Medical Tourism in Mangalore

Mangalore a Destination for Affordable Healthcare

Mr. Shams Tabriz, a Pakistan national, had an ailing heart for over six months, and his doctors advised further medical examinations to ascertain the cause.  Mr. Shams, who was working in Dubai, found rising costs a major problem in healthcare.  His Indian colleagues told him that Mangalore has some of the best hospitals for heart surgery in India, so he telephoned Dr. Purushotam, the Interventional Cardiologist at Mangalore.  Being a Pakistani national, reaching India was difficult due to the prevailing political tensions, but letters from the doctor describing his condition provided the necessary incentive.

Best Hospitals for Heart Surgery in India

Mr. Shams checked into the AJ Hospital in Mangalore.  After preliminary tests, he was treated for Coronary Artery Disease on October 30, 2006.  Assisted by three other doctors, Dr Harish the Chief Cardiac Surgeon performed coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by taking tubes from the patient’s own body to treat the blockage.  The procedure took three and a half hours and involved clearing three blocked arteries.

Rising Costs a Major Problem in Healthcare

Mr. Sham’s successful surgery was newsworthy, not because the surgery was rare but because he was the first Pakistan national to be admitted to AJ Hospital.  This hospital is considered one of the best hospitals for heart surgery in India because of its excellent service, affordable healthcare, and modern technology.  Patients from Uganda, Bangladesh and many Gulf countries visit India, which is becoming a major medical tourist destination for affordable healthcare facilities.  The doctors of AJ Hospital have attended a conference in Bahrain and are planning a trip to Singapore to promote medical tourism.  Their efforts have been successful in enlisting patients from all over the world.

Source: “Growing Trend of Medical Tourism in M’lore” Mangalorean.com,11/24/2006.