Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 388

High Cost of Healthcare in Developed Countries
Higher expense in developed countries and the comparative cost advantage
that South Indian hospitals offer is another factor. One reason for steady
arrivals of Foreign Patients from UK to India is that the British NHS (National
Health Service) for poor citizens is heavily burdened and in disarray. The
very fact that the Indian costs being only 1/6th of UK attract the lower and
middle income groups to India. Meanwhile in the US the cost of medical
treatment is so high that only 10% can afford the costs, while Indian costs
are only 1/10th. The global economic meltdown also has been helpful for
turning the attention of medical tourists to India. The economic slowdown
provided an opportunity for the foreigners to have a firsthand experience
on Indian healthcare system. They got medical services on a par with
international standards at affordable cost. Even though the economic
system of many of the developed countries are back on track now, their
citizens who enjoyed the healthcare service offered in India at least once
continue to stick on to it. The number of foreigners arriving in South Indian
states for availing healthcare services also has increased significantly.
Many of the branches in healthcare including orthopaedics, gynaecology,
cardiology and dentistry have found a place in the list of most sought
after medical services by foreigners. Cosmetic treatment which stands as
separate category lures many to these states.
Improving Technology and Better Medical Facility
Better medical facility was found to be a highly significant factor in foreign
patients visiting South Indian hospitals. This is undoubtedly a reflection
of the quality of the medical service offered by the service providers in the
Medical Tourism Industry in these states. During the post liberalization
era, India has outsmarted many other countries so far as the advancement
of science and technology are concerned. Medical science and healthcare
services in the country have reached new peaks in the last decade. Earlier,
the advanced healthcare was the monopoly of the developed countries.
So, many a people who could afford the expenses went abroad high quality
medical treatment. Now the scenario has changed drastically. Though the
cost of treatment is low in India, compared many other countries which
provide world class healthcare, the cost of quality treatment is high for an
average Indian. In healthcare, South India is often compared with the
developed countries rather with other parts in the country. This fact proves
the mettle of the service provided in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Professional Excellence
South India enjoys premier positions in health and education. In these
areas, Southern India has been keeping up with the international
standards for decades. The states which have a proven track record are
the first to catch up with the developed countries in advancements in the
health sector. Internationally, the medical fraternity from South India is
among the most sought after professionals. The ever growing number of
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MEDICAL TOURISM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS