Medical tourism does not confine to development of hospitals, it helps in the growth of hospitality, transportation and other allied fields.
Vijayawada offers basic infrastructure and there is scope to develop it as a hub for medical tourism. This was what doctors and others said here on Sunday.
Bezwada chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) organised a seminar on Medical Tourism – Prospects in Andhra Pradesh and experts from different fields, including hospitality, tourism, and hospitals were invited to address the gathering at IMA Hall.
Manipal Health Enterprises Private Limited Head (International Marketing) Benny Charles Daniel said that among all the patients arriving in India, 53 per cent come for different surgeries, 18 per cent for wellness and spa service, 18 per cent for reproductive tourism (surrogacy) and 14 per cent for dental surgeries.
Regulatory bodiesFor a place to develop as medical tourism hub it needs to have functional regulatory bodies, good hotels, logistics support and above all forex service, he added.
IMA AP Association president P. Venkateswarlu said there was a need to have an international airport with night landing, helicopter ambulance service.
Janavignana Vedika secretary general Dr. V. Brahma Reddy wanted authorities to ensure diversified facilities across the State and not confine to one particular place. This apart, measures should be taken to offer advanced medical treatment to the general public within their limited budgets, he appealed.
IMA Bezwada chapter president Indla Ramasubba Reddy said the objective behind conducting the seminar was to draw the attention of government authorities over the need to promote medical tourism.
Experts’ suggestions and recommendations would be sent to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Health Minister K. Srinivas and other senior authorities, he added.
