Despite the Recession, Medical Tourism Is on the Increase for India

Medical Tourism on the Increase in India 

As the recession takes hold, it would be natural to think that medical tourism would see a decline in the number of foreign patients.  This however, does not appear to be the case.  Already popular in countries such as Thailand, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, and Turkey where accredited and affordable health care is available for many westerns, India is fast becoming the preferred destination for medical tourism. Low priced gastric bypass surgery, affordable Botox, and cheap dental work are saving thousands of dollars for millions of Americans.  In a recent article in The Times of India, 2002 saw earnings of $300 million as a result of medical tourism which has been increasing 25% each year.  According to a Cll-McKinsey report, medical tourism will see earnings reach the $2 billion mark by 2012, making India the next best tourist destination for medical treatment. 

Low Priced Health Care in India 

As the world deals with the financial turmoil, more and more people are opting for medical treatment abroad allowing them to incorporate a holiday while undergoing treatment.  The Times of India has reported from the Planning Commission that while heart bypass surgery costs $24,000 in the US, it only costs $6,000 in India. Low priced gastric bypass surgery however is available for $7,500 in India, while in the US it costs a staggering $25,000. The India Street reports that knee surgery costs between $16,000 and $17,000 while in India, it only costs a mere $1,000.  Medical tourism comes at a low price in India where short stay hospital care provides patients with the opportunity to experience the country's rich history without breaking the bank. 

Is Low Priced Health Care in India Safe Health Care? 

At a time where tightening our spending belts has become an everyday occurrence, medical tourists are taking advantage of the low priced health care that is offered in different countries.  According to a ministry statement "medical tourism has gained momentum in India over the past few years, a trend underpinned by India's low-cost advantage and the emergence of new high-quality healthcare service providers." 

Offering the latest technology and procedures, India’s medical professionals provide their patients with universally acclaimed friendly professional care and treatment packages that cater to individual needs.  Low priced health care will definitely interest new patients, especially during the recession, but the added safety and potential vacation benefits might be an even bigger draw for prospective patients.

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