Medical Tourism Bangalore

Medical tourism in Bangalore has taken off. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India” Bangalore has emerged as the hotbed for medical tourism in the country.

Bangalore is the fifth largest city in India. It’s a city of striking contrasts – a perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels of architecture and technology. Located 1,000 metres above sea level, it’s described as one of the most “happening” places in India. The city has many beautiful parks, tree-lined avenues, and a trendy yuppie downtown along with an excellent climate.

After the success of the IT industry, Bangalore is all geared up to experience another new trend – medical tourism, also known as healthcare travel; health tourism; medical travel; healthcare abroad; and overseas healthcare. Medical tourists from all over the globe have been flocking to Bangalore like never before. The sudden boom of medical tourism in the city is regarded by medical gurus as a “goldmine” just waiting to be explored.

Hospitals in Bangalore and other corporate establishments have realised the potential of medical tourism and have accordingly adapted their needs and facilities. The travel agents and hotels are now structuring their packages and holiday schemes in accordance with the inflow of medical tourists coming into Bangalore.

Foreign patients mainly come in from the Gulf, Europe (especially UK) and from South East Asia and the US. They come here to get their medical treatment at one-third the cost and to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Cost of medical treatment

Most experts agree that the low cost of treatment is one of the biggest attractions for westerners. For cardiac surgeries, cancer treatment or an orthopaedic surgery you’ll only pay around one-third the cost charged in developed countries like the US or the UK. For example, for a Total Hip Replacement you’ll pay 9,100USD (5,000 GBP, 7,321 Euros). A total knee replacement will cost you the same.

Primary procedures & packages in Bangalore

Some of the primary procedures where Bangalore is said to excel include; cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery; joint replacement; orthopaedic surgery; gastroenterology, ophthalmology; transplants; and urology…the list goes on.

Specialised treatment is available in areas like; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Oncology; Ophthalmology; Rheumatology; Endocrinology; ENT; Paediatrics; Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Neurology; and Urology…to name but a few.

Some of the most popular medical packages include; Dental Care; Eye Care; Heart Care; Heart Surgery; Health Check Up; Cosmetic Treatment; and Orthopaedic Surgery.

Medical packages include the cost of all hospital and doctors fees along with all medicine & drugs, diagnostics and implants. They even include transfers from the hospital to the airport as well as accommodation before and after the operation. Post operative care includes rehabilitation and meals and 7 days supply of drugs on discharge from hospital care.

In conclusion

Medical tourism as a phenomenon is just over eight years old in Bangalore. Yet, given the entrepreneurial spirit of the city, it aims to rapidly become a very important medical tourism destination, attracting foreign patients from all over the world.

Given the success of the IT industry here, Bangalore has become well known all over the world. It also has large number of top hospitals in the city and innumerable medical institutes and colleges. The climate is also an important factor, offering pleasant year round conditions for medical tourists.

The cost of treatment, excellent climate, infrastructure, range of medical packages and levels of expertise have all helped to make Bangalore one of the most important medical tourism destinations in the world.

Until next time

Malcolm – Your Medical Tourism Guide