Steep hike in TN medical tourists

Chennai
Nov. 4: There has been a steep increase in the number of medical visas granted to foreigners visiting Tamil Nadu. This signals that the state is emerging as a favourite and affordable destination for medical tourism.

From a mere 566 in 2006, the number of foreigners arriving on medical visas has increased to 3,307 in 2007 and to 7,307 in 2008. The number is expected to be higher in 2009.

Owing to the tremendous response, medical visas, which are valid for one year, are granted to health tourists and their attendants.

“The state has made a mark in delivering a holistic healthcare at reasonable cost,” said Dr M Kumaresan of Meditour India. “More than this, the expertise of our physicians also earned a name for the hospitals here.”

Two hospitals, Apollo and Ramachandra, have been internationally accredited to treat foreign patients while hospitals such as MIOT have direct tie-up with governments for this, he said.

The state has been receiving a large number of patients from Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Singapore and Hong Kong. “The help desk established by the TTDC in association with the Meditour India has been providing information on healthcare,” said the tourism director, Mr A.C. Mohandoss.

He told this correspondent that the availability of reputed surgeons and quality accommodation were also reasons for the state attracting more foreign nationals. “Even NRIs from the US and Europe come to our state for surgery,” said Dr Kumaresan. “The state is gaining popularity for ophthalmology.”