Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a recent gathering of health officials and experts at the BIMSTEC Health Forum, it was revealed that India has emerged as a significant player in medical tourism, raking in an impressive income of USD 7,400 million over the past decade. Buoyed by this success, Indian officials announced their optimistic projection of the sector’s revenue reaching USD 43,500 million in the next ten years.
During the event organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, various critical healthcare issues were deliberated upon by delegates from BIMSTEC nations. Among the topics discussed were the integration of mental health within the broader healthcare framework, emphasis on universal health coverage, telemedicine advancements, information sharing, human capital exchange, and collaborative opportunities.
Recognizing the shared concern among BIMSTEC nations regarding climate change, officials highlighted the necessity for effective coordination between the commercial and public healthcare sectors, as well as government bodies. They emphasized the need to achieve positive change while taking environmental considerations into account.
It is noteworthy that medical tourism is a recognized export from India and Thailand, both being BIMSTEC members. Expanding on this notion, officials proposed a partnership with the Thai government to adopt India’s ‘Swastha Sathi’ facilities, a healthcare scheme initiated by the West Bengal government. Such collaboration aims to develop a progressive plan for medical insurance, further enhancing the healthcare offerings in the region.
BIMSTEC, established in 1997, is a regional organization encompassing nations bordering the Bay of Bengal. With a collective population exceeding 1.68 billion and a combined GDP of approximately USD 2.88 trillion, the region possesses significant potential for growth and collaboration in the healthcare sector.
As India forges ahead in its pursuit of becoming a global destination for medical tourism, the BIMSTEC Health Forum serves as a platform to foster dialogue, share best practices, and explore opportunities for mutual growth. With the concerted efforts of all member nations, the region is poised to witness substantial advancements in healthcare, benefitting both the local populace and medical tourists alike.
