Kochi : Kerala's modern health sector can generate revenue of Rs 100 crore per month from medical value tourism in the state, experts said at the health summit. Addressing the 11th edition of Kerala Health Tourism and the 6th Global Ayurveda Summit, experts said that Kerala's modern health sector now earns around Rs 30-40 crore per month from medical value tourists.

 

Nihaj G Muhammad, Chief Executive Officer, Kozhikode-based Maitra Hospital, said that connectivity with the Middle East region should be further enhanced to attract medical value tourists. He said that most of the patients in Kerala seeking modern treatment come from Oman.

 

PV Lewis, Co-Convenor, CII Kerala Healthcare Panel and Managing Director, Medical Trust Hospital, said that the benefits of Kerala's healthcare sector should be leveraged to attract more medical value passengers. He added that low-cost health services are a unique advantage of Kerala.

 

Experts also highlighted the good potential of the state to emerge as a manufacturing hub for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

 

The Kerala Medical Value Travel Vision 2030 report prepared by KPMG and Confederation of Indian Industry mentions the potential of attracting foreign investment through medical tourism to Kerala's health sector.

 

The report recommends formulation of operational guidelines that emphasize patient safety and quality of healthcare based on international standards.

 

Senu Sam, CEO of Mikere Health, a start-up in the health sector, said that Kerala aims to earn $10 billion from medical value tourism. Thailand earns US$15 billion from medical value tourism each year. He also opined that Kerala's strength in the fields of modern medicine, Ayurveda and tourism should take the necessary policy approach to realize the growth potential in this sector.

 

Mila AI, CEO Nikita Shankar, CTO Neetu Mariam Joy, CTO, Mila AI, Gautami A, Rash-Aid spoke at the showcase startup session.

 

6th Global Ayurveda Summit and 11th edition of Kerala Health Tourism 2024 organized by Confederation of Indian Industry with the support of Ministry of AYUSH and Central and State Governments.