To avoid long waits for operations in non-life-threatening medical conditions in the health care system of many developed nations, more and more foreigners are now routinely arriving in India for high quality medical care coupled with low cost. India today offers world-class healthcare that costs substantially less than that in developed countries, using the same technology, with equally competent specialists, with similar success rates. The winning combination: excellent professional medical expertise, high quality medical facilities, minimal waiting periods or none, and all this for a third or less of what similar treatment would cost in developed nations. People come to India for various medical procedures, such as joint replacements, heart bypasses, laser eye surgery and even facelifts, and many foreign patients choose to relax and recuperate after surgery or other treatment at many of the lush resorts and spas that India has on offer.

Indian corporate hospitals have the full range of specialities, from the most standard ones to the most complicated; they excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacement, orthopaedic surgery, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, transplants and urology, and other specialist procedures.

The various medical examinations available range from dental checkups and eye examinations to full pathology, and comprehensive physical and gynaecological examinations to stress and lifestyle management. The array of clinical tests is complete: audiometry, spirometry, pap smear, digital chest X-ray, 12 lead ECG, 2D echo colour doppler, gold standard DXA bone densitometry, body fat analysis, coronary risk markers, cancer risk markers, carotid colour doppler, spiral CT scan and high strength MRI. Each of these tests, carried out by professional MDs, is comprehensive and accurate.

There is also the whole gamut of clinical services ranging from general radiography, and mammography to high-end services like Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Digital Subtraction Angiography, along with intervention procedures and Nuclear Imaging. The diagnostic facilities available in India are comprehensive; the entire range of laboratory services includes biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, serology, histopathology, transfusion medicine and RIA. All medical investigations are conducted on the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipment. Stringent quality assurance exercises ensure reliable and high quality test results.

Finally, there is the cost factor: The costs are at least a third than those in developed nations, and many cost even less. Cardiac surgery in a top class hospitals range between US$5,000 to 10,000, whereas the cost for such in developed nations is about US$50,000. Medical or health tourism has become a special form of healing-cum-vacationing, and covers a broad spectrum of medical services. It mixes leisure, fun and relaxation with wellness and healthcare. The concept of the “health holiday” is meant to offer individuals an opportunity to get away from their daily routine and to enter different, relaxing, rejuvenating surroundings. In India, one can, while enjoying a refreshing break on the beach or in the mountains, simultaneously receive an introduction to traditional Indian healing and training practices such as yoga and Ayurveda.