5 Reasons - why people choose India as their Healthcare Destination
India gets almost 1 million patients every year from over 100 countries. The total estimated size of India’s healthcare revenues by international patients is 3.6 billion USD. This makes it one of the busiest healthcare destinations in the world. Now, this can be something that Indian’s can be proud of, but instead people involved in the assisting patients from overseas are still not greatly satisfied.
Dhruv Sharma, Director of Sales at Shinon – HBG Medical Assistance, a Premier Medical Assistance company in India, says, “We could have been double the size of what we are today, provided we could present ourselves better. The Indian healthcare team has a very individualistic approach. Each Hospital and each Medical Value Travel Company promotes itself on its own. There is a lack of coordinated effort. India is unique and we must as a team present its uniqueness to the world.”
India gets majority of these 1 million patients from SAARC, Africa and Middle East. Whereas, its counterparts in business such as Thailand and Turkey are strong in the Western World and South East Asia. Turkey has its fan following in Eastern European Countries too. Mr. Vinay Agarwal, a key office bearer of Foundation of Healthcare and Wellness Promotion in India, FHWP as it is popularly known as, is not dismayed. “India is new to this business. The organized approach to Medical Travel Business has been very recent. We have approached friendly geographies first and now is the time, we have started to introduce India to South East Asia and Eastern European countries like Ukraine. Hopefully, very soon we will be able to let the rest of the world know – That India has arrived! “
But the question is why should a Patient Travel to India? The answer lies in 5 stunning facts.
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The Indian Doctors – World over, the Indian doctors have proven their superiority. USA, UK, Germany, UAE, etc., name a country and the chances are that in any hospital in those countries, most likely you will be treated by an Indian doctor. India produces 50000+ doctors every year. And the Medical Education System in India is one of the best in the world which ensures only the best students get to become the part of Medical Education.
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Technology – India, led by the corporate sector, is one of the early buyers of any technology. Also, given the availability of intellect in abundance, most of the healthcare companies have installed their research centers in India. A lot of organic research also ensures that the doctors remain well supported in terms of data and scientific update. For eg: In cancer treatment, starting with diagnostics such as Cytogenetics, Molecular Studies and Gene Studies to treatment protocols such as Proton Therapy, Cyber-knife, Target Therapies, Immunotherapies, have become very routine.
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Infrastructure – Indeed, Indian Hospitals can be compared to the best in the world for their infrastructure. Hospitals Units like Aster Hospitals in Kochi, Fortis Hospitals in Gurgaon or Jaypee Hospitals in Noida are stunningly beautiful hospitals.
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Intense Competition – Indians are undoubtedly one of the most competitive races on earth. This sense of competition comes, given the huge population. Since childhood, the Indians know that every child is competing with at least 10 mn other children in their generation and if they fail to keep themselves updated in terms of education and skill sets, most likely the others will score over them. And this attitude continues. So, every Hospitals, every doctor and every professional are trying to keep himself or herself updated in terms of skill sets and trying to outdo his/her competition.
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The Medical Travel Companies – India has over 4000 medical travel companies. These medical travel companies act as extended arms of Indian Healthcare and ensure in providing information to people seeking in India. In fact, off late, many of these Medical Travel Companies have ensured quality processes to secure themselves accreditations such as NABH and have achieved many awards from the government. This has added to their credibility and today companies like Shinon- HBG Medical Assistance, accredited by NABH and being recipient of Multiple awards are trusted by not only patients but also insurance companies and foreign governments.
Despite being overwhelmed by negative news from world media, India has come up as strong contender for top position in treating global patients. Without doubts there is a long way to go and many things to be corrected such as public infrastructure. Vinay Agarwal says, “we as Indian are taking every step to become one of the best countries to come to for healthcare. We have changed a lot over last few years and we will continue to evolve.” Not sure though what can be done about traffic, 1.3 bn + population is not going anywhere.
