Perception of international patients regarding cross border movement for medical services in India

Abstract

Objective: India ranks second as medical travel destination in the world after Thailand, but still a very limited research has been done so far to assess the perception of international patients regarding travel to India for medical services. Objective: To assess the perception of the patients coming across international borders regarding their preference to chose India for medical services.

Methods: This was a cross sectional hospital based study which was conducted for a period of 3 months. It was an analytical type of research where 100 international patients were interviewed from 11 different hospitals spread across whole India (representing North and South India). A semi-structured interview scheduled with a five point Likert type scale was used fulfill the objective of the study.

Results: More than 80\% of patients were agree with the fact that there is deficiency of quality of care and proper infrastructure in health facilities in their country. majority (> 80\%) of patients were strongly agree or agree to the facts that India has top qualified medical professionals and latest technology for treatment, there is less waiting time for treatment procedure and the treatment is cost effective.

Conclusion: Considering the perception of international patients, there is need and scope to improve and expand the health service delivery in India to reap the benefits of medical travel to the maximum possible extent.