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'India's medical tourism earnings to double by 2012'

New Delhi, June 19, 2009

Medical tourism can fetch India up to Rs.8,000 crore in foreign exchange by 2012, nearly double than current figures, according to an industry lobby.

"Currently, the earnings accrued through medical tourism annually are estimated to be around Rs.4,500 crore," said Sajjan Jindal, president of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) in a statement Thursday.

This would grow to around Rs.8,000 crore over the next three years, according to him.

"The primary reason for medical tourism to flourish in India is the lower cost for treatments such as bone marrow transplant, bypass surgery, knee surgery and liver transplant as compared to western countries," Jindal added.

Another reason for India attracting overseas patients is its bank of highly qualified medical professionals, Assocham said.

India has over 75 lakh qualified doctors, who according to the industry chamber, charge "reasonable professional fees".

India's expertise in traditional treatments such as homeopathy, naturopathy, ayurved and unani are also becoming increasingly popular as these have no side effects, Assocham said. 

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