of the estimated half-dozen medical businesses in India serving medical travellers is Apollo Clinic Enterprises, which cared for an estimated 60, 000 patients between 2001 and planting season 2004. It really is Apollo that is aggressively getting into medical outsourcing. Apollo already provides overnight computer services for U. S. insurance firms and clinics as well as dealing with big pharmaceutical companies with drug studies. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the chairman of the business, began discussions in the spring and coil of 2004 with Britain's National Health Service to are a subcontractor, to do operations and medical tests for patients at a fraction of the cost in Britain for either federal government or private good care. Apollo's business began to increase in the 1990s, with the deregulation of the Indian overall economy, which drastically cut the bureaucratic obstacles to development and made it easier to transfer the modern medical equipment. The first patients were Indian expatriates who went back home for treatment; major investment homes adopted with money and then patients from Europe, the Middle East and Canada started to arrive. Apollo now has 37 private hospitals, with about 7, 000 mattresses. The company is in partnership in nursing homes in Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. European patients usually get a deal that includes flights, transfers, hotels, treatment and often a post-operative holiday. Apollo has also reacted to criticism by Indian politicians by increasing its services to India's millions of poor. They have set aside free beds for many who can't afford care and attention, has setup a trust account and it is pioneering remote control, satellite-linked telemedicine across India. India is a leading player in the medical vacationer/healthcare Facilitation industry. It is increasingly growing as the destination of choice for a variety of medical procedures. You'll find so many advantages of heading to India for treatment. A number of the advantages of heading to India for medical treatment are:
Internationally accredited medical facilities using the latest technologies
Highly qualified Doctors/Surgeons and medical center support staff
Significant cost benefits compared to home private healthcare
Medical treatment costs in India are lower by at least 60-80% when compared to similar techniques in THE UNITED STATES and the UK
No Hold out Lists
Fluent English speaking staff
Options for private room, translator, private chef, dedicated personnel throughout your stay and a great many other tailor-made services
Can easily be combined with a holiday / business trip
Within India, we've partnered with world-class private attention hospitals, which provide quality medical services at affordable charges for our clients. We have worked with these facilities to ensure that they can deliver something that will meet our high prospects.
1. 3. 1 Substitute Remedies in India for Medical Treatment
India is renowned for historical alternative solutions such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation, and MASSAGE THERAPY. India can be an exotic tourist destination offering from beaches, mountains, cosmopolitan locations, quaint villages and pilgrimages to suit every palate. Abundant with background and culture, India has became an oasis in the modern world, providing complete well-being and health, while providing the latest in technology.
1. 3. 2 Indian Corporate Hospitals
Indian corporate hospitals have a huge pool of doctors, nurses, and support personnel ensuring individualized treatment. The very skilled personnel, with extensive experience and international exposure excel in Cardiology and Cardiothoracic surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Bariatric or Excess weight surgery, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, and Urology, to name a few. Our clinic companions have exclusive Aesthetic/Plastic surgery departments. Our alliance companions have Centers of Quality in their niche areas. All medical investigations are conducted using the latest, technologically advanced and leading edge diagnostic equipment. Strict quality guarantee exercises constantly ensure reliable and high quality test results in a timely manner. Despite the fact that India has many different dialects, English is greatly spoken. All clinics have excellent British speaking staff and language or communication is super easy. If English is not your indigenous terminology, we can organize translators in most major international dialects to be with you throughout your Indian tour. India has maintained pace with the latest in technology and its own application has been greatly felt in medical industry. In addition, India's strong pharmaceutical sector has gained international identification.
1. 3. 3 Major players in India
The main metropolitan areas attracting overseas patients to India are Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkatta, Delhi, Chennai and Jaipur.
Manipal heart foundation, Bangalore.
Narayan Hrudyalaya medical center, Bangalore.
Escort center institute and research centreltd, new delhi.
All India institute of medical sciences, delhi.
B M Birla center research centre, Kolkata.
Breach candy Clinics, mumbai.
Christian Medical College or university, vellore
Wockhardt nursing homes, Bangalore.
Apollo group of Medical center, Mumbai.
Apollo cancer hospital, Chennai.
Asian heart institute, Mumbai.
PD Hinduja Country wide clinic and Medical research centre, Mumbai.
Jaslok medical center, Mumbai.
Escort hospital, Jaipur.
1. 4 Growth of the Medical Travel and leisure Industry
The countries where medical travel and leisure is being positively marketed include Greece, South Africa, Jordan, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. India is a recent entrant into medical tourism. According to a study by McKinsey and the Confederation of Indian Industry, medical travel and leisure in India could turn into a $1 billion business by 2012. The statement predicts that: "By 2012, if medical tourism were to reach 25 % of earnings of private up-market players, up to Rs 10, 000 crore will be put into the revenues of the players". The Indian administration predicts that India's $17-billion-a-year health-care industry could grow 13 % in each of the next six years, boosted by medical tourism, which industry watchers say keeps growing at 30 % on a yearly basis. In India, the Apollo group by themselves has so far treated 95, 000 international patients, many of whom are of Indian source. Apollo has been a forerunner in medical tourism in India and attracts patients from Southeast Asia, Africa, and the center East. The group has tied up with private hospitals in Mauritius, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Yemen besides running a hospital in Sri Lanka, and managing a clinic in Dubai.
Another commercial group owning a chain of private hospitals, Escorts, claims it has doubled its quantity of international patients - from 675 in 2000 to almost 1, 200 this season. Just lately, the Ruby Medical center in Kolkata authorized a contract with the English insurance company, BUPA. The management dreams to get United kingdom patients from the queue in the Country wide Health Services soon. Some quotes say that foreigners account for 10 to 12 per cent of all patients in top Mumbai clinics despite roadblocks like poor aviation connectivity, poor road infrastructure and lack of uniform quality specifications.
Analysts say that as much as 150, 000 medical vacationers emerged to India this past year. However, the current market for medical tourism in India is principally limited to patients from the center East and South Asian economies. Some declare that the industry would flourish even without American medical travelers. Afro-Asian people spend approximately $20 billion per year on healthcare outside their countries - Nigerians together spend around $1 billion each year. Most of this money would be spent in European countries and America, but it is hoped that would now be ever more directed to expanding countries with advanced facilities.
1. 5 Campaign of Medical Tourism
The key "selling items" of the medical travel and leisure industry are its "cost success" and its own blend with the attractions of travel and leisure. The second option also uses the ploy of providing the "exotica" of the countries involved as well as the packaging of health care with traditional treatments and treatment options. Price edge is, of course, a major feature. The slogan, thus is, "First World treatment' at Third World prices". The price differential across the board is huge: only a tenth and sometimes even a sixteenth of the cost in the Western world. Open-heart surgery may cost up to $70, 000 in Britain and up to $150, 000 in the US; in India's best nursing homes it might cost between $3, 000 and $10, 000. Leg surgery (on both knees) costs 350, 000 rupees ($7, 700) in India; in Britain this costs Ј10, 000 ($16, 950), more than twice as much. Dental, eyesight and aesthetic surgeries in Traditional western countries cost 3 to 4 times up to in India. The price advantages is however offset today for patients from the developed countries by concerns regarding requirements, insurance plan and other infrastructure. That's where the tourism and medical sectors are trying to pool resources, and also putting pressure on the government. We will turn to their implications later. In India the strong traditions of traditional systems of health care in Kerala, for example, is utilised. Kerala Ayurveda centres have been set up at multiple locations in a variety of metro locations, thus highlighting the advantages of Ayurveda in health management. The health tourism target has seen Kerala take part in various industry events and expos wherein the features of this traditional form of medicine are showcased. A general problem with medical tourism is that it reinforces the medicalised view of health care. By promoting the idea that medical services can be bought off of the shelf from the cheapest priced provider any place in the globe, it also takes away the pressure from the federal government to provide detailed health care to all its citizens. It really is a deepening of the whole notion of healthcare that has been forced today which stresses on technology and private organization. The important question here is for whom is 'cost effective' services to be provided. Clearly the services are "affordable" for many who can pay and in addition result from countries where health care costs are exorbitant - because of the failure of the federal government to provide affordable medical care. It thus allures only a small fraction that pays for health care and leaves out large sections that are denied health care but cannot find the money for to pay. The demand for affordable specialized care is coming from the developed countries where there's been a decline in public areas spending and surge in life expectancy and non-communicable diseases that requires specialist services.
1. 6 Medical Facilities in India
Indian corporate hospitals excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacing, orthopedic surgery, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, transplants and urology to mention a few. The various specialties protected are Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurology, Urology, Nephrology, Dermatology, Dentistry, COSMETIC SURGERY, Gynecology, Pulmonology, Psychiatry, General Medicine & Standard Surgery. The many facilities in India include full body pathology, extensive physical and gynecological examinations, oral checkup, vision checkup, diet appointment, audiometry, spirometry, stress & lifestyle management, pap smear, digital Upper body X-ray, 12 business lead ECG, 2D echo coloring doppler, gold standard DXA bone densitometry, body fat examination, coronary risk markers, malignancy risk markers, carotid shade doppler, spiral CT scan and high strength MRI. Each test is carried out by professional M. D. medical professionals, and is thorough yet pain-free. There is also a gamut of services which range from Standard Radiography, Ultra Sonography, Mammography to high end services like Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Digital Subtraction Angiography along with intervention strategies, Nuclear Imaging. The diagnostic facilities offered in India are comprehensive to include Laboratory services, Imaging, Cardiology, Neurology and Pulmonology. The Lab services include biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, serology, histopathology, transfusion drugs and RIA. All medical investigations are conducted on the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipment. Stringent quality guarantee exercises ensure reliable and high quality test results.
1. 7 Cost Evaluation of treatments
India offers world-class professional medical that costs greatly less than those in developed countries, using the same technology sent by experienced Specialists attaining similar success rates. In case a liver transplant costs in the range of 137, 867 USD - 160, 845 USD in European countries and dual that in the US, a few Indian nursing homes hold the wherewithal to do it in around 34, 466 USD - 45, 955 USD. Likewise, if a center surgery in the US costs about 45, 955 USD, a leading Indian hospital will do it in roughly 4, 595 USD.
1. 8 More Americans are coming to India for medical treatment
Health good care in the U. S. is expensive. Period. Medical expenses in U. S. has already reached an all-time most of $2 trillion per 12 months. U. S. top the list of nation's spending on health insurance. But still 46 million Us citizens continue to live without insurance every year. But health care woes are far from over, even for the covered by insurance. Healthcare premium surge nearly three times more than inflation rate. Plus the covered still have to invest a considerable sum from their wallets, whenever they see a doctor. With the dollars value higher than the money value generally in most South Parts of asia like India, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, most People in the usa feel that it is monetarily more practical to go to these countries for their health care needs. Moreover, these countries feature cutting-edge medical equipments, reputed doctors and quality medical care on par with hospitals and medical centers in the U. S. But the price tag on the treatment still remains to be simply a fraction of the price in the U. S. And the cost includes the airfare, stay and a little vacation package. Surprisingly, most patients visit India not for the expected cosmetic enhancements but for dental care, leg surgery, lasik attention surgeries and heart surgeries. However the amounts for tummy tucks and face-lifts are also increasing at a slow-moving and stable rate. Most Indian facilities have a higher patient-nurse ratio compared to America and doctors are as skilled as their counter-parts in USA. Nowadays, several Indian hospitals have started to focus on the special needs of patients from in foreign countries especially from USA with special menu, better facilities and better care. This has made getting treatment within an Indian hospital as good so that as comfortable as being treated in their own hometown. The Indian federal government has also issued a particular medical visa promoting medical tourism further. No marvel, more than 500, 000 People in america traveled abroad to get health care in 2006 and a majority of them made India their health care destination.
1. 9 Destinations
Over 40 countries are marketing medical tourism and attempting to attract overseas- international patients.
Africa and Midsection East, including Brunei, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Tunisia: Africa and the center East present a great chance of medical travel and leisure.
Israel: Israel is a leading healthcare destination for medical tourism in the centre east. Israel will get over 30, 000 medical traveler patients per 12 months from Russia.
Jordan: Jordan has one of the top reputations for professional medical and medical travel and leisure in the Middle East.
UAE: The United Arab Emirates is famous for it's significant investment in health care infrastructure. The Americas Countries in the Americas that are dealing with overseas patients include Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.
Brazil: Brazil is well known for aesthetic surgeries but now has a growing reputation for much more serious surgeries.
Canada: Many patients happen to be and from Canada for medical care.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica has for many years been a well-known destination for high quality cosmetic and dental strategies. However, before few years the united states has also begun to attract a substantial patient move from the U. S. and Canada for orthopedic surgery, weight reduction surgery, general surgeries and gynecology. Even though the Costa Rica is approximately how big is Western world Virginia, it provides two Joint Commission payment International accredited nursing homes (with one third one on the way) and has a health care system that was ranked as among the best in the European Hemisphere, prior to the U. S. by the World Health Business.
Cuba: Cuba is a vacation spot for low cost healthcare.
Mexico: Mexico is a innovator in Medical Travel and leisure and attracts millions of patients from america every year.
Panama: Panama has been marketing medical travel and leisure for quite some time.
United States: United States is known to be main countries to market medical tourism. Thousands of patients happen to be america from other countries because of the US reputation for having a few of the highest quality healthcare, advanced medical technology and expert surgeons.
Uruguay: Uruguay is a significant tourism destination for Europeans. Now Uruguay has flipped it's eye towards medical travel and leisure and is trying to get patients to Uruguay from both Europe and the United States.
Asia/Pacific
China: China has had several projects recently start in medical travel and leisure.
Hong Kong: Many Hong Kong clinics are approved by the Trent Accreditation Scheme from the United Kingdom.
India: India is a head in medical travel and leisure and is well known because of its high quality healthcare with very cheap affordable prices.
Malaysia: Malaysia is growing as a high destination for medical travel and leisure.
Philippines: The Philippines trading markets itself as the heart and soul of Asia and prides itself on the warm and caring good care provided by their medical providers and nurses.
Singapore: Singapore has a reputation for high quality healthcare and expert doctors. Singapore doesn't have its own accreditation system for quality so has adopted the Joint Commission rate International (JCI) to accredit Singapore's local private hospitals.
Taiwan: Taiwan has enterd in the medical tourism industry and is focusing it's work on chinese language patients who are surviving in other countries.
Thailand: Thailand is one of the very best destinations for medical tourism. The reasons because of this are quality and rates. Some of the top nursing homes in Thailand are situated in Bangkok, including Bumrungrad, Bangkok INFIRMARY and Samitivej Medical center. Asia, and specifically Thailand is well known for having experience in providing high level medical procedures. Thailand provides numerous surgery options from knee and back again surgeries, heart steps, transplants, and cosmetic surgery.
Europe: Europe is a center for healthcare and medical travel and leisure for centuries. Europe has been a large destination for medical tourism from the center East.
Poland: Please is well known for dental travel and leisure, and dental care.
Turkey: Turkey has a reputation for having excellent medical care and being truly a leader in medical travel and leisure. Turkey has one of the major numbers of clinics licensed by the Joint Commission payment International (JCI). Turkey has one of the world's top eyeball clinics and received many patients from countries bordering Turkey in Asia, European countries and the center East.
1. 10 Need for Medical Tourism
Medical tourism can be broadly thought as provision of 'cost effective' private health care in cooperation with the tourism industry for patients requiring surgical and other kinds of specialized treatment. This process is being facilitated by the corporate sector involved with medical care as well as the tourism industry - both private and general population. Medical or Health tourism has become a common form of travelling, and covers a wide spectral range of medical services. It mixes leisure, fun and relaxation together with wellness and healthcare. The thought of the health holiday break is to offer you an opportunity to move away from your daily routine and come into some other relaxing encircling. Here you can enjoy being close to the beach and the mountains. At the same time it is possible to get an orientation that will help you improve your daily life in conditions of your health and general well-being. It really is like rejuvenation and tidy up process on all levels - physical, mental and mental. Many folks from the developed world come to India for the rejuvenation promised by yoga and Ayurvedic massage therapy, but few consider it a vacation spot for hip substitution or brain surgery. However, a nice mixture of top-class medical experience at attractive prices is assisting a growing number of Indian corporate clinics lure foreign patients, including from developed nations like the UK and the united states. As increasingly more patients from European countries, the united states and other affluent nations with high medicare costs look for effective options, India is pitted against Thailand, Singapore and some other Parts of asia, which have good clinics, salubrious climate and tourist destinations. While Thailand and Singapore with their advanced medical facilities and built-in medical tourism options have been drawing international patients of the order of a couple of lakhs per annum, the rapidly expanding Indian corporate medical center sector has been able to get a few thousands for treatment. But, things will change drastically in favour of India, especially because of the high quality knowledge of medical professionals, backed by the fast improving equipment and medical facilities, and above all, the cost-effectiveness of the package deal. As Indian corporate and business hospitals are on par, if not better than the best private hospitals in Thailand, Singapore, etc there exists scope for improvement, and the united states may become a preferred medical vacation spot. In addition to the increasingly top quality medical care, a major draw for foreign patients is also the very minimal or hardly any waitlist as is common in Western or American clinics. In fact, priority treatment is provided today in Indian nursing homes. The Apollo Group, Escorts Clinics in New Delhi and Jaslok Private hospitals in Mumbai are to mention a few which are established brands even abroad. A list of corporate nursing homes such as Global Nursing homes, Health care and Dr L. V. Prasad Vision Nursing homes in Hyderabad, The Hindujas and NM Quality in Mumbai, likewise have built functions and are managing a progressively increasing stream of overseas patients. India has a lot more knowledge than say Thailand or Malaysia. The infrastructure in some of India's clinics is also very good. What is more significant is that the expenses are much less, almost one-third of these in other Parts of asia.
1. 11 Medical Tourism: Opportunities and Difficulties for India
India's relatively developing medical tourism segment has been anointed by healthcare and travel and leisure industry pundits as another 'best' thing for the united states. Matching to a McKinsey article, India is poised to create business worthwhile USD 2. 2 billion by 2010, however there are many challenges that need to be addressed for India to be the world's preferred healthcare destination. Prominent included in this being the necessity for proper accreditation and essential standardisation systems in place, a tripartite synergy between nursing homes, tour providers and respective talk about governments. These were some of the studies at the workshop titled, 'Medical Travel and leisure: Opportunities and Issues for India' organised by Exhibit Healthcare Management and Exhibit Travel and Tourism, bringing both factors of the medical travel and leisure industry collectively for the first time in the united states. NV Ramamurthy, editor, Exhibit Professional medical Management welcomed the delegates and the panelists. He spoke about the various troubles impeding the growth of the medical travel and leisure industry and emphasised the necessity for a synergy between nursing homes, state and international travel operators. The panelists for the session comprised Dr R V Karanjekar, chief executive officer, Dr D Y Patil Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Anupam Verma, director administration at PD Hinduja Country wide Hospital, Mumbai; Pleasure Chakraborty, deputy administrator at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre; Gour Kanjilal, regional director (Western & Central Region), Indiatourism, Mumbai and Mahendra Jain, commissioner of travel and leisure, administration of Karnataka. In 2004, India treated and cared for 1. 8 lakh patients. This amount is poised for large expansion - 25-30 % in 2005. The panel agreed that India's main USP in this regard was the prospect of low-cost treatment by highly professional doctors. Matching to Dr RV Karanjekar, India must project itself to be a holistic medical vacation spot to get an advantage over other countries. "India offers not only treatment but spiritual and mental therapeutic as well. We need to club together a couple of 'pathies' because we've an extremely strong bottom of alternative healing remedies like yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, etc, " said Dr Karanjekar. The panelists echoed another very important that creating understanding about India's facilities is crucial to establish trustworthiness in foreign markets. Happiness Chakraborty further recommended that the standardisation of a cost music group for graded private hospitals and an excellent confidence model should be studied up immediately to have medical tourism ahead. "CRISIL and ICRA have began something on price rings but are facing few issues at this time. What we can do, is try to follow the Thailand model. Thailand first developed its expectations as per Joint Commissioner International (JSI) which helped those to get acceptance from NHS of UK. So convincing medical insurance companies had not been an issue. " Talking about initiatives that can help in producing the right subjection, Mahendra Jain said, "It is time we produce a repository on the facilities available, the number of patients received and that market, reason behind choosing India, their amount of stay, etc. These data provides pointers to help us in devising country-specific promotional strategies. " Gour Kanjilal said, a joint job force on medical tourism has already been create by ministry of travel and leisure in cooperation with ministry of health that will consider quality confidence, standardisation of price, global networking and enhancing visibility. Matching to Kanjilal, discussions need to be performed with the source-
