PANAJI, October 24, 2011
Special Correspondent
The Hindu
It is seen as tourism destination with modern healthcare systems
Experts and stakeholders of medical tourism on Sunday said Goa had a major potential for medical tourism which needs to be tapped.
Medical health tourism professionals were speaking at an interactive session on medical tourism on the second day of the on-going Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2011 here.
Digambar Naik and Parag Rindani explained how medical tourism was one of the most promising sectors in India, because of the good quality of healthcare available in modern Indian hospitals and the cheap costs involved as compared to healthcare facilities in the developed countries in Europe and the U.S.
“Goa offers a complete package. Along with a modern and efficient healthcare systems, it is a top tourism destination in the world. It has the potential to offer both rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul,” Dr. Naik said.
“Along with the medical fields like cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, Goa had talented healthcare professionals which could match with the best in the world. The region was blessed with naturally therapeutic delights.”
“Goa has the country’s best hotels where patients can have a comfortable stay, it is culturally rich where prices are affordable,” he said.
Dr. Rindani, Head of Medical Strategy and Clinical Excellence, at the Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd., said that patients wanted safe and effective care without complications with clarity on costs in a caring and nurturing environment.
Laying emphasis on the importance of standardisation and accreditation of the healthcare facilities to promote medical tourism, Dr. Rindani said: “Accreditation focuses on learning self-development, improved performance, and reducing risk. It is based on optimum standards, professional accountability and encourages healthcare organisation to pursue continual excellence.”