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8 Things to know about Medical Tourism in India

Whether it is chemotherapy or something relatively small as dental implants in India, medical travelers seek a lot here. There’s much written about medical tourism in India but not much is drawn from concrete facts. Medical travel is still a nascent industry with very little data to draw conclusions from.

That could certainly be a concern for the discerning medical tourist, but below are some interesting revelations that came from my research and interaction with patients and hospitals:

1.     Where do medical tourists in India come from?

The low cost of medical treatments in India is a major draw for medical tourists, but a vast number of medical tourists here are not those driven by cost but those that are come to avail of the first-rate medical facilities, which are not available in their local healthcare systems.

According to a 2015 report by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Bangladeshis and Afghans make the largest number of medical tourists in India because of the poor medical infrastructure in their countries and also perhaps, because of their geographical proximity to India.

Africans—specifically form Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Mauritius, Egypt, and South Africa—largely seek healthcare in India for lack of qualified doctors locally.

Even though India exports billions worth of pharmaceutical supplies to African countries every year, the healthcare facilities there are not adequate.

Medical tourism in India

Overburdened healthcare systems in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) also drive thousands of medical tourists to India, mostly those seeking emergency care for which they are made to wait in their local hospitals.

People from the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf countries, Americans, Australians, the British, and Europeans travel to India mostly for the cost benefit on elective medical treatments.

Also important to mention here are Indian expats all over the world, who routinely come home for medical treatments and surgeries.

2.     Why do people prefer Indian doctors?

Indians are everywhere. People know of their ways. They are well understood and most patients from abroad feel a level of ease with Indian doctors much more than they would with doctors of any other country.

“Even back home I was going to be treated by an Indian doctor; why not travel and save thousands,” says a middle-aged man from the UK, who was in India for hair transplant and dental implants.

India and China are the two countries with the oldest healthcare systems in the world, and these are also the two countries that contribute the highest number of doctors to the world’s pool even today.

But I have been to China, and language is a problem.

India’s medical education on the other hand, is all in English. It is highly competitive and only the very best make it to medical schools.

More importantly, Indian doctors treat a much larger volume of patients as compared to their Western counterparts, which means they are more experienced and can be relied upon.

3.     Is it safe?

Many patients—specifically those from the West—have their concerns about the safety of medical treatments in India.

I cannot help but point out this unfortunate case where this Indian girl was refused cosmetic surgery in India because the doctors did not consider her a suitable candidate. She went to the United States, where the doctors performed the surgery she requested, only to result in death.

Surgeries—even as simple as a mere dental extraction—always carry a risk. If things can go wrong in India, they can go wrong in America, or just anywhere else in the world.

The safest option is to never undergo a surgery if it can be avoided. But if you think undergoing a surgery will significantly improve the quality of your life, then your best bet is to look for a competent, experienced doctor, who feels right.

4.     Will I be comfortable?

India is the most diverse country in the world—thousands of languages, cultures, foods, and ways of living have thrived for hundreds of years in the sub-continent, which is probably why it seems hospitable to people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Such diversity allows foreigners to merge easily and not feel like outsiders. It may not be so important when you are traveling for fun, but that sense of belonging is a huge plus when you are trying to trust doctors and nurses in another part of the world with your life.

5.     Hospital standards and nursing care in India

The airport may look too crowded, the traffic may drive you crazy, but once you reach the destination hospital, you will likely heave a sigh of relief provided you have chosen the right facility.

Indian hospitals

The US-based Joint Commission International has a stringent process for accreditation of hospitals—only about 21 hospitals in India are JCI accredited so far, giving an indication of the standards of care you can expect and making these facilities more trustworthy.

Besides, the nurse-patient ratio in India is higher than most other parts of the world and patients easily feel cared-for, unlike in some parts of the world, where they want you to leave the hospital as soon as possible.

6.     Hospital food in India

If you like Indian food, you will have it easy. Most big hospitals also serve decent continental food and many of them have in-campus cafes. Although they do not have exhaustive menus, you should be able to find a decent sandwich, salad, and coffee.

As a patient you can only eat the food provided from the hospital canteen, as suggested by the hospital nutritionist.

Non-vegetarian food might not be easily available inside the hospital premises.

Once you are discharged, you will find a wide array of options. Do not be tempted by street food—stick to the food served by your hotel or international fast food chains, which are aplenty in India.

 

7.     What languages do they speak?

English and Hindi are the most widely spoken languages and if you are comfortable with either of them, you will have it easy with the doctors and nurses.

Doctors in India

English arrived in India a result of British colonization and has since been rooted in the country’s education system, including all its medical colleges. English is widely spoken amongst doctors and staff of all hospitals.

Considering the burgeoning numbers of medical tourists, many hospitals have started offering the services of language interpreters.

8.     Visa for medical tourists in India

Foreigners seeking medical treatment in India can apply for a medical visa or M-visa. Up to two attendants, who are blood relatives, are allowed to travel with you. They will be given the medical attendant visa. 

Besides the passport, photographs, visa application and fee, you will need to provide an invitation on the letter head of the hospital that you have selected for treatment. Also, fill up and submit this medical visa undertaking.

More information regarding medical visa fees for different foreign nationals is available here.

Conclusion

Despite all concerns, thousands of people travel to India for medical care and return satisfied.

A white paper released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in 2015 pegged the number of medical tourists in India at 270,000 for the year of 2014, which was a growth of over 17% as compared to the previous year.

As the government realizes the concerns of people travelling here and organizations like ours try to make the process safer and more transparent, medical tourism in India should grow and in process become easy, transparent, and more dependable.

Medical tourism in India continues to grow as people from other parts of the world come to benefit from the high-quality, affordable medical services in the S. Asian country.

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