Medical tourism is movement of patients in search of skillful and affordable medical care to countries having a highly developed healthcare system. Also known as Healthcare Travel, this industry comprises of two distinct groups of people, one traveling from highly developed countries in search of affordable treatments to and the others traveling from poorly developed and developing countries in view of absent infrastructure.
Services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well as complex specialized surgeries such as joint replacement (knee / hip), cardiac surgery, dental surgery, and cosmetic surgeries. Individuals with rare genetic disorders may travel to another country where treatment of these conditions is better understood. However, virtually every type of health care, including psychiatry, alternative treatments, convalescent care, rehabilitation and physiotherapy are available.
India is growing as a preferred destination for medical treatments with an increasing number of patients visiting various Indian hospitals for the required treatments. Advantages for medical treatments in India include reduced costs, availability of latest medical technologies, and growing compliance on international quality standards. With a large number of foreign students studying in India, language interpretation too does not come as a hinderance for international patients.
With a focus on international patients, hospitals in India now have dedicated patient managers to attend to the requirements of these patients, ensuring that they receive maximum care and comfort while undergoing treatment in India. Services being provided include personalized transfers, city tours, currency exchange at the doorstep and butler and concierge services.