The Hindu Business Line : India may join hands with Singapore, Thailand for Asian healthcare hub

WITH Singapore and Thailand going all out to promote themselves as healthcare destinations in Asia — a clutch of Indian healthcare institutions have mooted the idea of an Asian healthcare hub. The idea being that the three countries can work together, rather than "cannibalise" each other's patients.

"In terms of medical expertise and technology, these three countries are on par with the US, Europe or Australia. But while the cost of delivery may be 10 in the US, it is about 5 in Singapore, 3 in Thailand and about 2 in India. The idea is that countries at the lower spectrum of cost join together to promote Asia as a medical destination. It will be competitive, but promoting the region as an affordable healthcare destination will bring in more patients, than when the countries promote themselves individually," said Mr Anupam Verma, Director (Administration), P D Hinduja Hospital.

Mr Verma was on the six-member team that visited Singapore and Thailand last month. Part of the Medical Tourism Council of Maharashtra (MTCM), under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the team has received in-principle approval for the concept of the Asian healthcare hub, he said.

"India can join hands with Singapore and Thailand to make Asia an affordable option for patients in the region, besides those coming from countries like the US where healthcare is expensive. Singapore and Thailand are being actively promoted by their respective Governments. India too needs to promote medical tourism in a more structured way. At present, it is fragmented," said Mr Sushil Jiwarajka, FICCI-President (Western Regional Council).

Explaining how it would work on the ground, he said, "For instance, Singapore and Thailand are tapping the Japanese market. So the hospital has Japanese-speaking people to make it easier for them. We have to work on the whole experience, from working out packages with travel companies, to making hospital details available at airports and hotels. We also need to streamline the areas of specialisations between the different countries and hospitals. India will also need the Government's clearance of the concept, besides support. Healthcare institutions also need to get themselves accredited through reputed institutions or at least adhere to internationally accepted norms."

And while the details of how such an alliance will work on the ground are still being ironed out, the team will soon make a presentation on the subject to the relevant Ministries at the Centre including Health, Tourism and External Affairs, the representatives said.