Prepare draft policy for consideration – Mangal Prabhat Lodha at Medical Value Tourism Conclave at IMC

by Prashant Kapadia/NHN

On June 14 while inaugurating Medical value Tourism organized by travel, tourism and hospitality committee of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra promised to put it for cabinet consideration if IMC could prepare a draft policy of medical value tourism with consultations of all stakeholders. The minister acknowledged there are genuine discussions about need to promote India as preferred destination for medical tourism.  Mumbai being hub of availability of most state-of-the art medical facilities and equipment as well as best of doctors, it is important to have a proper policy with clear guidelines to help promote the city as medical treatment destination for patients from world over.  On recommendation by Mr.Farhat Jamal, Chairman of the IMC committee on tourism to create a website with comprehensive information of hospitals, treatment available, information about doctors, etc, the minister assured that the hyperlink to such a website would be put on the ministry’s portal but asked that the website should be developed and run by experts or organization like IMC.

The discussions at the Conclave covered perspectives from renowned doctors, surgeons, experts and professional from tourism industry on how to harness potential that exists for medical and wellness tourism.

There was general consensus that India has best of doctors, surgeons, diagnostic ability and facilities, best of equipment and offer best of treatment in fraction of what it costs in west if only several issues are addressed with proper campaign by the government, our diplomatic missions overseas and through public private partnership to achieve the growth potential that India has for wellness and medical tourism.

Amongst the issues highlighted included some negative perception about the infection control, superbug and hygiene in Indian hospitals, lack of information about availability of treatment, doctors, and excellent rehab facilities, long wait for visas, and shortage of skilled manpower.

The Conclave aimed to create an ideal platform for the active exchange of knowledge and expertise between the top authorities, industry stakeholders, experts and professionals in the medical value tourism industry.