Introduction:
India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the world seeking high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices. With its state-of-the-art facilities, skilled medical professionals, and a rich cultural heritage, India offers a unique proposition for those seeking medical treatments and procedures. This article explores the growth, advantages, and impact of medical tourism in India.
The Growth of Medical Tourism in India:
Over the past decade, India has experienced significant growth in medical tourism. The country’s reputation for providing world-class healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries has been a driving factor. India’s advanced medical infrastructure, renowned hospitals, and highly skilled doctors have gained international recognition, attracting patients seeking a range of treatments, from complex surgeries to wellness and preventive care.
Quality Healthcare Facilities:
India boasts a vast network of modern and well-equipped healthcare facilities, including multispecialty hospitals, specialized clinics, and wellness centers. Many of these institutions are accredited by international organizations, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. State-of-the-art technologies, advanced medical equipment, and cutting-edge procedures are readily available, providing patients with access to high-quality healthcare services.
Surat, a bustling city in Gujarat, is garnering attention for its superior quality of medical services. Dr Shrujal Shah from Green Leaf Hospital in Surat aims to increase awareness and promote medical tourism in Surat. Being an orthopedic surgeon by profession, he has won many accolades for his notable work in knee replacement in old age patients and the rehabilitation of young patients after a sports injury like a ligament tear.
Several cities in India lack access to orthopedic facilities and can benefit from travelling to other towns to access trustworthy medical care. Particularly the northeastern states of India and Jammu and Kashmir suffer from an acute lack of these resources. While metropolitan cities in India generally have well-established orthopedic facilities, smaller cities and tier-II cities may face some limitations as well. These cities might have a shortage of experienced orthopedic surgeons, advanced medical technologies, and specialised orthopedic centres, which can impact access to comprehensive care.
In conclusion, it’s essential that the government and the people recognise the need, benefits and accessibility of medical tourism and establish policies that make the latter a viable option to a majority of people.
Dr Shrujal C Shah
Orthopedic surgeon
Green Leaf Hospital, Surat