Medical tourism to expand in India

Medical tourism in India is likely to take off soon with a proposal on the anvil for a 1000-bed hospital near the capital to cater to visiting families. Three international parties have evinced interest in the hospital with budget accommodation, Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni said on Tuesdaym, November 13, 2007 in New Delhi.

The proposal will soon be taken to the Planning Commission and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she said. Citing reasons for such an initiative, Soni said patients coming with families, who also look forward to sight seeing, find the hotel accommodation very expensive.

The medical tourism industry is expected to involve an overall investment of $6.5 billion, Soni said at the inauguration of India Health Summit organised by the CII.

"Not very long ago, Indians used to travel abroad for treatment. Things have changed now. Now the world is coming to India for the treatment, thanks to extremely competent doctors and availability of latest technologies," Soni said.

"In this scenario, the investment is very important. China may be getting more investment and we may be less but we are getting for sure," she said.

However, the minister expressed concern on bureaucratic snags in the path of investment. "The biggest deterrent for foreign investors is the unavailability of a single window clearance system," Soni said adding at least her ministry was trying to simplify procedures and makes the system easier.

Source:http://www.ndtvprofit.com