Medical tourism -- the practice of travelling to another country for medical care -- has grown exponentially in recent years. This trend is driven by several factors including cost savings, shorter waiting times and the availability of high-quality medical care.
Countries, like India, have become popular destinations for medical tourists from developed nations such as the US and UK.
These tourists seek treatments that are often expensive or delayed in their home countries. Goa is now poised to become a significant player in this burgeoning industry.
Here are some advantages of medical tourism in Goa.
1. COST-EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS
One of the primary reasons why patients opt for medical tourism is cost savings. Medical treatments in India, including Goa, are significantly cheaper than in Western countries.
One of the primary reasons why patients opt for medical tourism is cost savings. Medical treatments in India, including Goa, are significantly cheaper than in Western countries.
For example, a heart valve operation that might cost $1,00,000 in the US can be performed for less than $10,000 in India.
This substantial difference in cost makes Goa an attractive destination for medical tourists looking for affordable, yet high-quality, healthcare.
2. HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE
Goa boasts of several world-class hospitals and medical facilities, such as the Victor Hospital in Margao.
This hospital is the first super-speciality, multi-speciality, tertiary care hospital in the state, offering a wide range of treatments including orthopaedic surgeries, neurosurgery, cosmetic surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology and other surgeries.
These facilities are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained doctors, who have been educated in top medical institutions in the US and the UK.
Another significant advantage is the widespread use of English in Goa. This eliminates the language barrier for international patients, ensuring clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
3. NO LANGUAGE BARRIER
Another significant advantage is the widespread use of English in Goa. This eliminates the language barrier for international patients, ensuring clear communication between patients and healthcare providers.
This factor is crucial for the comfort and confidence of patients travelling abroad for medical treatment.
4. NO WAITING LIST
In countries like the UK, patients often face long waiting times for procedures such as hip replacements or heart surgeries.
In contrast, Goa offers the advantage of immediate treatment, which is a significant draw for those requiring timely medical intervention. This prompt service can be lifesaving and significantly improves the quality of life for patients who cannot afford to wait.
Goa offers the advantage of immediate treatment, which is a significant draw for those requiring timely medical intervention. This prompt service can be lifesaving and significantly improves the quality of life for patients who cannot afford to wait.
5. GOA'S UNIQUE APPEAL: COMBINING HEALTHCARE WITH HOLIDAY
Goa's appeal extends beyond its medical facilities. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural heritage, Goa provides an ideal environment for recovery and relaxation.
The concept of combining medical treatment with a holiday is irresistible to many patients.
Post-treatment, patients can enjoy a serene beach holiday, which aids in their overall recovery and well-being.
6. AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Goa is also known for its ayurvedic treatments, which attract many tourists seeking holistic and natural healing methods.
The Devaaya Ayurveda Retreat and other centres of this kind offer comprehensive Ayurvedic treatments, including wellness therapies, meditation and yoga.
These treatments complement allopathic care and provide patients with a holistic approach to health and wellness.
We need to research international markets and identify potential patients who face long waiting times and high costs for medical treatments in their home country.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO BOOST MEDICAL TOURISM
Recognising the potential of medical tourism, the government of Goa is taking significant steps to promote the State as a medical tourism destination.
The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the Department of Tourism aims to enhance the wellness and medical tourism landscape in Goa.
This collaboration will focus on integrating ayurvedic practices into wellness tourism, promoting Goa as a premier destination for holistic healing.
AIIA SATELLITE CENTRE
The inauguration of the AIIA satellite centre in Goa marks a significant milestone in the State's journey towards becoming a medical tourism hub. This centre, located in Dhargal village, offers a blend of ancient ayurvedic wisdom and modern medical technology.
It provides a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive, diagnostic and tertiary care.
The centre also offers academic courses and facilities such as Panchkarma cottages, a herbal garden and a sports facility, further enhancing its appeal to medical tourists.
The inauguration of the AIIA satellite centre in Goa marks a significant milestone in the State's journey towards becoming a medical tourism hub. This centre, located in Dhargal village, offers a blend of ancient ayurvedic wisdom and modern medical technology.
TARGETING INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
We need to research international markets and identify potential patients who face long waiting times and high costs for medical treatments in their home country.
Accordingly, a marketing strategy can be devised, which focuses on these aspects, along with the added benefit of a beach holiday, which can position Goa as an attractive destination for international medical tourists.
EXPANDING MEDICAL TOURISM SERVICES
Goa's medical tourism sector is still in its nascent stages, but the growth potential is immense. With government support and a strong marketing strategy, the State can attract more international patients.
Initiatives such as training and capacity-building programs for healthcare professionals, enhancing existing wellness facilities and improving infrastructure will further boost Goa's position in the medical tourism market.
The combination of cost-effective, high-quality medical treatments, no language barriers, immediate service, and the allure of a holiday in a beautiful location makes Goa an attractive option for medical tourists.
Goa is on the verge of transforming into a major medical tourism destination.
The combination of cost-effective, high-quality medical treatments, no language barriers, immediate service, and the allure of a holiday in a beautiful location makes Goa an attractive option for medical tourists.
With the government's proactive approach and initiatives like the AIIA satellite centre, Goa is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing trend of medical tourism.
By focusing on marketing strategies and infrastructure development, Goa can establish itself as a premier destination for medical and wellness tourism, offering holistic healing experiences to patients from around the world.
(The writer is a priest belonging to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine) and is currently studying for a Licentiate degree in Moral Theology. He comments on social and moral issues.)
