Assignment

Subject: Yoga and Wellness

BBA TT 2020-23

For

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University

Under
Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management
Gwalior

“Indian medical tourism, potential and problems,

market size and growth”

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Satyarth Bhargava Dr. Amit Tiwari
Class: BBA 6th Sem Assistant Professor
Enrollment: 2031701074 IITTM
 INDEX

1. Introduction

2. Potential of Indian medical tourism

3. Benefits of Indian medical tourism

4. Indian medical tourism market size and growth

5. Summary

6. Conclusion

7. Bibliography
 INTRODUCTION

1. Indian medical tourism

Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term used
to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to seek
healthcare services. Services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well
as complex surgeries, etc.

India’s healthcare industry offers a combination of both modern and traditional forms of
medicine which sets the country apart from others.

 First, it has a set of world-class doctors and hospitals that provide treatment at fractional
rates when compared to other countries.

 Secondly, India’s systems of medicine: AYUSH i.e., Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma,

Rejuvenation Therapy, etc, which are the most ancient forms of medicine, are now gaining
immense popularity globally.

The government also recently announced plans to launch an AYUSH Mark which is a mark to
provide credibility to AYUSH products in India and promote India’s medical tourism sector.

Additionally, the other medical services and facilities are also backed by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).
India’s healthcare industry has advanced significantly over the past 30 years, as seen by the
notable accomplishments it has made.

 One of the industries that have contributed the most to revenue and are expanding quickly
is healthcare.

 Both public and private providers support the healthcare industry. Over the past few years,
national health policies have been crucial in establishing a more inclusive healthcare system
to achieve structured Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

 In addition, India provides less expensive treatment alternatives than the US and the UK
without sacrificing the standard of healthcare. About one-fourth, less is spent on therapy in
India than it is in the United States.
In terms of alternate medical treatment, the Indian medical treatment systems of yoga,
ayurveda, rejuvenation therapy, and panchakarma are among the most ancient methods of
medical treatment in the world.

The southern state of Kerala has developed medical tourism services as one of its core products
for promoting tourism in the region.

Based on the Medical Tourism Index 2020-21, India is ranked 10th out of the top 46 countries,
12th out of the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets, and 5th out of 10 wellness tourism
destinations in Asia-Pacific.

 India boasts 39 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited and 657 National
Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited hospitals.

India holds an advantage as a medical tourism destination due to the following factors:

 Most of the doctors and surgeons at Indian hospitals are trained or have worked at some
of the medical institutions in the US, Europe, or other developed nations.
 Most doctors and nurses are fluent in English.
 Top-of-the-line medical and diagnostic equipment from global international
conglomerates is available at many Indian hospitals.
 Indian nurses are among the best in the world. Nearly 1000 recognized nurses-training
centers in India, mostly attached to teaching hospitals, graduate nearly 10,000 nurses
annually.
 Even the most budget-conscious traveler can afford first-rate service and luxury amenities

Most of the tourists are from Asian or African countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Maldives, Indonesia, and Kenya, among others.

Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru are the top 5 medical tourism
destinations in India
2. Wellness tourism

Wellness Tourism includes travel for a less stressful lifestyle, promoting a healthier, and
finding balance in one’s life.

Ayurveda, Yoga, meditation, Panchakarma, and Rejuvenation Therapy are among the most
ancient systems of medical treatment in India and the best way to promote Wellness Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism has drafted guidelines for wellness tourism. These guidelines address
issues regarding making available quality publicity material, training and capacity building for
the service providers, participation in international & domestic Wellness related events, etc.

Mushrooming of wellness centers in the country has given rise to the concern for quality
service.

 The Guideline for the Accreditation of wellness centers has been developed by National
Board for Accreditation of Hospitals & Healthcare Services (NABH) in consultation
with AYUSH and released during the workshop on wellness tourism organized by the
Ministry of Tourism in 2011.

The Ministry of Tourism has also extended its Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme
to wellness tourism service providers including accredited wellness centers .

 Mushrooming of wellness centers in the country have given rise to the concern for
quality service. The Guideline for Accreditation of wellness centers have been
developed by National Board for Accreditation of Hospitals & Healthcare Services
(NABH) in consultation with AYUSH and released during the workshop on wellness
tourism organized by Ministry of Tourism on 15 Feb 2011.

 The Ministry of Tourism has also extended its Market Development Assistance
(MDA) scheme to wellness tourism service providers including accredited wellness
centers. Presently the wellness centers accredited by State Tourism Departments are
also eligible for the MDA. After the accreditation guidelines of NABH is in place, all
wellness centers seeking MDA would be asked to be as close to the accreditation
guidelines of NABH as possible.

 The initiative of accreditation of wellness centre by NABH and AYUSH has been
greatly driven be the Ministry of Tourism as also consultation with the Wellness
Tourism Service Providers, State Governments and other stakeholders .
 POTENTIAL OF INDIAN MEDICAL TOURISM

Medical tourism has emerged as a popular trend in recent years, with individuals traveling to
other countries to receive medical treatment at a lower cost or to access specialized treatments
that may not be available in their home country. India is one of the leading destinations for
medical tourism, offering high-quality medical care at an affordable price. In this article, we
will explore the potential of Indian medical tourism, its benefits, challenges, and future
prospects.

Medical tourism has emerged as a popular trend in recent years, with individuals traveling to
other countries to receive medical treatment at a lower cost or to access specialized treatments
that may not be available in their home country. India is one of the leading destinations for
medical tourism, offering high-quality medical care at an affordable price. In this article, we
will explore the potential of Indian medical tourism, its benefits, challenges, and future
prospects.

India has a long-standing reputation as a center of traditional medicine and holistic healing
practices. In recent years, India has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, and its
hospitals and medical facilities now offer world-class medical care and cutting-edge
technology. Medical tourism in India has grown rapidly in recent years, with the country
attracting millions of medical tourists from around the world.

Indian medical tourism offers a range of treatments and procedures, including heart surgeries,
organ transplants, orthopedic surgeries, cosmetic surgery, and dental treatments. Many of these
treatments are available at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, making India
an affordable option for medical tourists.
3.BENEFITS OF INDIAN MEDICAL TOURISM

Affordable Costs: One of the primary benefits of Indian medical tourism is the cost savings.
The cost of medical treatments in India is significantly lower than in developed countries like
the United States, Canada, or Australia. For example, a heart bypass surgery that costs around
$150,000 in the US can be done in India for as little as $10,000. The lower costs of medical
treatments in India make it an attractive option for people who cannot afford expensive medical
procedures in their home countries.

Quality of Medical Care: Indian medical facilities offer world-class medical care, and many
hospitals have been accredited by international organizations like the Joint Commission

International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers
(NABH). Indian doctors and healthcare professionals are highly trained and experienced, and
many have studied and worked in some of the top medical institutions in the world.

Access to Specialized Treatments: India has emerged as a center for specialized medical
treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy. These alternative healing
practices are popular with medical tourists who seek holistic and natural treatments for their
ailments. Additionally, India has become a hub for medical treatments like fertility treatments,
ariatric surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

 Cost

The cost of medical treatment in India is significantly lower than that in Western countries,
which makes it a popular destination for medical tourism. Most estimates suggest that treatment
costs in India start at around one-tenth of the price of comparable treatment in the United States
or the United Kingdom. The most popular treatments sought in India by medical tourists are
alternative medicine, bone-marrow transplant, cardiac bypass, eye surgery, and hip
replacement. In addition to the lower cost of treatment, medical tourists can also save on other
expenses such as travel, accommodation, and food, as the cost of living in India is relatively
lower than that in the Western world.

 Quality of Care
India has 39 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals, which indicates that
the quality of healthcare services in India is on par with international standards. However, it is
important for medical tourists to find the optimal doctor-hospital combination to ensure that
they receive the best possible care. Many hospitals in India also offer the option of continuing
treatment through telemedicine, which is an added advantage for patients who cannot travel
back to India for follow-up appointments.

Chennai has emerged as India's health capital, with multi- and super-specialty hospitals across
the city attracting an estimated 150 international patients every day. Chennai attracts about 45
percent of health tourists from abroad arriving in the country and 30 to 40 percent of domestic
health tourists. The city has an estimated 12,500 hospital beds, of which only half are used by

the city's population, with the rest being shared by patients from other states of the country and
foreigners. Dental clinics have also attracted dental care tourism to Chennai.

Private institutions and organizations such as Max Healthcare have consulted and treated up to
50,000 foreign patients in hospitals across the country. The promotion of medical tourism in
India has helped private players capitalize on this market opportunity.

According to Darpan Jain, Joint Secretary of the Indian government's Department of

Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, "The strength of India lies in the skills of our
doctors, support staff, calibre of our nurses and the state-of-the-art infrastructure which has
come up in the last few years, some of which are still not available even in very developed
economies."

Other medical tourism hubs in India include Bengaluru, Chandigarh Capital Region (CCR),
Delhi NCR including Gurugram and Faridabad, Jaipur, Kerala, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Hisar
Medicity is an upcoming hub, which was under planning and construction in 2021.

 Ease of Travel

The Indian government has removed visa restrictions on tourist visas that required a two-month
gap between consecutive visits for people from Gulf countries, which is likely to boost medical
tourism. A visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists from select countries has also been instituted,
which allows foreign nationals to stay in India for 30 days for medical reasons. In 2016, citizens
of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Republic of Korea, and Nigeria availed the most
medical visas.

 Language

Despite India's diversity of languages, English is an official language and is widely spoken by
most people and almost universally by medical professionals.
 INDIAN MEDICAL TOURISM PROBLEMS

Despite the growth of the medical tourism industry in India, there have been some problems
associated with this practice. These issues include quality of care, communication barriers,
ethical concerns, and lack of regulation.

 Quality of care:

Although India has several world-class hospitals, there are many others that do not meet
international standards. Some hospitals may lack adequate facilities, qualified doctors, and
advanced technology. This means that some patients may receive substandard care, leading to
complications or even death. Furthermore, patients may not have access to reliable information
about the quality of care they can expect at different hospitals. This makes it difficult for
patients to make informed decisions about where to seek treatment.

 Communication barriers:

India has a diverse population, and language can be a significant barrier to communication
between patients and doctors. Although English is widely spoken, patients from non-English
speaking countries may struggle to communicate with their doctors. This can lead to
misunderstandings about diagnoses, treatment options, and medication instructions.
Furthermore, cultural differences may also impact communication, leading to confusion or
offense.

 Ethical concerns:

Medical tourism can raise ethical concerns, particularly when it comes to organ transplantation
and surrogacy. India has been criticized for its lax regulations around commercial surrogacy,
which has led to exploitation of poor women. Additionally, there have been cases of organ
trafficking in India, and the government has been criticized for not doing enough to regulate
the industry.

 Lack of regulation:

The medical tourism industry in India is largely unregulated, which means that there is no
guarantee of quality or safety for patients. This lack of regulation makes it difficult for patients
to know which hospitals and doctors are reputable and which are not. Furthermore, there is no
formal system for tracking the outcomes of medical tourism patients, which means that there
is no way to know whether they are receiving adequate care or experiencing complications.

In conclusion, while Indian medical tourism can be a cost-effective and convenient option for
patients seeking treatment, there are also significant risks associated with this practice. Patients
considering medical tourism in India should carefully research hospitals and doctors, ask for
references, and ensure that they are receiving high-quality care. The Indian government should
also take steps to regulate the industry and protect the rights of patients.
INDIAN MEDICAL TOURISM MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH

4. India Medical Tourism Market Analysis

India's Medical Tourism Market is currently valued at USD 6.2 billion and is expected to
register a CAGR greater than 11% during the forecasted period.

The Covid-19 pandemic outbreak significantly impacted the India Medical Tourism Market,
like the global healthcare industry. The pandemic led to widespread travel restrictions and
lockdowns, severely limiting patients' ability to travel for medical treatment and resulting in a
decline in medical tourism. The India Medical Tourism Market was also affected by decreased
demand for non-essential medical procedures, as patients prioritized their safety and avoided
unnecessary travel. Many medical facilities were also repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients,
limiting the availability of medical services for foreign patients.

India became a popular destination for medical tourism due to its advanced healthcare facilities,
skilled healthcare professionals, and lower costs of medical treatments compared to developed
countries. The India Medical Tourism Market offers various medical services, including
cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, cosmetic surgery, dental care, and traditional medicine.
The Indian government implemented various policies and initiatives to promote medical
tourism, such as streamlined visa processes and developing specialized medical tourism zones.
In addition, India includes a large pool of English-speaking doctors and nurses, which makes
it easier for patients from English-speaking countries to communicate with their healthcare
providers.

4.1 India Medical Tourism Industry Segmentation

Medical tourism is traveling to another country to obtain medical treatment or procedures. It

may be done for various reasons, such as seeking lower costs for medical care, accessing
treatments or procedures that may not be available in one's home country, or avoiding long
waiting lists for certain medical procedures.
India's Medical Tourism Market is segmented by treatment type (dental treatment, cosmetic
treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopedic treatment, neurological treatment, cancer
treatment, fertility treatment, and others) and service provider (public and private). The report
offers market size and forecasts in value (USD billion) for the above segments.

5. India Medical Tourism Market Trends

5.1 Increase in the Number of Medical Tourists in India is Driving the

Market

India saw a significant increase in medical tourists over the past few years. One of the primary
reasons is the country's advanced medical facilities, which offer world-class treatments and
procedures at a fraction cost of comparable treatments in other countries. This cost-
effectiveness made India an attractive destination for patients seeking affordable healthcare.
The country includes a large pool of highly trained medical professionals like doctors,
surgeons, and nurses skilled in the latest medical procedures and techniques. This expertise and
the country's advanced medical facilities made India a popular destination for specialized
treatments such as organ transplants, cardiac surgeries, and orthopedic surgeries.

One of the most critical factors is low-cost treatment by esteemed hospitals in India. People
usually look for similar treatment in nations that can provide it cheaper. Apart from that, in
some countries, obtaining a visa requires a lengthy process. Due to the low-cost treatments
available in India, it ranks at number 7 amongst the 20 wellness tourism markets, with over
560 lacs trips made to India for medical value tourism generating USD 16.3 billion in revenue.
It also ranks at number 3 in wellness-focused countries in the Asia-Pacific.
5.2 Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure in India is Driving the Mareket

India saw a significant expansion in its healthcare infrastructure over the past few years. This
expansion is driven by public and private investment in healthcare and government initiatives
to improve healthcare access and quality across the country. One of the key areas of expansion
in healthcare infrastructure in India is the construction of new hospitals and healthcare
facilities. Many new hospitals and healthcare centers were built nationwide, particularly in
urban areas, to meet the growing healthcare service demand. These facilities are equipped with
the latest medical equipment and technologies and staffed by highly trained medical
professionals.

In addition to new hospitals, India saw an expansion in its healthcare workforce. The
government launched several initiatives to increase the number of healthcare professionals in
the country, including training programs for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

Another expansion area in India's healthcare infrastructure is the development of telemedicine

and other digital health technologies. These technologies allow patients in remote areas to
access healthcare services and consultations from doctors and specialists elsewhere in the
country. It helped improve healthcare access and quality in underserved areas and made
healthcare services more convenient and accessible for patients.

Overall, expanding healthcare infrastructure in India helped improve healthcare access and
quality nationwide, making it easier for patients to access the necessary treatments and services.
With continued investment and government support, India's healthcare infrastructure is poised
for further growth in the coming years, which will help to improve healthcare outcomes for
patients across the country.

SUMMARY
Indian medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to India for medical treatment. It has
gained popularity in recent years due to the availability of high-quality medical facilities at
lower costs compared to many developed countries. India has been able to leverage its strengths
in medical expertise, technology, and skilled manpower to attract foreign patients seeking
medical treatment.

The potential for Indian medical tourism is vast due to its large pool of highly skilled medical
professionals and state-of-the-art medical facilities. India offers a wide range of medical
treatments, including cardiac surgery, orthopedics, oncology, neurosurgery, and organ
transplantation, among others. Additionally, India has the advantage of offering alternative
forms of medicine such as Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, which are popular among wellness
seekers.
However, Indian medical tourism faces several challenges that limit its potential growth. One
of the main challenges is the lack of infrastructure and facilities to cater to the growing number
of foreign patients. Another issue is the lack of standardization and accreditation of medical
facilities, leading to concerns about the quality of care provided. Additionally, there are
concerns around medical malpractice and lack of transparency in pricing.
Despite these challenges, Indian medical tourism has shown promising growth in recent years.
According to a report by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the medical tourism industry in India
is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22% between 2020 and 2025. The
report also estimates that the market size of medical tourism in India will reach $9 billion by
2025.

In conclusion, Indian medical tourism has the potential to grow into a significant industry,
offering high-quality medical treatment at affordable prices. However, addressing the
challenges and improving infrastructure, standardization, and transparency are crucial for
sustained growth and success.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Indian medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry with immense potential
to offer high-quality medical treatment at affordable prices. With a large pool of highly skilled
medical professionals and state-of-the-art medical facilities, India has become a preferred
destination for foreign patients seeking medical treatment. However, the industry faces
challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of standardization, and concerns around
medical malpractice and pricing transparency. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the
industry's sustained growth and success.

Despite the challenges, the Indian medical tourism industry has shown remarkable growth in
recent years, and the market size is expected to reach $9 billion by 2025. The industry's growth
potential is further fueled by the increasing demand for medical treatment, rising healthcare
costs in developed countries, and India's competitive advantage in offering alternative forms
of medicine such as Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation.

In conclusion, Indian medical tourism has the potential to become a significant contributor to
the country's economy and a boon for patients seeking affordable medical treatment.
However, sustained growth and success require addressing the challenges and building a
robust ecosystem for the industry to thrive.
 BIBLOGRAPHY

1. www.google.com

2. Wikipedia

3. Ministry of tourism

4. Invest India