India generates USD 7,400m through medical tourism over last decade

Dhaka: India earned USD 7,400 million through medical tourism over the last decade. Also, the number is anticipated to increase to USD 43,500 million in the next 10 years.

The health sector in India, in the past five years, witnessed many private investments, officials at the BIMSTEC Health Forum, organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce said, as per reports.

Among the issues discussed by the delegates at the forum were the inclusion of mental health under overall health, focus on universal health coverage, telemedicine, information sharing, human capital exchange and collaborative opportunities.

"Because BIMSTEC nations are sensitive to climate change, coordination between the commercial and public healthcare sectors, as well as the government, is required to effect good change while keeping the environment in mind," an official said at the forum.

Medical tourism is a recognised export from two BIMSTEC members -- India and Thailand.

A partnership with the Thai government has also been proposed to adopt 'Swastha Sathi' facilities (West Bengal government's healthcare scheme) and come up with a progressive plan in medical insurance, the officials added.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997.

The region has a combined population of over 1.68 billion people and a GDP of around USD 2.88 trillion.