(a) whether the Union Government has agreed with many States to promote healthcare
tourism causing a drain on scarce Medicare infrastructure in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether private investments in Medicare sector will provide service to the rich
and elite at the cost of the poor and the needy?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): Many States are promoting themselves as destinations for Health Tourism.
These focus primarily on the rejuvenating techniques of Indian Systems of Medicine
especially of Ayurveda. Specialized medical health care facilities available in the
private sector in India are also being used by patients from foreign countries. The
influx of tourists to such States generates increased demands for these services
resulting in creation of additional infrastructure, employment generation, development
of man-power and building up of foreign exchange reserves. Private investment in the
Health Sector is made primarily on market considerations except the investment made by
the charitable and philanthropic institutions/ organizations. Despite this, the private
sector plays an important role in providing basic health care services in the country.
Notwithstanding the above, the Government is committed to increasing expenditure in
health sector from current level of 0.9% of GDP to 2-3% of GDP over the next five years
through the National Rural Health Mission to improve basic health care services for the
common man.