Hyderabad is poised to become a popular destination for what is called “medical tourism.” With healthcare costs much higher in many foreign countries, India’s well qualified medical personnel and comparatively cheaper hospitalisation costs are attracting foreign patients.

Hyderabad is well equipped to take advantage of the booming medical tourism industry.

It is well connected by air to cities around the world. The secretary in the state tourism department, Mr Jayesh Ranjan, says the low costs and quality treatment offered by the city along with the short waiting time for treatment and the internationally trained pool of specialists are major plus points for the city.

“Certain types of surgeries are very expensive in foreign countries. Our effort is to cut down on costs incurred by a substantial margin, ensuring there is no compromise on the quality of treatment,” said Mr Ranjan. He pointed out that the city also has a large pool of specialists which means many more options for patients.

Another factor working in the city’s favour is the large number and range of hotels, from the budget variety to star-rated luxury ones. Many resorts have also come up on the city’s outskirts, which add to the list of advantages. Combining tourism with medical treatment is part of the attractive package on offer.

“Family members often accompany the patient and don’t know how to spend their leisure hours in a foreign country. Our efforts will also be directed towards giving them a feel of the city in the limited time they have,” says Mr C.V. Prasad, the MD of Travel Express, a travel agency in the city.

The state tourism department is preparing to tie up with key stakeholders, reputed hospitals and travel agents to offer international patients the best deal.

The state government intends to leverage the city’s facilities to the maximum. To this end a consultative meeting was called by the tourism department with key stakeholders including medical establishments and insurance companies.

The three departments involved in this project are tourism, medical and health, and the ministry of external affairs.

Though individual hospitals have been getting international patients on their own, the government’s involvement will give the project a fillip.

“If hospitals are able to attract a few patients now, the combined effort in place will ensure that the quality gets enhanced as there will be healthy competition among different players,” says Mr Ranjan.

A doctor in a corporate hospital welcomed the project.

“It is definitely a great opportunity to be involved in such a unique experiment. Apart from the healthy competition that it will give rise to, individual doctors will also get motivated to put in their best efforts so that their institutions are counted among the elite group of institutions,” he said.

Source: Deccan Chronicle