Medical Tourism Benefits: How a Facilitator Makes a Success Story in India?

Medical Tourism offers tremendous benefits but it can be fraught with risks if poorly handled. Thanks to fully reputed medical tour operators conducted safe and just tours with successful outcomes and happy endings. 

We at Fanling Wellness take utmost care while delivering. Our facilitation results in affordable treatments, safe travel, stay, and treatment in the best hospitals and clinics.   

An added advantage of being an international patient in our care is the inclusion of a holiday safari or sightseeing in the close confines of your stay. 

So precisely what can go wrong if you land up with the wrong facilitator?

Plenty!

Though India is surfeited with quality health clinics and hospitals poorly chosen ones can accord a bad experience. They can also spoil the treatment since they employ surgeons or physicians who are not experienced enough and not skillful. Choosing the right practitioner is vital for your treatment and a successful outcome is assured if the right person is in the picture. In order to enhance profit agents with a bad reputation employ the services of incompetent surgeons and physicians since their salary or visitation charges are less. Be careful!

So why will you choose health travel to another country?

Well, medical tourism has inherent benefits, and the greatest benefit is the cost difference. This is true if you choose India the cost difference could be as much as 40 % and in some instances, it could be as much stupendous 90 %. But wait what happens if the service is so cheap to do you land up with a bad outcome? Well not in India, in hospitals and niche clinics a large number follow international standards. Look for reviews and referrals and you would choose the right one. Even if the facilitator connects you with a treatment center you can still verify online. 

Medical tourism in India is growing by 30% annually and people from all countries are coming here for wellness treatments, complex surgeries, and alternative healing like Yoga and Ayurveda. These can be added to the line of treatment safely since they carry very few drawbacks and after-effects. 

In most countries in Asia including India medicines and medical devices are cheaper thus ensuring a lower cost of treatment. The country for instance is the largest manufacturer of generics and an exporter so the benefit accrues safely. What's more the diagnostics and consultation for disease diagnosis in the country are state of art and cheaper. Practically all diagnosis at hands of experienced physicians or doctors at the helm of a laboratory is possible here. 

India is the hub of wildlife tourism and sightseeing, and the tourism industry is growing year after year. Why? Apart from spectacular landscapes, exciting wildlife, and a thriving culture, the infrastructure in terms of lodging and boarding is comparatively cheaper and world-class. Though budget accommodations are very cheap the amenities are missing so choose a luxury hotel for a stay while undergoing treatment or on a holiday safari. 

The country offers several travel options, the cheapest being bus and rail transportation. You can also travel inland on metro buses, cheap tuk-tuks, and metro rails all very affordable. Luxury private taxis may cost more but comparatively, they are cheaper.   

Thus, the hospital stay is going to cost cheaper as well, and what more you have the option to stay in a private temperature-controlled room with great service in most of the hospitals in India.               

Reputed health tourism facilitators do away with the language barrier and keep cultural sensitivities in mind. The language barrier can be troubling a good agent will always have a translator speaking foreign languages in the service. He or she will make conversations with the medical fraternity possible. Most reputed hospitals and clinics have learned to comprehend cultural and religious sensitivities and provide food and follow the norms as required. 

Most international patients carry an attendant for help and company. In our facilities, the allied staff is quite considerable and a good facilitator provides 24/7 executive service wherever possible. 

Post-treatment and surgery care are excellent in the country and you can afford to stay for that as well due to the lower cost of treatment. After surgery, you can become an outpatient and keep consulting the specialist till you are beyond any complications. That is the benefit of health travel in India and under a good facilitator.   

Fortifying Medical Tourism in India

Facilitating medical tourism for attracting international patients is just not a piece of cake. The sector is riddled with complexities, and glitches that have to be well managed in order to attract international patients and beat the competitors.

The current size of the market is a whopping 45 million USD with more than ten million people traveling overseas for healing. The sector is growing at a CAGR of 30% in India while the global average is 21.1% and this average will be stable up to the year 2027.  In spite of the pandemic MVT or medical value, tourism is expected to cross 13 billion USD in India.

Without Government support, it is a herculean task to excel in travel and treatment of overseas patients within the country.

What shapes Medical Tourism?

Our cultural ethos accords a Godly Status to overseas visitors. “Atithi Devo Bhava” along with the ancient healing traditions have laid firm roots for value-added health travel and tourism. 

An extensive framework is imperative for delivering quality healthcare, and dispensations play a major role. This calls for a joint approach wherein the public and private sectors jointly propel the initiative. The policy has to be framed at the federal level that governs entry, inland travel, ambiance, and low-cost treatment in the finest medical hospitals and clinics. The support at the state level and that of the private sector is thus crucial. A progressive policy framework that incentivizes various aspects of health care along with tourism has been the case in India, and the approach has paid a rich dividend.  

The latest policy of the Central Indian Government has to frame a draft National Policy that promotes wellness tourism in the country. The road map recognizes the tremendous benefits of attracting overseas patients leading to crucial foreign exchange earnings and providing support to the medical institutions within.  Integrating tourism is a must since both are correlated hence a larger perspective is being considered as a holistic approach.   

The FTAs or foreign tourist arrivals in the country were around 450000 in the pre-pandemic period and with a growth of 40%, the number is expected to touch nearly a million arrivals in the post-pandemic era. The figure also includes visitors arriving for sightseeing and wildlife safaris eventually ending up with scheduled treatments. Most of the arrivals are from Africa, Afghanistan, Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Iraq. But a large number of visitors arriving for wildlife tourism and sightseeing are from the UK, USA, Australia, and EU this number will also seek medical options during their visit while some may arrive purely for treatments and procedures.

Health Infrastructure

The country has a world-class, scalable health ecosystem with considerable funding and encouragement from the Government.  This has proven to boost the activity and the cause is being furthered with a growing number of accredited multispecialty hospitals and clinics. Investment in the latest technologies, skills, and expertise pertaining to new treatment methodology and expertise makes wide spectrum disease treatments available in the country. Quality treatments and successful outcomes are the highlights of medical services in India. The country has 37 JCI-accredited hospitals, and 513 NABH-accredited ones spread all across the country. These establishments are also wide-ranged regards luxury and ambiance hence upscale international patients who seek star facilities have an option. Most of the hospitals delivering the same quality of service including the surgeries are mid-priced while government or public hospitals are much cheaper.

While discussing the health-related travel industry allied sector and diagnostics cannot be neglected. In our country, the allied sector and diagnostics are in a robust state of being. The advanced education and training reflect holistically on the allied sector as well. Patient care is much dependent upon the nursing staff, management, and people in the team that accord state of art service to inpatients as well as outpatients.   

Ease of Travel  

Medical tourists can now avail of e-tourist visa facilities the Government also included medical attendants as well to the facility. Under this sector multiple entries and extended stays are possible.

In the year 2015, NMWTB, or the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was constituted. The purpose was to create an institutional framework and promote tourism.   

 The Costly Battle 

At the global level, the battle depends upon the cost. In choosing a destination for impending surgery or health care, people choose on the basis of cost. But nevertheless, other factors are also taken into the consideration. Quality of service, expertise, and travel consideration also matter. Easy availability of visas and extension, economical accommodations, and cheap inland travel all matter.      

 

 

Cost Benefits and Expertise is a Factor behind Surge in Medical Tourism in India

The chosen destination for heart surgery, be it CABG or open-heart procedures is India. This is due to the cost-benefit, expertise, and availability of accredited hospitals and clinics. This is just an example; the country excels in providing excellent health care to overseas citizens in almost all disciplines. 

Well! Speaking the truth international health travel is governed by multiple factors not only the cost-benefit. But at the core of all treatments is the cost, and it outweighs all other factors.

Patients with insurance or those availing of public health care prefer local medical facilities, but sometimes these are not the binding factors. A long waiting list, lack of expertise, or medical facility in one’s country propels citizens to visit faraway destinations for healing.

Some of the preferred destinations for wellness and healing are:

• ·        Japan
• ·        Korea
• ·        India
• ·        Malaysia
• ·        Singapore
• ·        USA
• ·        UK
• ·        Thailand
• ·        Germany
• ·        Sweden

Among these top ten Nations, India ranks sixth in terms of revenue generated but the arrivals are expected to increase when the impact of the pandemic is over. The country provides surgical options and non-surgical treatments at 1/10 and 1/15 the cost of that incurred in the USA and the UK. These are comparative averages since many Asian countries also provide low-priced options, but nevertheless, India ranks as one that provides better choices and rates in most cases.

Low-cost options, expertise, and accredited hospitals are available pan India - almost in all mid-level towns. The mid-level towns due to the less economical stress and cost of living are able to provide equally good options for invasive procedures and palliative care at a much lesser price. Most of the rated hospitals and clinics are on par with those established in costlier metros and capital cities.

Another plus point that attracts international patients is the availability of cheap but expert diagnostic facilities, generic drugs, and medical devices. The country is the largest manufacturer of generic drugs and indigenous vaccines.  With increasing foreign direct investment, the pharmaceutical industry will grow by leaps and bounds.   

Wide-spectrum disease treatment availability is another virtue that the country is endowed with. This is a result of stress placed on educational intuitions to deliver the best in technology and medical sciences. The health care infrastructure is well looked after and funded by the dispensations in India. The recent allocation on health care has been Rs. 2,34,846 crores and more funding is promised in near future. The country is home to a large number of medical colleges that are imparting graduate and post-graduate degrees churning out doctors and surgeons in impressive numbers. Most of the degree holders study further in institutions of higher learning in advanced countries. Most of the fellowships obtained by Indian experts are from the USA and the UK followed by other EU countries.     

The most desired procedures and surgical options that inbound health traveler seeks pertain to cosmetic, cardiac, transplants, oncology, and dental restructuring. Patients from overseas also seek recourse to minor ailments besides major surgeries and palliative care.

With ancient indigenous healing systems prevailing since the medieval ages medical science is nothing new for Indians. Ayurveda, meditation, and Yoga offer excellent alternative recourse for people from all over the World. Ayurveda though not thoroughly researched using the modern methodology, and often criticized for unproven health benefit claims is nevertheless making inroads as modern research and studies are being applied to the ancient formulations prevailing in the system.

Thus, the country has deep-seated roots in its approach to healing. It is said that ancient practitioners developed a number of treatises pertaining to medicine, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.  The use of Ayurveda as a holistic system of healing cannot be challenged though it does not a substitute for modern allopathic traditions. But Ayurvedic healing can be applied in conjunction without conflict with modern therapies. In order to stress the growth of medical tourism in the country, a separate ministry has been set up. Called AYUSH Ministry, its main role is to promote indigenous healing systems besides homeopathy.      

There is hence a strong basis for Indians to excel in the healing sciences and their applications. No wonder the country is attracting more and more people from developed Nations besides the neighboring countries, Africa, China, and APAC region.

The health travel country is expected to grow over 21 % CAGR between the years 2020 and 2027. The Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives along with the ministry of tourism are aim to propel inbound health travel sky-high.   The country is already gaining traction in inbound tourism related to wildlife safaris and sightseeing due to the presence of iconic wild species and places of panoramic grandeur. Thus, if tourism increases it is most likely to propel low-priced treatments available in India. Thus, the medical industry and tourism are correlated as the name suggests, and India with vast resources in both is slated to become a prominent hub.         

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 

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             

IVF & Medical Treatment in India

After years of lagging in medical treatment and research India has finally caught up with the World. 

What more medical care and surgery are more affordable in this country than the same available in the developed World

Medical Tourism as it is called is a booming segment projected to grow fourfold in the near future. This has come about because of mushrooming of quality hospitals, trained physicians, surgeons, and allied health specialists.  Since many on the go mix tourism while on treatment here hence the name. 

The low cost of treatment comes about due to the lesser scale of the economy that prevails in India and other Asian countries. Travel services, transportation, and accommodations are relatively cheaper as well.  

Some of the popular treatments and surgeries that people from overseas arrive here are as follows: 

• IVF
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Organ Transplant
• Cancer Treatment
• Dentistry
• Neurosurgery

The easy availability of class hospitals, trained surgeons subscribing to various fields, and physicians with expertise are other reasons overseas visitors trust medical treatment in India.   Another enticing factor is the availability of noninvasive alternative treatments in the country. 

Ayurveda therapy, Unani and naturopathy, homeopathy, and Yoga are the most sought-after. More so these treatments are all-encompassing with the least after-effects, unlike modern science.    

Like other treatments, IVF is the most sought-after in India. The treatment is widely prevalent in metros as well as smaller towns with excellent infrastructure. The cost of fertility procedures is lesser in towns of medium scale without the loss of quality. 

Some of the infertility procedures possible in the country are: 

• ICSI
• TESA
• IUI
• IVF
• Freezing Embryo & Semen
• Ovulation Induction 

Most of the associated procedures can be availed in infertility clinics in India at a lesser cost. There are hospital chains that provide the treatment besides set-ups. . The private fertility hospitals in India are equal in services and professional medical care.  They are manned by expert doctors and surgeons besides the professional care team.