Thursday, November 25, 2021

India a Global Wellness Hub

India Healing

India is a land of Vedic teachings which are based on principles of Hindu religious beliefs. Hinduism is an ecosystem that has given birth to diverse beliefs and nurtures them. The practice is centered around meditation and physical wellness with an inclination toward nature.  But the most significant contribution to spiritual and physical wellness has been Ayurveda and Yoga.   


With a history of more than five thousand years, the country has always evolved based on scientific principles and research. This is a civilizational quest to learn and discover. The progress has been remarkable in spite of numerous invasions that impacted the sociocultural aspects. Nevertheless, due to the strong ethos of self-preservation, the country propelled itself to glory once again and is now a leading wellness destination. 

Ayurveda in Modern India   

Ayurveda is an ancient science that used human observation guidelines for treatments accorded. The impact of consuming natural substances for wellness is being noticed the World over with the added benefit of noncarbon-intensive eating habits. In spite of loads of detractors, medical science has become popular all over the World. It is a science not based on modern metrics that Western medicine employs but its popularity has risen due to years of use and observations.  


Unlike TCM, the Indian healing system (TIM) relies heavily on natural vegetative materials and little on the animal kingdom perhaps because of leaning toward vegetarianism and Ahimsa. This has led to the extensive development of herbal and mineral-based formulations.  The herbal ingredients have been studied in isolation for centuries and then combined in formulations to avail optimum results. Another positive aspect of this healing system is the use of herbal materials in a natural state and rarely as isolated extracts or complex organic or inorganic chemicals as in Western medicine. Albeit the results in the case of Ayurveda take more time as compared to modern medicine nevertheless the incidence of after-effects or side effects are rare or extremely mild. 

Ayurveda  and Modern Medicine 

Ayurvedic Medicines do not work as the modern system of healing works. The latter has definitely proven to be a lifesaver by quickly fighting diseases using drugs and surgery. Whereas Ayurveda is a holistic medicinal system that impacts both the mind and the body. The system lays tremendous stress on controlling lifestyle and consumption as part of treatment besides the use of formulations in form of liquid, powder, and tablets. 

Another difference is that the method of treatment is non-invasive and no injectibles and surgical interventions are prescribed by modern-day practitioners or Ayurvedaacharyas. 

The Government of India recognizes an Ayurvedic degree which is tantamount to a Bachelors's degree in modern medicine. This degree is popular in India and is named using an acronym called BAMS. It stands for Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine, and Surgery. Obviously, as the name suggests some aspects of modern medicine are employed by BAMS doctors in order to facilitate clinical practices in remote India. 

Thus the Ayurvedic practices and modern healing science work side by side in tandem each imparting their inherent benefits to the patients. It should be noted both sciences should not substitute for each other and breaking the norm could be fatal.

Hence TIM is employed on a long-term basis though some of the formulations do impart quick results that impact the metabolism favorably, directly fight disease, and suppress symptoms. The impact is not as one observes when modern medicines are used but Ayurveda works well in non-life-threatening circumstances with time on hand. In the case of a patient suffering from a lifestyle disease, the cumulative action of formulations and dietary regimen works very well over a period of time.   

Though often described as pseudoscience, the impact of this Indian system of medicine is noticeable. For example, the use of Isabgol has become universal thanks to its positive impact on bowel movement thus easing the life of those suffering from troubling constipation.  Similarly, stress on a vegetarian diet is helpful to those ailing from kidney problems and are advised to reduce their intake of proteins. Other fine examples are Shilajit, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi which are universally accepted herbal products for health treatments prescribed in Ayurveda. These are for rejuvenation, improving cognition, and antioxidants to name a few benefits.  

The herbal ingredients become more potent in carefully calibrated formulations, and since the drugs are manufactured by reputed companies in India the chances of a harmful overdose of ingredients are reduced.  

Thus, this Indian system of medicine can be used in parallel overseas as it is in this country. The healing system is becoming popular in many developed nations and is now recognized more as an alternative system than a pseudoscience. 

Ayurvedic Retreats 

There are many retreats and resorts that offer wellness programs using the practices employed in Ayurveda. Most of these are luxurious resorts but nevertheless, their wellness programs are much appreciated and have gained popularity among international patients seeking holistic wellness treatments overseas. 

Most of the resorts are situated in panoramic surroundings with extensive greenery, forests, rivers, and heights. These are places well-known for salubrity, serenity, and peace. Thus these retreats are most preferred for wellness programs in India.    

The programs include Yoga, Ayurvedic treatments pertaining to the ailment, and a dietary regimen often bolstered by cooking classes for vegetarian recipes. These programs are conducted by experts in Yoga and Ayurveda namely Yoga Gurus and Ayurvedacharyas. The resort's chefs assist in delivering the cookery lessons. 

Bolstering Medical Tourism in India 

Alternative healing systems like Ayurveda and Yoga are contributing immensely to medical tourism in India.  The formulations fetch in added foreign exchange due to demand abroad. 

For international patients, the country provides one of the best low-cost treatment options for surgeries and modern allopathic treatments as well.  Combined with Ayurveda retreats and Yoga camps the enhancement in inbound arrivals is impressive for a country that is experiencing thirty percent growth in health travel year on year. 

The popularity of alternative indigenous healing sciences in the country is rising rapidly across the oceans.  And what began as a healing science five thousand years ago will impart tremendous wellness globally and make India a gateway for robust health.  

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Uday writes for Fanling Wellness Medical Tourism Company in India.  He writes on medical tourism, advanced disease treatments, and health infrastructure in India.  As an experienced SEO and Content Writer he writes on diverse topics on various platforms. 

He was earlier teaching digital marketing in Jabalpur in his free time. He can be contacted at:

pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in India

Coronary Bypass History 

The life-saving coronary artery bypass was first performed in the USA in 1960 by Robert Goetz but the surgery though successful could not extend the life span beyond thirteen months. Discouraged perhaps he did not repeat the efforts. It was in 1962 that David Sabiston performed the next which was not successful anyway the process had started and eventually coronary surgery success came much later after some of these disheartening results.

India has a long history of understanding heart functions right from the Vedic Times onwards. The palliative and curative roles of Yoga and transcendental meditation were understood well and effectively applied but these were more lifestyle improvement factors that assisted heart functions. Yoga and TM are still in vogue for improvement in general health including vital organs.

In spite of our heritage knowledge dating back to 4000 BC, there was a gap in the research and development of surgical interventions that are being used today to treat various cardiac malfunctions. For some reason focus on surgery seems to have taken a back seat, and more stress on herbs, minerals, and Ayurvedic drug formulations has been placed as time progressed.  

How Heart Surgeries Gained Ascendency in India?

In the contemporary era, our knowledge relating to cardiac treatments and surgical interventions is acquired from dominant institutions and scientific fraternity pioneers in the research and development of health sciences. The institutions of medical learning have been always at the forefront of fortifying the medical science institutes in India.

Nevertheless, due to a solid healthcare system empowered by sacred institutions of learning and well-equipped hospitals, we are providing the best health treatments at much lower costs than in many other countries.

India has some of the finest surgeons that excel in cardiac surgery and doctors experienced in the noninvasive treatment of ailments. At the present juncture, there are more than 700 cardiac surgeons in India specializing in various niche disciplines within the category. 

Modern Cardiology in India was established in the post-World War II period whence the Cardiology Society of India was formed in the year 1948. Interestingly this was before the American College of Cardiology in the year 1949. In a short time, many societies and communities were formed which contributed to the development of cardiac science in India.

The first positive developments in cardiac surgical treatments took birth in AIIMS New Delhi. Subsequently, an army of teachers proliferated medical colleges and some of the complex surgeries were performed by doctors in Indian hospitals in that era.

CABG has now become a common surgical intervention and more than 800,000 surgeries are performed globally. The first CABG was performed successfully by doctor K.M. Cherian in Chennai in India.

The global coronary artery bypass graft market size was a whopping 77.6 million in the year 2016 with an annual CAGR of 5.8 percent. The key drivers are the introduction of technology besides the rise in the prevalence of CAD, CHD, and MI. The rise in the prevalence of heart-associated diseases and hypertension is also a contributory factor that is propelling CABG interventions.

Modern lifestyle factors are worsening human health and contributing to various ailments. Some of the common lifestyle factors are excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, consumption of junk food, and a sedentary lifestyle among the affluent.

CABG was first performed in India in the year 1975 almost a decade later and since then the country performs more than 60000 CABG or coronary artery bypass graft surgery every year. As a matter of fact, stent implants and bypass surgery are routinely performed in many hospital chains spread all over the metros and two-tier towns. Stents are manufactured in the country for those undergoing angioplasty and stent implants.

Both open heart and beating heart surgeries are performed in the country. While the former is done using a heart and lung machine, the off-pump or beating heart procedure is performed without the machine. This is done by stabilizing the part of the heart the surgeon is operating on using a special medical device. Beating heart surgery is a low-risk option besides early discharge from the hospital and quicker recovery are the other benefits that accrue. Many different types of procedures are performed nowadays using the off-pump or beating heart procedure.

In an open procedure where the beating comes to rest, a restart is required after the procedure is over and this can be risky if the tissue is damaged during the process known as reperfusion.

India offers coronary artery bypass surgery in the top hospitals at a reasonable cost thus fortifying its status as a hub of health care delivery hub in Asia. The success rate of cardiac surgeries including CABG is as high as ninety-eight percent. The cost of this procedure ranges from 100000 t0 500000 INR.

The prices are lower in smaller hospitals and those established in smaller towns. Nevertheless, the service is good and medical outcomes stand good with an equal rate of success. The varied hospital setup and availability of a large number of specialists assure low-cost treatments of cardiac ailments in the country.

Cost ranges higher in the best hospital chains established in metros and major towns of India. The augmentation is due to the luxuries and amenities provided, some of which are tantamount to the luxury of five-star hotels. Even with all the star facilities and ambiance, the cost of CABG in the country is far lower than that provided by most Asian and EU Countries including the USA.

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Uday writes for Company in India.  He writes on medical tourism, advanced disease treatments, and health infrastructure in India.  As an experienced SEO and Content Writer he writes on diverse topics on various platforms. 

He was teaching digital marketing in Jabalpur in his free time. He can be contacted at:

pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323 

Monday, November 15, 2021

Diverse Medical Treatments in India at Incredibly Low Cost

Needless to say, medical inquisitiveness like in the case of all aspects of life in India has been intense right from ancient times.  Scientific research has been at the forefront from way back in earlier times starting or predating more than 5000 years. We should be thankful to the Hindu saints or rishis who approached health issues with an open mind and a broad sense of acceptance of what is good for the human body and soul. The civilization has always been liberal, broad-minded, and open in approach to life with rare instances of conservatism that are seen in the case of some ideological loyalties. 

The approach has always been inquisitive and holistic albeit modern analytical and technical methods were missing. Nevertheless, logic and rationality made up for measured verified success that modern science adopts, and health-driven, rejuvenated long life was achieved.   

The rishis believed in healing systems that were preventive, curative, and rejuvenated the body in the span of time the medicine and regimen that was being applied and strictly adhered to. The discovery of Ayurveda and the development of Yoga propelled holistic healing like none other system and the treatments literally became a way of life. 

Other notable examples are the work of Sushruta in the development of plastic surgery and Charak's treatise for the practice of medicine in ancient India. There are other treatises developed by physicians and scientists that have been overshadowed by the passage of unscripted time in history. 

Nevertheless, modern contributors to the field of medicine may not assiduously recognize the work done by the Indians who did end up creating a sound platform of healing in the country. The stress on medical learning and the creation of a teaching and health treatment infrastructure in modern India is due to the continuous persuasion of discovering and developing healing systems. This has been continuously bolstered by the logical and forward approach of the dispensations and planners that ruled the country.  

India now boasts of a collective framework of learning institutions that teach modern medical disciplines as well as indigenous wellness systems. The wide spectrum of disease treatments is strikingly diverse and with the knowledge and training accumulated from institutions of higher learning, and a broad base of acclaimed surgeons, physicians, and managers with a vast array of abilities and experience are at the helm of disease treatment in the country. 

The cultural sobriety, reasoning, and logical approach to the economy have created business practices that are inherently economical with controlled expenditure and no extravagance. The Indian hospitals and clinics stick to international norms of ethics and a professional quality-driven approach that leads to one of the lowest costing disease treatments in the World.  The rational approach of avoiding outward extravagance and costly architectural designs helps in controlling the costs. The skilled surgeons and physicians along with highly cost-intensive equipment and tools are used to optimum levels in the hospitals and clinics to drive the cost below the waist. 

The three-tier approach to establishing medical infrastructure has rationalized the availability of ascending scale of treatments with the basics being delivered in the village-level clinics and dispensaries. Mid-level towns and cities provide higher treatment to the patients which does call for cheap local travel and higher spending. The top rung specialty hospitals and clinics in the country are units delivering a wide spectrum of advanced disease treatments which are available in the developed world.  But all this at an incredibly low cost with successful medical outcomes. 

This approach is creating a sound platform for medical tourism in India with a promising growth rate of 30 percent in the post-global scenario.  Already international patients from APAC, China, and Africa are knocking at the doorsteps of treatment centers in various Indian cities. But what is now a slow trickle from the developed world is going to swell to an impressive stream of visitors both for health treatments and tourism in the country. The country is home to diverse terrain that contains impressive panoramic grandeur for sightseeing, experiencing colorful friendly culture, and enchanting wildlife that includes global attractions like the tiger and the lion. 

It is now there in the open as the surge in international patients becomes apparent. The country is not new by any means to hosting diverse ethnicities, cultural and religious diversity, and people from the diverse rung of social and economical strata. India Shinning! 

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Uday writes for  Company in India.  He writes on medical tourism, advanced disease treatments, and health infrastructure in India.  As an experienced SEO and Content Writer he writes on diverse topics on various platforms. 

He was teaching digital marketing in Jabalpur in his free time. He can be contacted at:

pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323 


Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Understanding Ayurveda amidst Modern Day Therapies

It all started five thousand years back whence Vedic civilization was flourishing. Hinduism was the backbone. It is an ideology with a propensity for vegetarianism which albeit it surfaced much later but I believe it had taken roots by then. Today almost 30% of Indians are vegetarian. Another feather in the cap was the development of another wellness therapy and that was Yoga. 

The two gems of Indian healing systems are very much popular today in India as well as overseas. Most of the proponents of Yoga have been initiated in the Vedic Era or earlier perhaps. The guru shishya tradition has been instrumental in exporting the wellness system to many countries. The sages left no stone unturned to discover the holistic healing sciences. Although considered as an alternative or pseudoscientific term according to some Western prejudiced practitioners and scientists.     

Ayurveda is in existence since its inception and the system is growing. New scientific logic is being applied to the system now subject to research and the quest for evidence as in the case of modern medicine. The sheer magnitude of consumption in the country of origin, and the growing popularity overseas should make habitual detractors of this ancient Indian medical science think. 

Ayurveda is close to nature since Hindu or Santam Dharma is nature-centric. A majority of formulations comprise vegetative matter, and the animal matter used is derived from creatures not subject to killing. The use of ghee or clarified butter and honey is one such example. 

The use of minerals and some metals are a cause of concern as rightly pointed out by scientists and modern medicine practitioners Some of them are toxic in large quantities. Hence all pharmaceutical concerns should create a standard for this usage that is suggestive of medicinal value. 

Ayurveda practitioners are registered practitioners with degrees from colleges and universities. They are familiar with modern medicines. Many of the pharma companies that make Ayurvedic medicines are global or National concerns that will follow standards. 

The formulations are available as tablets, powders, and liquids. Most of the popular formulations are consumed in India and abroad by the masses. Although the medicine comprises a complex mix of ingredients - herbs, roots, and minerals they are all mentioned in quantity in branded formulations.  

This Indian healing system also prescribes diet regimen, exercise, and in some instances abstinence which means it advocates lifestyle changes necessary to deal with an anomaly in the system.  Thus, it may still be not evidence-based but the lifestyle changes augur wellness, and the ingredients from the medicinal plants have beneficial properties many of which have been studied although more needs to be done to quantify. 

The system lays more emphasis on lifestyle and consuming elements in harmony with nature. Many natural remedies like Isabgol or psyllium husk, ashwagandha, shilajit, sankphuspi, and Brahmi have become popular and are used by the masses. There are more herbal ingredients on the list may be in thousands. 

India is biodiversity-rich and more herbs with medicinal properties would be discovered in time to come. Around 7000 herbs have already been classified. 

**Never consume the medicine without the advice of a doctor

**Do not stop modern medicine treatments suggested by your doctor

**Consult doctor at every step. 

Be safe and healthy! 

Medical Tourism Affordability is the Key to Success!

Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism has been in place for centuries whence people traveled to neighboring countries or made journeys by sea to find cures. But the real offtake has been for a few decades propelled by increasing International travel and the development of health infrastructures. 

People often traveled to the USA and European countries thanks to advanced treatments available some decades back. But the world has become a level playing field with health care infrastructure coming in place in many countries. But many countries that do not invest in the health sector, lag behind in trained manpower, and are unable to incorporate medical technologies are dependent upon the rest for cures and palliatives. 

Health-related travel has been facilitated by tourism development as well since both work in near conjunction. Tourism is the pathway to enter a country with ease, and this when combined with treatment turns into medical tourism. Thus, both subscribe to the same inroad but there is a difference in criteria. While sightseeing or holiday making is dependent upon panoramic destinations, hill resorts, wildlife places, and spas, medical tourism flourishes where the top of the rung hospitals thrive and offer quality treatments. 

Travel overseas is dependent upon many factors chiefly ease of Visa availability and hospitable services to places of interest. Health-related travel thrives on these factors as well but it is much more dependent upon the cost of service and treatment. Though there are travelers who seek treatments in five-star hospitals the number is less as more and more people go for the economy. 

Low-cost treatments and quality services are the prime criteria for attracting medical tourists besides other determinants. These two factors have aided countries in earning foreign exchange more than sightseeing or wildlife experiences in a country.

Health expenses are climbing sky-high in the present times and countries that have kept expenses on a tight loop and offer affordable packages attract more patients seeking overseas treatments. Some of the countries that rank high on the MTI Scale are:

  • India 
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Malaysia'
  • Thailand
  • Bulgaria
  • Panama
Though the main criteria are the low-cost treatments other determiners like proximity, ease of travel and specialization may influence the flow of patients despite some countries offering a lower price. 

India offers wide spectrum of treatments at a much lower cost as compared to other countries in ASIA. It is well known for its robust health infrastructure with a chain of accredited hospitals and clinics. The hospitals and clinics are spread out to smaller cities that are able to provide affordable packages unlike the metros and the state capitals. 




Singapore and South Korea are the world's most advanced countries in terms of medical technology and offer treatments for specific diseases and anomalies. Though countries excel in specific treatments greater weightage is accorded to Nations that offer a wider range. Another plus is the availability of holiday destinations at the same place on the route. Overseas patients generally prefer to visit holiday destinations before or after the treatment. 

India's medical tourism is valued at 6 billion USD and it ranks sixth in the world. With a 30 % growth rate, it is attracting overseas patients from China, Africa, AFPAC, and Arab Countries.  Patients from the USA, Canada, and the EU are traveling for health treatments in India  

Besides lower costs, all ranking Nations have a plus point that helps them beat the competition in the developed world.  The cost comparison chart below will highlight the prices that are different for the same treatment in some countries

 

Medical procedure       USA       Costa Rica         India      Jordan       S. Korea                          

 

Heart Bypass          $123,000           $27,000              $7,900    $14,400       $26,000                 

 

Angioplasty         $28,200                 $13,800             $5,700   $5,000         $17,700                 

 

HVR                    $170,000       $30,000                      $9,500      $14,400    $39,900                 

Hip Replacement $40,364              $13,600                 $7,200       $8,000    $21,000                

 

Knee Replacement$35,000          $12,500                 $6,600   $9,500                $17,500