Medical tourism and its impact on Indian economy: Issues and challenges

Tourism is the business or industry that provides information, accommodations, transportation, and other services to tourists. It also refers to travel for recreational, vacation, medical or business reasons. Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing industries as income is generated by the spending of goods and services required by tourists. The tourism industry is therefore very important to the well being of many countries. Medical Tourism involves people who travel to different places to receive treatment for a disease, health condition, or a surgical procedure, and who are seeking lower cost of healthcare and higher quality of care.India is in an advantageous position to tap the global opportunities in the Medical and Wellness tourism sector. The government’s role is crucial to the development of the emerging medical and wellness tourism industry as it is facing stiff competition in the global market. Price advantage is a major selling point and from a commercial platform this industry needs to be explored. The biggest challenge is to position India as a favorable healthcare destination by setting high health standards and work in association with the government and the medical council. The geographic conditions and the increase in the quality health care services are all conducive to boost the medical tourism facilities in India. The Government of Karnataka should take up the initiatives put forth by the Indian government and encourage public private partnership in order to be amongst the most favourable health destinations in India and globally.