Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The city is growing in all spheres but in medical tourism it is now competing with bigger cities in the country, as on an average 50-70 foreigners arrive here each year for several kinds of treatment. Indore does not have direct international flights, which hinders a larger influx of medical tourists.
Usually, the foreigners go to cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Trivandrum etc for treatment. But now Indore is also attracting foreigners looking for quality medicare at affordable costs.
Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics offers bariatric surgery which attracts many foreigners from South Africa, Europe and several other places . Every year around 50-60 patients come from abroad.
Dr Mehak Bhandari said that weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, helped individuals lose weight by altering the digestive system.
It worked by reducing stomach size to limit food intake or modifying the small intestine to decrease calorie absorption. These changes also influenced hormones to reduce hunger and improve metabolism.
To be eligible, a person typically needs a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35–39.9 with serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Candidates should have a history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts through lifestyle changes and must be ready to commit to long-term dietary and behavioural changes after surgery.
“There is no strict age limit, but overall health and the ability to undergo surgery safely are key factors. Since criteria may vary, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation,” the doctor added.
Doctors’ take on medical tourism
Dr Ulhas Mahajan | Arsh Khan
“Patients from the UK, facing delays in the National Health Scheme, often come to India for treatment—mainly to big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Trivandrum. With growing medical tourism, Indore is also emerging as a hub. Flight connectivity plans will boost its access and healthcare prominence further.”
-Dr Ulhas Mahajan
Dr Ajay Parikh |
“If we talk about medical tourism in Indore, we are providing economical rates for treatment, though hospitality may be compromised to some extent. Abroad the treatment cost is three to four times higher than India. That is why people there are preferring India.”
-Dr Ajay Parikh
What is medical tourism?
Medical tourism refers to travelling to another country to receive medical treatment, often to save costs or access procedures not available in native country. It combines healthcare with the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations.
Key aspects of medical tourism
Cost savings: Medical procedures are often significantly cheaper in countries like India, Thailand, and Turkey.
Access to specialized care: Patients may travel abroad to receive treatments unavailable in their own country.
Healthcare + tourism: Many medical tourists combine treatment with sightseeing and leisure, creating a vacation-like experience.
Lower treatment costs: Major savings on surgeries and medical procedures.
Access to advanced care: Availability of cutting-edge treatments not found in home countries.
Enhanced experience: Combining healthcare with travel adds a positive, holistic dimension to recovery.
India’s role in medical tourism
Global leader: Known for affordable and high-quality care, especially in cardiac surgery, joint replacements, Ayurveda and alternative medicine, bariatric surgery and other such treatments.
Government support: The “Heal in India” initiative aims to promote India as a global hub for medical and wellness tourism (as per PIB).
Visa facilitation: Special medical visas and attendant visas are provided for patients and their companions.
Risks and considerations
Ethical implications
Quality of care
Language barriers
Logistics
Post-operative care
Popular medical tourism destinations:
India
Thailand
Turkey
Singapore
(These countries offer advanced medical infrastructure and attractive tourism opportunities)
