Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has called for more efforts to brand Kerala as the best international destination for health tourism.

The State having already achieved social indices comparable to those of developed countries, he said, the government is aiming to make Kerala a premier health tourism destination.

People from countries where healthcare is expensive can combine the luxury of a vacation with the necessity of medical attention and treatment in Kerala at affordable cost, he said while inaugurating a three-day international conference here on health tourism.

However, the State is in need of huge investments in terms of infrastructure, facilities for training and development of doctors and support staff to do much more to brand it as a health tourism destination.

The health industry today is witnessing rapid developments across the world with newer technologies and research findings, thereby making it a highly competitive field. The sector requires constant upgradation both in terms of knowledge and facilities, he said, adding that there is a need to cope with these new developments.

Kerala has the potential to become the hub and most preferred destination for health tourism with highly qualified doctors and some of the best hospitals and resorts in the country, he said.

The State has adopted a proactive role in promoting tourism and health services with its vast potential to in providing all types of health services, be it allopathy, ayurveda or homeopathy.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to ensure quality healthcare available to all at affordable rates.

“We have decided to introduce legislation for right to health for all. Good health is a necessity and this means access to quality healthcare within affordable means,” he said.

State Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar pointed out that Kerala is the fastest growing tourism destination in India. Last year, 10 lakh foreign and one crore domestic tourists visited the State.

sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in

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