Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Seite 398

Influence of Media and Social Networks
The advent of new trends in internet also had its positive impact in the
growth of medical tourism in South India. Most of the hospitals have own
websites and social network groups providing latest information on the
facilities and service packages. Word of mouth from those who have already
undergone treatment also plays a major role in bringing in more foreign
medical tourists to these states. Other tools by which Health care tourism
is getting promoted are the websites of Tourism Departments and
informative portals, foreign tie ups, promotional books, advertising and
fairs.
The NRI inflow
The latest trend in health tourism in South India is the flocking of NRIs in
large numbers seeking medical aid in these states. According to the official
records, India is having 18 million NRI population. People working abroad
come to their home states whenever they are to undergo treatment for all
diseases except for simple nuisances. A few years back, the destinations
selected by such NRIs were Delhi or Mumbai. Back then, it was the lack of
proper awareness about many of the hospitals in the south Indian states
that had forced the NRIs to go for other states and cities. Now, many of the
hospitals have been keen on providing proper awareness to those seeking
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MEDICAL TOURISM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS