Rising Startups like Yapita Health Harness the Growing Market of Medical Tourism in India
Healthcare in India goes back to ancient times. There is a vast history of traditional medicine, wellness, and healthcare including Ayurveda, yoga, and homeopathy. Even today this legacy of health and wellness continues but with modern recent times, India is making waves for something even more transformative and revolutionary- Medical Tourism. In the modern day, quality healthcare always comes with burning a hole in your pocket where India has emerged as a destination that brings quality healthcare at a reasonable price. Recently India has risen as a place where patients from around the world are visiting for treatment ranging from cosmetic surgeries to organ transplants. Behind this exponential rise in the healthcare industry, there is a rise of new-age tech startups that revolutionize access to healthcare in India. The recent growth in the healthcare tourism industry post-pandemic wouldn’t have been possible without the backbone of startups leading the growth. These innovative companies are changing the industry, which was mostly unorganized and led by different individual translators and small agencies. The companies are also attracting patients from rich Western countries using their digital presence for critical procedures like liver transplants, kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, and much more.
Why Medical Tourism gained traction in India.
Around a decade back, people used to travel to India only for its beautiful destinations like the Himalayan mountains, Rajasthan deserts, and the back waters of Kerela. India as a travel destination has changed itself from just being a scenic beauty to a top-quality healthcare hub.
Although the idea of medical tourism is not new in India, its influence has only boomed in the past decade. Recently India has also become a destination for wellness tourism with its effort to promote Ayurveda, Yoga, meditation, and other ancient medical sciences to treat patients of stroke, rehabilitation, etc. One of the major reasons medical tourism is gaining traction in India is its cost-effectiveness, not only for medical treatments but also for accommodation, food, travel, etc. For example, the liver transplant cost in India is almost one-sixth of the price in the USA, and the cost of living while taking the treatment is almost one-tenth of that in the USA. So a patient traveling from the USA ends up saving a lot of money while receiving quality treatment.
Startups: The Game-Changers in Medical Tourism
It's no surprise that India's best hospitals, equipped with high-end equipment and highly qualified physicians, welcome thousands of foreign patients each year. Startups in India recognized the potential in the booming medical tourism sector, spotting growth and profit. They carved out a niche for themselves by identifying loopholes in the system and creating extensive plans to make the entire process easy for the patients.
The problem of scattered information and complicated procedures faced by international patients is easily solved by startups growing in medical tourism. Various startups provide end-to-end solutions. From applying for visas, locating the finest hospital, scheduling flights, and even planning travel after treatment is taken care of by medical tourism companies. They transform a complex medical journey into an easy way out.
Yapita Health, for instance. This startup focuses on helping international patients navigate India's complex healthcare system. From arranging consultations with top doctors to ensuring a smooth recovery process, Yapita Health and similar companies are revolutionizing the patient experience. With the help of such companies, the patients don't need to worry about anything except their recovery.
Tech-Savvy Startups
Cost-effectiveness is only one part of the equation. What really is working in favour of the growth of medical tourism in India is how startups are using the latest technology to make the journey smoother and more personalized. The option to consult the best doctors sitting far away from your own country virtually, as well as artificial intelligence, will help you to find the best doctor as per the demands of the patient and disease specifications.
The level of personalization available in the world of artificial intelligence has made it so easy for patients to travel from far places.
Challenges for Startup in this Industry
Medical tourism in India is definitely blooming but still, there are a few challenges for the startups to tackle to make their place in this field. One major concern is the legalities attached to the procedure of organ transplantation. Another factor is the perception of quality. The wide healthcare market in India also leads to uncertified practitioners. Startups should make efforts to work with the legal landscape as well to keep a check on the quality of services provided to international patients.
Conclusion
In spite of all the challenges, India has attracted many medical tourists from across the globe because of its changing perception and its tech startups making it easy for the patients to travel India for treatment.
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