Over 40 countries in Asia, Africa, South America and Eastern Europe are common destinations for patients from the developed world looking for cheaper health-care alternatives. In Asia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India are market leaders. Thailand is predominantly the destination for those seeking cosmetic surgery. India and Singapore are seen as destinations for dentistry, cardiac and orthopedic surgery. While India is cheaper than Singapore, Singapore has a big technical advantage.
With several million patients making the trip every year, entrepreneurs are tapping into the market. “We have patients coming in from all over the world. However, Africa, Middle East and Commonwealth Countries contribute towards the sector by as much as 30 percent of the total inflow,” said Anurav Rane, CEO of PlanMyMedicalTrip.com, which has been in the business for nine years. “There are a lot of different medical and surgical options for medical tourists coming to India. Primarily, medical tourists get elective procedures done such as cosmetic surgery, hip and knee replacements, dental procedures and infertility treatments,” he said.
Rane’s company primarily targets those visiting India. India has seen the biggest growth in this sector year-on-year. It is expected to grow to $8 billion US in 2020, from $3 billion US currently. Though a relatively new addition in the tourism sector, it has begun to outpace other tourism areas, including religious and holiday travel, traditionally the leaders in the Indian tourism market.
According to the Confederation of Indian Industries, the main reason for medical tourism is cost-effectiveness. Treatment at par with developed countries is available in select cities in Asia, at a much cheaper rate. Africa is also a major contributor to Asia’s medical tourism inflow. African nations often lack modern treatments and good doctors, making Asia a good destination.
