Body + Mind treatment = Medical Tourism.

IT back office, outsourcing including medical transcription has re-defined the outlook of India in the last 10 years or so. In today’s world one may not find top fortune company which does not have back office operation or processing in India. The other emerging field in India is medical tourism.

According to reports, it’s reported that 150,000 medical tourists came to India in 2005, based on feedback from the organization's member hospitals. The number grew to 200,000 by 2008. A separate study by ASSOCHAM reported that the year 2011 saw 850,000 medical tourists in India and projected that by 2015 this number would rise to 3,200,000.

As medical treatment costs in the developed country can be many folds when compared to India, this make prospect of international travel for medical care increasingly appealing. International health care accreditation and affiliations, medical support technology equipments and high speed internet communication make treatment effective through a collaborative approach could be a per-requisite for medical tourism. Clearly India has distinct advance here, as there are hospitals with facilities as comparable to any developed country.

Medical tourism is mostly sought for treating a critical health condition and hence it’s not just about medicine alone which can successfully treat a person. To be in good health trust, environment, and positive mind plays a critical role in recovery. India have a distinct advantage here as well, all year through sunny weather, visit to nature scenic places like Kodai, Ooty, Munnar in south, Kulu, Manali, Darjeeling in north would be so soothing to mind. On top of this, India is said to be one amongst the oldest civilization in history. Hence for those who are interested to understand life and evolution of mankind, there are supporting literature and distinct historic places of importance. All this can be so relaxing to mind.

As the journey called ‘life’ progresses, the machine called ‘body’ starts getting old it requires medical attention at times. The medicine and technology can bringing in necessary correction to keeps this body functioning. However, there is a mind game which is critical not only in recovery, but also understanding life and getting on with it. This is where India can play critical role, particularly for those who want to get deep into self realization.

To me, medical tourism is a function trust, usage of advanced medical technology to diagnose and treat health problem in a cost effective way, proper pre and post care – this is where there need to be collaborative effort between hospitals of different countries and hospitality partner who need to play a vital role to ensure that mind is at peace due to medical condition and its associated treatment.

Medical tourism is still in its infant stage and has long way to go. Clearly, India would have a distinct advantage on many fronts.

* This article is a part of Indiblogger's Modern health care touch lives contest in association with Apollo hospital. Apollo hospital do offer international patient services *