Opportunities in Health TourismLearnings from International Experience: Opportunities in Health Tourism Learnings from International Experience By B K Ong General Manager (India), Singapore Airlines


An overview: An overview Medical Tourism- Patients going to a different country for either urgent or elective medical procedures WHO defines it as Medical care Sickness & well-being Rehabilitation & recuperation Is fast becoming a worldwide, billion dollar industry Low cost travel has taken the industry beyond the wealthy and desperate This is not a recent phenomenon, people have been traveling to far off lands to improve their health for centuries


Countries promoting Medical Tourism: Countries promoting Medical Tourism Example-South Africa specializes in medical safaris-visit the country for a safari, with a stopover for plastic surgery, a nose job and a chance to see lions and elephants


The Right Move- Singapore: The Right Move- Singapore SingaporeMedicine A multi-agency government initiative involving Singapore Tourism Board, the Economic Development Board & International Enterprise Singapore Aimed at developing Singapore into one of Asia’s leading destinations for healthcare Positioning Singapore more than a center for the treatment of illness Destination where visitors can select from wide range of services to enhance their health & well-being Includes health screening, medical wellness, aesthetic & anti-ageing programmes


The Right Move- Singapore: The Right Move- Singapore SingaporeMedicine Brought healthcare providers & travel agents together To develop suitable healthcare cum travel packages


Another Example - Thailand: Another Example - Thailand Thailand Attracts maximum Americans & western expatriates across South East Asia Bangkok, a center for medical tourism Its International Medical Center offers services in 26 languages and recognizes cultural & religious dietary restrictions The medical tour companies that serve Thailand often put emphasis on the vacation aspects Offering post recovery resort stays Is successful in tapping the health tourism market Good infrastructure Aggressive international marketing in conjunction with tourism authority


India-An Attractive Healthcare Destination: India-An Attractive Healthcare Destination Government & private sector studies in India estimate that medical tourism could bring between 1-2 billion USD into the country by 2012 Its unique offerings include Cost benefits Holistic medicinal services Internationally qualified & experienced specialists Language is another plus point- English widely spoken No waiting lists


Indian Medical Tourism: Indian Medical Tourism The caveats India is emerging as an attractive, affordable destination for healthcare BUT there are some constraints for e.g. Infrastructure/facilities need to be improved Staff in attendance need to be better trained to serve Image of India needs to be enhanced Overall service needs to be improved Much needs to be done


Indian Medical Tourism: Indian Medical Tourism Need of the hour Uniform price band in major specialties to be made public This would facilitate foreign patients seeking treatments in India Accreditation of hospitals Undertake international marketing campaign Establish Indian healthcare as safe & trustworthy Road shows, exhibitions in targeted countries Streamline immigration process for medical visitors


Indian Medical Tourism: Indian Medical Tourism Need of the hour Develop Joint Ventures with like minded companies for exchange of expertise & knowledge Collaboration for training of hospital staff Indian specialists as consultants abroad etc. Development of high quality convalescing homes – good after care Air capacity allowed to be increased Patients should not wait for weeks to avail treatment


Thank you: Thank you