Medical tourism involves individuals travelling internationally to access medical care. Historically, this typically involved patients from less-developed countries seeking treatments at major medical centres in more developed nations that were not available in their home countries. However, recent trends show that people from developed countries are increasingly travelling to developing nations to take advantage of more affordable medical treatments.
Travel healthcare is a burgeoning industry in India. In 2022, the sector was valued at approximately US$9 billion. Each year, around 2 million patients from 78 different countries visit India to seek medical, wellness, and IVF treatments, contributing about $6 billion to the industry. With support from the government's Heal in India initiative, this figure is projected to rise to $13 billion by 2026. India attracts a significant number of medical tourists from countries including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A strained NHS and India’s booming medical tourism
When it comes to the UK, like many global healthcare organisations, the NHS has navigated numerous challenges over the past few decades. Today, the NHS faces pressing issues like an aging population, the urgent need for digitalisation, resource constraints, an increase in complex health conditions among patients, ongoing staff retention difficulties, and primary healthcare shortcomings. Additionally, staff morale and communication breakdowns are exacerbated by backlogs in clinic appointments and procedures, a situation further worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 has also deepened existing problems, pushing the NHS into a severe staffing crisis and causing significant delays in patient care due to backlogs. This crisis is compounded by chronic underfunding and exacerbated by current inflation and salary stagnation, leading to an exodus of both junior and senior staff to overseas positions, severely impacting staff morale. The quality and personalisation of care also seem to be missing.
India, on the other hand, excels where all others lack. The country has become a premier destination for medical tourism, bolstered by several compelling factors. Many doctors and surgeons practising in Indian hospitals have been trained or have professional experience from leading medical institutions in the U.S., Europe, and other developed regions.
Additionally, the majority of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, are fluent in English, facilitating better communication with international patients. Indian hospitals are equipped with top-of-the-line medical and diagnostic equipment sourced from global international conglomerates.
The nursing staff in India is also highly regarded internationally, supported by nearly 1,000 recognised nurse-training centres attached to teaching hospitals across the country, which graduate approximately 10,000 nurses each year. Furthermore, India offers cost-effective medical services, allowing even the most budget-conscious travellers to afford first-rate service and luxury amenities
“India is likely to see significant growth in specialised healthcare services”
According to R Venkatesh, Senior Management Executive at Narayana Health, “India's healthcare infrastructure is a cornerstone of its success, renowned for world-class facilities specialising in areas like cardiology, orthopaedics, and organ transplants. These establishments adhere to international standards, earning accreditations that inspire confidence in patients seeking treatment abroad.
“Government initiatives such as 'Heal in India' and 'Advantage Healthcare India' have been instrumental in nurturing the growth of the medical tourism sector. These initiatives streamline visa processes, promote the industry globally, and provide reliable platforms for patients to access information.
“Additionally, India's medical tourism landscape has expanded to include traditional wellness practices like Ayurveda, catering to a broader range of patients seeking holistic healthcare solutions. Technological advancements like telemedicine have further enhanced accessibility and convenience for patients seeking treatment in India.”
Mr Venkatesh hails cost effectiveness, quality of care, technological advancements and minimal waiting time to be the key factors contributing to the rise of India as a medical tourism destination. The government’s support of visa policies, regulatory framework, investment in infrastructure, skill development and promotional campaigns are also significant in supporting the growth of the medical tourism sector, in his opinion.
About the future potential India holds, he said, “India is likely to see significant growth in specialised healthcare services, such as advanced surgical procedures, organ transplants, cancer treatment, and regenerative medicine. Hospitals and clinics specialising in these areas will attract patients seeking cutting-edge treatments not readily available or affordable in their home countries.
“The integration of technology, including telemedicine; enabling patients to consult with Indian healthcare providers remotely, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote monitoring, will enhance patient care delivery and accessibility. Telemedicine platforms will.”
“There is a need for improved infrastructure and more robust policy support”
According to Dr Kunal Sarkar, Senior Vice Chairman, Senior Cardiac Heart Surgeon & Head MICS at the Medica Superspeciality Hospital, cardiac treatment has been a major driver of medical tourism in India, particularly as it often offers definitive, predictable outcomes.
According to him, “The allure of reliable results has historically led many to invest significant amounts of money in seeking heart surgery in India. Over time, as medical capabilities advanced, complex procedures in orthopaedics, cancer treatment, and brain surgery also began to play a role in attracting medical tourists. Despite the advancements in medical technology that have further improved outcomes today, even during earlier periods, heart surgery boasted a success rate of about 90%, making it a compelling option for those seeking high-quality medical care.”
He is also of the opinion that while the growth of India's medical tourism has been led so far, by factors such as affordability and technical proficiency of its medical services, the sector faces challenges such as the need for improved infrastructure and more robust policy support from the government. Moreover, there is a critical need for better integration of academic research and healthcare services to enhance the credibility and global standing of India's medical tourism sector.
