Modern Medical Tourism in Kerala

Health Vacation in Kerala

The health vacation phenomenon is one of the hottest new trends at the moment, and Kerala, India currently receives a surprising number of foreign tourists who desire high-end wellness solutions.  Although Kerala has long been synonymous with ancient Ayurvedic healing, the region’s focus on modern medical tourism is what accounts for the bulk of visitors these days.  According to Dr. Philip Augustine, CEO of Lakeshore Hospital, the number of tourist coming into the state for a health vacation was 16,000 in 2006.  It is estimated that this number could rise up to 100,000 by 2010 thanks to Kerala’s world-class doctors and excellent infrastructure.  The bulk of medical tourists come from the Middle-East, the U.S, the UK, and the Maldives. 

Medical Tourism and Its Dangers

An international conference on medical tourism, organized jointly by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), would focus on attracting doctors, hospitals, and tour operators while further honing strategies to advance the benefits of medical tourism.  Nawaz Meeran, President of the CII Kerala chapter, points out that the number of medical tourists arriving in Kerala rose by 30% to 40% after last year’s summit.   

CII has also declared 2006-2007 as medical tourism year in Kerala.  Part of their mission is to address the perceived dangers of medical tourism by promoting the accreditation, certification, and training of their hospital staff and personnel.  They also hope to reduce the potential dangers of medical tourism by eliminating travel fatigue and prematurely expedited recovery processes. 

Affordable Costs of Medical Tourism

Kerala’s emergence as a top class medical tourism destination has attracted international insurance companies and third party managers.  The Guardian of London states that the health vacation phenomenon is on an upswing with tourists from developed countries since medical tourism combines affordable wellness solutions with personalized attention.  Many also throw in a brief vacation for good measure .  The Guardian further quotes the competitive treatment costs such as: 

• Heart Bypass UK £15000, France £13000, US £13250, India £4300
• Hip- replacement Uk £9000, US £15900, France £7600, India £1350. 

As a medical tourist  Wayne Steinard says “"I still cannot believe that expenses on the surgery, other hospital charges, airfares and hotel stay do not add up to US $10,000."  This sentiment is starting to spread as more and more tourists from abroad realize the many benefits of medical tourism in India.

Sources: “Medical Tourism Catching up in Kerala” Chennai Online, March 8^th, 2007