Leading Indian Hospitals, Healthcare providers (both Modern Medicine and Traditional Indian Medicine), Travel and Medical Tourism Industry providers have come together to form an industry association – Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) that aims to work together to make India the leading global healthcare destination.

The phenomenon now popularly known as Medical Tourism is often cited as the next big opportunity for India after the IT outsourcing to earn billions of dollars in forex earnings and create jobs in the healthcare sector. So far only a select group of Indian hospitals have been making valiant attempts to market their services in international arena. More than a million overseas patients already treated at top Indian corporate hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Wockhardt, Max, Manipal and many others have already proved to the world that the clinical quality, technology and cost proposition offered by India is unmatched. The capacity in super specialty segment Indian hospitals is expanding fast and there is no waiting period for local or overseas patients.

CII Mc’Kinsey study first reported on medical tourism as the billion dollar opportunity for India way back in 2002 and the steady growth in overseas patient arrivals has validated the potential. With a large number of new private super specialty hospitals and even integrated health cities coming up in India’s top ten cities, India has the potential to become the global leader in the Medical Travel/ Outsourcing industry. Indian doctors and professionals are world renowned for their skills and the country has abundance of all the inputs like talented young manpower, local high quality manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals, technology hardware and software that makes the Indian costs for high end surgical procedures so attractive. The challenge really is on the non medical side, primarily on the marketing front and also to create infrastructure and services to support the growth of medical tourism.

Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) - a non profit body and a unified voice of the Indian healthcare (modern medicine as well as traditional Indian medicine) and travel industry is aimed at preparing India for facing the challenges of global competition and actualise the tremendous opportunity for India to become a leading global healthcare destination. Modern medicine as well as India’s 5000 year old traditional therapies like Ayurveda, Siddha and Yoga can offer to the world an unbeatable healing package.

“IMTA would strive to help its members reach out in a cost effective manner to millions of our potential global consumers who reside on the other side of the globe in a different time and cultural zone and make them aware of the tremendous value that Indian healthcare offers. The fact is that prior to choosing a hospital, the international patients first decide on the country or the destination. Therefore we all must join hands to aggressively promote INDIA as a preferred global healthcare destination,” Says Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA)
The Government of India and its various arms are actively supporting the growth of medical tourism to India. In a message to IMTA, the Union Tourism Minister, Kumar Shailaja conveyed “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity  that Medical Tourism presents for India. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I would like to provide all possible support this industry initiative  and would like to wish IMTA and its members great success in their efforts.

Two years ago the Government of India introduced a special category of Visa called M Visa for foreigners desirous of coming to India for medical treatment. India’s Ministry of Tourism has achieved phenomenal success in last five years with its much acclaimed “Incredible India “campaign that has multiplied the arrival of foreign tourists to India. The current year 2009 is being promoted by Indian Ministry of Tourism as “Visit India’” year and the ministry is keen to promote Medical Tourism. It has recently notified the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to eligible Medical Tourism players which enables them to get financial support for participation in overseas promotional events.

In order to decide whether you need travel insurance or not, you must first understand – what is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a short term or temporary insurance that, depending on the terms of the plan you choose, can provide coverage for the medical and financial expenses due to sickness, accident, loss or damage of luggage during travelling. Travel insurance serves a varied clientele such as students, businessmen, leisure travelers, adventure travelers and many others. There are three important types of travel insurance. They are:

1. Accident or health travel insurance:

This travel insurance typically provides coverage for any accident or illness that you might sustain during the period of travel. It generally covers expenses related to hospitalisation, intensive care, surgery and outpatient treatment.



2. Trip cancellation travel insurance:
There are situations wherein the person misses his flight due to bad health or needs to cancel his flight. This travel insurance typically ensures that your money is refunded to you.

3. Medical evacuation travel insurance:

It might happen that the hospital in which you are admitted is not able to treat you properly. In such cases, medical evacuation becomes necessary to remove the patient safely and quickly to his own country. As medical evacuation is very expensive, this travel insurance can provide a great financial help to the patient and his family.

Getting an international travel insurance plan is important but, you should choose a travel insurance plan as per your travel needs. You should read the travel insurance plan carefully to ensure that it covers you and the activities you will do on your holiday.

These days, you can find various travel insurance companies that offer travel insurance plans designed to meet different requirements and budget. If you want to save your time and get the best travel insurance plan, you can look for the travel insurance quotes available online. You can simply visit the websites of travel insurance companies, check the terms of the plans they offer and fill in their application form to get travel insurance quotes within a few minutes. Whatever method you adopt to use, making sure you have the appropriate travel insurance plans for yourself, is the best possible way to help in having a trouble-free and memorable travelling experience.

The ever rising medical costs and the long wait which generally precedes any medical treatment are major contributing factors to the success of International Medical travel. Health travel is not a really modern concept. The erstwhile kings and emperors have been known to have traveled to retreats which were salubrious to their health. The same principle has now been embraced in international medical travel.

 

Several Asian and Middle Eastern countries are offering health travel to the western patients to whom traveling across nations is preferable to spending exorbitant amounts on treatments in their native country. US, UK Canada and some other European country residents are benefited immensely by international medical travel. The medical costs in these countries were always astronomical and are now soaring further. Add this to the fact that quite a few westerners are underinsured or even uninsured and you will get a perfect recipe for health travel.

 

Despite the added traveling and lodging costs that international medical travel entails, it is still much cheaper as opposed to getting treated in US or UK. The medical cost in the health travel offering countries is as much as 80 percent lower than in western countries. The low medical cost in no way reflects the quality of medical treatment offered in these countries. The centers offering international medical travel employ the best of medical professionals with extensive knowledge. All the modern techniques and equipment are present in these centers. The reason for the lower costs is much less labour charge in these countries. Very high labour charges and exorbitant insurance charges are what make medical treatment so expensive in the US and UK.
 

It is a testimony to the benefits of international medical travel that almost 20 million people traveled to Health travel offering countries last year. This number is predicted to shoot to 40 million in the next few years. Apart from the amazing monetary benefits health travel also offers quality treatments and personalized attention. Long waiting queues and a mere two minutes spent with the doctor post the long wait is not a common scenario in centers offering international medical travel. These ensure a more personalized attention to all their patients, with doctors actually going to the trouble of putting their doubts and concerns to rest and also answering any questions that they might have. Such a caring attitude is one more factor in the favor of health travel.

 

Traveling to a new country for getting medical treatment might seem a rather inconvenient prospect to begin with. There are several firms catering to all the requirements of health travel. The sole basis of the existence is to make life simpler and more comfortable for those undertaking international medical travel. They take care of all the traveling details, right from the tickets to visa. They also book comfortable lodging in the country offering health travel. Such health travel is no longer a daunting prospect. Infact, quite a few people are now clubbing health travel with their vacation. Considering the fact that many of the countries offering international health travel are major tourist attractions as well, this seems like a great idea.

 

The One Stop Shop For All Of Your Travel Health Needs. The recent massive increase in business and recreational travel outside of the UK, has led to the need for dedicated Travel Health Centers, Travel clinics. This is because a considerable proportion of travelers end up with a health problem ranging from Diarrhea to Malaria or Yellow Fever. Most of the health problems contracted through traveling are preventable through appropriate travel health advice, precautionary measures and vaccinations. With GP appointment times under ever increasing pressure, the ability of practices to provide adequate time and training for such a complex and demanding field is under stress. This has created Products for safe traveling as need for travelers to have access to alternative Travel Health service providers. Globetrotters Travel Clinics in London has been established to meet this need.

The recent massive increase in business and recreational travel outside of the UK, has led to the need for dedicated Travel Health Centers. This is because a considerable proportion of travelers end up with a Health problem ranging from Diarrhoea to Malaria or Yellow Fever. Most of the Health problems contracted through traveling are preventable through appropriate Travel Health advice, precautionary measures and Vaccinations.

With GP appointment times under ever increasing pressure, the ability of practices to provide adequate time and training for such a complex and demanding field is under stress. This has created a need for travelers to have access to alternative Travel Health service pro viders. Globetrotters Travel Clinics has been established to meet this need.
We are dedicated to providing quality Travel Health advice and services, as well as premium Travel Health Products. Globetrotters is a personal service provided by experienced travel health nurses, Globetrotters was accredited yellow fever centres and offer full pre and post travel health screenings as well as all available travel vaccinations. The Globetrotters Travel Clinics is one of the foremost independent specialist clinics in the London. Below you can check our services.

With vaccine preventable illnesses accounting for only a small proportion of health problems whilst abroad, at Globetrotters we give individuals, business travellers and students the advice and information they need to stay healthy both whilst overseas and on their return.

An impressive array of  speakers at the IMTD Conference led by Dr Narottam Puri, President –Medical Strategy & Quality, Fortis Escorts Hospitals Group,  Mark Fam from Deloitte Centre of health Solutions, Canada ,   Ms. Ann Kaplan, President & CEO, Medicard Finance, Dr Vasanthi  Srinivasan, Director, Health System Planning & Research, Ontario Ministry of Health and Mr Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association (IMTA) impressed the audience and  showcased the strengths of  Indian healthcare in Canada.

Mrs Preeti Saran, Consulate General of India, Toronto who inaugurated the event on 20th November, 2009 also utilised  the presence of Indian delegates to host  a special business networking breakfast meeting a day before the event, which was attended by more than 100 Canadian business and healthcare leaders, who deliberated on ““Developing synergies between India and Canada in the Healthcare sector”

The major highlight of the events were an experience sharing session by Canadian patients who were recently treated at  Indian hospitals and a Roundtable Meeting at the Ontario Provincial Health Authority Office where leaders from the Canadian and Indian Healthcare industry discussed possibilities of cooperation in areas as diverse as telemedicine and  public health. The Ontario Health Authority also evinced interest in the excellent quality and cost  of healthcare delivery by leading Indian hospitals and announced plans to send a senior delegation to visit hospitals in India and look at how strengths of Indian healthcare can be utilised for bringing down the wait lists.

Indian Medical Travel Association, the Embassy of India in Canada, Ministry of Tourism and Surgical Tourism, Canada  joined hands to hold this  first ever specialized trade show in Canada to promote Medical Value Travel to India. Major exhibitors and presenters at the IMTD 2009  from India were Fortis Healthcare, Max Hospitals, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai, Lakeshore Hospital and KIMS from Kerala, Madras Joint Replacement Centre from Chennai, Soukya Wellness Centre, Bangalore, and  Mann Medicity from Jalandar.
The Indian Ministry of Tourism which has launched a highly successful “Incredible India” campaign to promote India, has approved participation in IMTD 2009 by JCI and NABH accredited Indian hospitals and other eligible medical travel facilitators under its MDA – Market development Assistance Scheme. Therefore  the participating hospitals were able to get financial support for a major part of  the promotional expenses under the MDA scheme from the Ministry of Tourism.

According to Mr Pradeep Thukral. Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association, “Canada as a market for promoting medical tourism to India holds great potential. It has socialised system of healthcare delivery that is under  strain and waiting lists are growing.  A  large surgical wait list of almost  850,000 Canadians , pointed towards the need for this conference. Canadians tired of waiting are now open to visit and learn about their multitude of options beyond the realms of  the public health system.   IMTD therefore attracted massive local media interest in Canada with leading channels like CBC, Toronto Star and The Epoch Times covering the event. “

About Indian Medical Travel Association. www.indianmedicaltravelassociation.com

A non profit body aimed at preparing India for facing the challenges of global competition in Medical Tourism space and actualise the tremendous opportunity for India to become a leading global healthcare destination. IMTA’s membership has a diverse base of India’s leading JCI, NABH accredited hospitals, Indian System of Medicine and Wellness service providers, travel industry, Insurance, Assistance and Medical Tourism facilitation companies.

 As well as always protecting yourself with travel insurance when you go on vacation, a traveler that has a serious medical condition should consider wearing a Medical Alert Bracelet.

If you have a medical condition and get sick or injured while traveling, wearing a Medical Alert bracelet can literally save your life.  Here is some information on a great American non-profit organization that provides a valuable service for travelers.

You will be eligible for the following benefits when you join this non-profit healthcare organization as a TravelPlus member.

The professional  multilingual  staff will help you find a physician when you are traveling to another country. They ‘ll be able to speak with attending medical providers in foreign countries to find out what the problems are and determine what treatments will be necessary to help you.

They will get in contact with your family members.  You will also be able to send emergency messages to your relatives, friends, and business associates as well as receive emergency messages, toll free, 24/7.
 You will have around the clock access to information services regarding travel documents such as a passport, travel visa, and immunization certificate that you could require to travel to your destination.

You can also be covered for pre-existing medical conditions whether you are on vacation or on business travel.

In addition to all these benefits, you could be eligible for medial evacuation to another medical facility, or be repatriated back to the United States.

As of the writing of this article, the program offered by MedicAlert.org, is only available to members that live in the United States.

Imagine a smoked ginger and crimson skyline towering down over a diverse natural landscape of wild flowers, untamed wildlife and restless waters. Imagine lying gazing at this distinct setting whilst enjoying the pampering and revitalization that goes along with South African traditional customs and massage techniques. A spa experience in South Africa has often been viewed as being one of the most unique and beautiful experiences that one can wish for. So what makes it so unique and what can one expect at a South African spa?

Spas in South Africa can be simple, uncomplicated and traditional as well as both sophisticated and chic. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. Spas are either set in safari or remote country settings or in classy city or beach hotels. However, it is not only the diverse settings which capture the attention of travelers worldwide, but the fusion of customs and traditions into the spa techniques and treatments. A number of South African spas utilize traditional oils and plant extracts in their treatment products and a great emphasis is placed on age old remedies and secrets.

A truly unique and not to be missed experience can also be found within the beautiful wine lands of South Africa. It is here where you can experience Vinotherapy, an innovative treatment originating in France that utilizes grapes and wine to assist in preventing or assisting in the effects of anti-ageing. The antioxidants as well as other properties of the grape are highly beneficial for the skin and for this reason the ingredients has been utilized in massages, full-body exfoliations and hydrotherapy treatments. With South Africa, boasting some of the best wines in the world, a day of wine tasting and Vinotherapy may just be the treat you have been waiting for.

A number of spas also provide you with a complete African experience. You can expect African dances, food and celebrations incorporated into your day or stay at some of the spa destinations in South Africa. The spa experience becomes one of the elements of your experience and allows you to experience both the African culture and the African therapist’s skilled techniques and products. If you are staying over at the spa, you may even be able rest in a traditional yet elegant African hut. This is a wonderful option if you are looking for both serenity and for a place to reflect in an uninterrupted natural setting.
Those of you seeking more sophistication and modern elegance will also find yourself spoilt for choice at some of the many exclusive spa destinations and resorts. Gaze down at the city nightlife from your treatment suite or relax for a day in spas boasting top of the line facilities and therapists. These classy spas can be found both in the city and in the more remote areas of South Africa, so your selection would be based purely on personal choice.

Nonetheless, South Africa is a spa crazy country which promises to offer an array of spa destinations as well as unique experiences. If you wanting to truly experience African culture at its best, booking into a South African destination spa or resort and choosing between the many traditional and natural spa products could set you on the right path.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com