India will with no doubt become the global health destination. It
aims to replicate the Thai model, which is still the first Asian
destination for International Patients.
With prices at a fraction (sometimes only 1/10th!) of those in
the US or EU, the concept has broad consumer appeal – if people can
overcome their prejudices about health care in developing countries.
The reality is that Indian private facilities offer advanced
technology and high-quality procedures on par with hospitals in
developed nations.
India is the leading country promoting medical tourism in the
world. It is even moving into a new area of "medical
outsourcing" where subcontractors aim to provide services to the
overburdened medical care systems in western countries. Medical
tourism to India is growing by 30% a year and the Indian
education system is churning out an estimated 20,000 to 30,000
doctors and nurses each year.
India benefits from a large staff of world class experts and
the ultra-competitive cost advantage it offers. While a heart
surgery costs $30,000 in the US, it costs $8,000 in India.
Similarly, a bone marrow transplant costs $26,000 here compared
to $250,000 in the US. You can add to this that Indian doctors
are among the best in the world.
Howard Staab, a 53-year-old carpenter-contractor from North
Carolina, was diagnosed last year with a serious heart
condition. Mr. Staab's doctor recommended surgery as soon as
possible. But he had no health insurance. The estimate for
hospital care alone was nearly $100,000. The cost for the
surgeon, the cardiologist, the anesthesiologist, the
radiologist, and the pathologist, along with the cost of a heart
valve and prescription drugs, has brought the total up to a
staggering $200,000 - assuming no complications. Howard Staab
did some research and decided to go to Escorts Hospital in New
Delhi, where the estimated cost was under $10,000, including
airfare, surgery, and rehabilitation! Howard Staab said, "I was
apprehensive in the beginning because I had no experience with
India or about the quality of care, and the situation there. But
my experience was superb. From the time we arrived at the
airport, Hospital people escorted us to the hospital, gave us
excellent care. The surgeons and all the staff were extremely
professional, kind and caring. Everything went very well and I
was so satisfied and impressed with the care".
Most non-urgent Western patients usually get a package deal
that includes flights, transfers, hotels, treatment and often a
post-operative vacation. There are many brokers specialized on
the Indian market.
Medical tourists are also increasingly coming as well for the
renewal of Indian traditional medicine such as yoga, ayurveda
and meditation and combine this with the western treatments they
receive during their stay. |
