The Hindu : Kerala News : Medical tourism: Government fails to tap opportunity

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 08, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Medical tourism: Government fails to tap opportunity

By Shyama Rajagopal

KOCHI, APRIL 7. While the Government has been most positively speaking about promoting medical tourism, it seems that when opportunity comes calling, it is looking the other way.

Opportunity came in the way of an India Medical Tourism Expo '05 promoted by Delhi-based International Business Events (IBE). "The Government was informed at the ministerial level as well as the official level, but we are yet to get a reply. It has not said yes or no. We will close our entries by April 15 so that we can concentrate on marketing the expo to be held in June," said Vikas Malik, project manager, IBE.

Government stance

"We have not come to that stage of taking that leap in medical tourism yet," said B. Suman, Tourism Director, for not participating in the expo. "Hospitals here have not come up as expected," Mr. Suman said. "However, a meeting will be held in the end of April and the Government will be planning some promotion in West Asia and Europe," he added.

Mr. Suman agreed that the cost advantage was tremendous. Regarding the private institutions participating on their own in the U.K. expo, he said that they were welcome to take their own initiative, but they would never have an impact if the Government did not come into the picture. The expo to be held from June 2 to 4 is partly sponsored by the Union Government. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Federation of Indian Exports Organisation (FIEO), India Tourism, U.K., and the High Commission of India, U.K., are the supporters. The idea was given by these UK-based Indian agencies, said Mr. Malik. "We conducted a market study to analyse the potential and went ahead with the programme." The Union Government would share the cost of Rs. 1 crore for hosting the event at Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London.

Private participation

There are many private enthusiasts who want to take part in such expos, but not many are able to afford the cost of participation. A stall measuring 6 sq. m. costs Rs. 1.53 lakhs and one of 18 sq. m. costs Rs. 4.59 lakhs.

Orthodontist C. Rajkrishnan, who runs a clinic in Tripunithura, said he was much interested when the offer came up. "Since the Government was not taking part, I found some partners with who I can share the cost," he added.

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