Ahmedabad :
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a tender for opening a medical tourism counter – a first of its kind – at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to facilitate the international tourists get the best medical care in the city.
“The aim is to improve facilities for passenger and not to earn money,” said R K Singh, airport director . AAI will provide 10 sq m of space at the arrival area of the international terminal to the highest bidder.
The space will be provided at Rs 3,500/sq m/month which is much less than what AAI charges for other counters like food and hotels. “We usually charge Rs 6,500/sq m/month but for medical tourism counter, we are offering a subsidized rate,” said Singh.
The counter is aimed at providing the necessary information regarding the procedures, monetary transaction and international code of treatment. On being asked why will patients come to medical tourism counter at airport when they already have a tie-up with the hospital concerned, Singh said, “People always seek better facilities. The counter will help them find the best option available for them.”
“If you go to a hospital, you will have to wait for your turn for long. The plan aims to do away with this waiting time. AAI has consulted with Apollo Hospitals , Shalby Hospitals and Vasan eye care for the medical tourism counter,” he added.
Ahmedabad being one of the fastest growing cities is aspiring to be one of the best healthcare providers in the state as well as India. The growth of 33 per cent has been registered in the number of medical tourists in the state while the country has registered growth of 20 per cent.
The city hospitals are seen as hot destination for medical tourism from all over the world. This has pushed the city hospitals to upgrade their technology, infrastructure and bring them to the level of developed countries.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Ahmedabad / by Piyush Mishra, TNN / June 10th, 2013
