Universal Health Care Trumped by Medical Tourism?

The Rise of Global Medical Tourism vs. Universal Health Care in the US

Medical tourism continues to see a rise in the number of foreign patients travelling abroad for affordable treatment in areas such as dental, cosmetic surgery or bone marrow transplants.  Experts predict that by 2012, medical tourism will turn into a $100 billion international industry with more than 780 million patients seeking health care abroad.  Subsequently with this predication, medical tourism is and will continue to cost the U.S. health care system billions of dollars each year as patients undergo treatment in areas such as bone marrow treatment outside of the US… unless the American government can make universal health care a reality.  This however, won’t be an easy task.  US lawmakers have a lot on their plate with bank failures, scandals, and the like.  And there are a lot of vested interests who will do everything in their power to prevent the adoption of sweeping legislation that insures all Americans.

In Dr. Behzad Mohit’s blog on the issue of universal health care, he states that "developed countries all have universal care through socialized, government-run programs.  Their quality is far superior and their cost per person is less than half of ours." 

However, until the time arrives for universal health care to be introduced to the American population, medical tourism will continue to rise in foreign countries, especially during the current economic crisis, as patients drop domestic deductibles or co-payments in favor of more affordable options abroad.

How Much Does Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India?

According to India Medical Tourism the cost for bone marrow transplants in the U.S. is estimated to be a jaw-dropping $250,000, while in India it costs a much more reasonable $30,000.  And as the financial economy continues to teeter while, these foreign prices will only continue to become more appealing. 

First Bone Marrow Transplant Database in City of India

While universal healthcare legislation continues to create confusion and debate in the US congress, Mumbai is celebrating its first bone marrow database according to the Times of India.  Joining countries, such as the U.S. and the U.K., India’s bone marrow database will be used to treat patients in India and abroad, offering wide access to potential donors who can help patients with leukaemia, thalassemia, and other blood disorders.  The Times of India further states that in the near future, the registry will be launched in Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata, which will provide patients with unrelated donor marrow transplants and successfully cut the mortality rate.

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