(a) whether Government is aware of the need for attracting medical tourists as reported in the Hindustan Times dated June 24, 2005;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) whether the Government has estimated the number of medical tourists to the country;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) the schemes proposed to be formulated by the Government for attracting medical tourists ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (e): Yes sir, the Government of India is aware of the need for attracting medical tourist. A substantial number of foreigners are coming to India to avail of quality medical treatment at a cost much lower than that of other countries of the World, particularly in the field of cardiology, cardiac surgery, joint replacement, ophthalmology, pathology and Indian Systems of Medicines etc. The Government of India has constituted a Task Force to promote India as a health destination for persons across the globe so as to gainfully utilize the health care expertise and infrastructure available in the country.
However, no estimate of the likely number of medical tourists nor any specific scheme formulated in this regard.