1 billion USD by 2010

According to Hindu and Financial Express, the Indian Federal government has set a target of $1 billion revenues by 2010 from foreign patients by creating 32 new hospitals and inaugurating a marketing campaign.

More significant would be resolving the issues with Visas and the continued problems with bureaucracy that stimy the efforts of patients travelling to USA.

Doctors Return Home

Medical Tourism is about more than hospitals. The key driver is clinical staff, their skills and experience.

India may be about to get a fresh infusion of doctors after the UK High Court judgement denying the special status of indian doctors in the UK. Times of India covers the story here and here.

There is very mixed feelings on this among both Indians and doctors and although it may not have a strong impact immediately, it is likely to create a strong sense of anxiety among younger doctors planning to make career in the UK.

There are many who believe that as the Indian economy takes off, the raison d'etre for living in the UK may well disappear.

The Big Guns

Business Standard reports on Reliance entering the medicine and medical tourism fray in a BIG way with an investment of more than 3000 Crore!

These sorts of investments are what will make medical tourism really take off in five years time as hospitals designed for the purpose begin to hit the health market.