Hospitals in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) have expressed strong support for the recent Budget announcement aimed at promoting medical tourism in India. The Centre plans to establish five Regional Medical Hubs in collaboration with states and the private sector, a move expected to enhance healthcare services and create numerous job opportunities.
Delhi NCR's Established Position in International Healthcare
The Delhi NCR, with its dense cluster of large corporate hospitals, international airports, and extensive experience in managing overseas patients, is already a well-established hub for international healthcare. This region is uniquely positioned to benefit significantly from the new Budget initiative, according to Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, a senior physician and former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Economic Impact and Patient Demographics
Dr. Aggarwal highlighted that approximately 20-25 large corporate hospitals in Delhi NCR collectively generate an estimated monthly revenue of Rs 1,400-1,500 crore. Notably, around 7-8% of their business comes from foreign patients, representing a substantial contribution to the local economy. These facilities are equipped to handle complex and high-value medical procedures that attract international patients from diverse regions.
Patients travel to Delhi NCR from countries across the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and even some developed nations. Historically, Bangladesh has been a major source country, though recent trends show a broader global reach.
Popular Medical Procedures and Treatments
International patients seek advanced medical care in Delhi NCR, including cancer treatments, organ and kidney transplants, cardiac interventions, complex orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures, and other high-end elective treatments. Some patients from the United States visit for procedures not covered by insurance, such as cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, and dental care. Dr. Aggarwal also noted that advanced interventions like robotic surgeries are a significant draw.
Industry Leaders on the Budget's Impact
Dr. Ritu Garg, Chief Growth Officer at Fortis Hospital, emphasized that medical tourism at their facility is driven by clinical excellence, cutting-edge technology, internationally trained specialists, and transparent pricing. Fortis attracts patients primarily from the Middle East, Africa, SAARC countries, and CIS nations, with common procedures including advanced cancer care, organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, and complex neurosciences surgeries.
Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of Paras Hospital, stated that foreign patients often require complex, life-saving, or long-term treatments that may be inaccessible or unaffordable in their home countries. These include liver transplants, advanced cardiac care, oncology services, neuro and spine surgeries, and IVIG therapy. Paras Hospital has partnerships with 30-40 international medical travel facilitators to assist with visas, accommodation, interpretation, and follow-up care.
Abdul Wajid, Senior Director and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Max Healthcare, praised the proposal as a timely and strategic step to position India as a global destination for medical value travel. Max treats over 35,000 international patients annually from more than 145 countries, focusing on areas like advanced cancer care, organ transplants, and minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals, noted that medical value tourism has seen significant growth in recent years, thanks to robust infrastructure, skilled doctors, and affordable pricing. Yashoda receives 2,500-3,000 international patients each year, with high demand for procedures such as advanced cancer care, kidney transplants, and bariatric surgery.
Potential Benefits of Centralized Systems
Dr. Aggarwal suggested that a centralized system could revolutionize medical tourism in the region. By consolidating information about hospitals and their capabilities on a single portal, facilities can showcase their services globally. This approach would streamline approvals and documentation, enabling patients to make informed choices and enhancing overall efficiency.
Integrated medical hubs are expected to deliver world-class care, support education and research, and create employment opportunities, further solidifying India's reputation in the global healthcare landscape.
