Proposed medical tourism centre at Indian airport (Ahmedabad)

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a tender for opening a medical tourism centre – a first of its kind for India, although not globally at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to help international medical tourists coming to the city of Ahmedabad.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a tender for opening a medical tourism centre – a first of its kind for India, although not globally at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to help international medical tourists coming to the city of Ahmedabad.

Airport director R K Singh explains, ”The aim is to improve facilities for passengers and not just to earn money.” AAI will provide 10 square meters of space at the arrival area of the international terminal to the highest bidder. The space will be provided at a lower price than what AAI charges for other counters like food and hotels. The aim is to provide necessary information on procedures, monetary transaction and international code of treatment.

On being asked why patients would go to a medical tourism centre at the airport when they have flown in for pre-arranged appointments at a specific hospital, Singh’s reply was, “People always seek better facilities. The centre 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 centre.”

It may simply be that there is a misunderstanding on the use of the centre. International patients – who may have had to list hospital and doctor details to get a medical visa – are unlikely to change their mind on where they will be treated. It would make more sense for local hospitals to combine to offer a reception centre and taxi/bus service for booked in patients and any family with them.

Ahmedabad is a fast growing city that wants to be a key destination for medical tourists in India. The state the city is in claims that there has been annual growth of 33% in business compared to an average of around 20% in the country; although there is no data to back up either statistic.