Healthcare Tourism, or the
act where people from one country travel to another specifically to gain access
to healthcare services, is a globally growing industry sector. Although a relatively
recent entrant into the Asian region, the last couple of decades have witnessed
the rapid rise of several Asian countries in this field and some of the most
preferred destinations for quality healthcare are in Asia.
The triggers for Healthcare
Tourism are plenty and well-defined. Among the chief reason is the
affordability of care. In several developed economies, the cost of healthcare
is prohibitive. The recent rise of on-par treatment options at a fraction of
the price (often, even after including flight and accommodation charges) have
prompted the spurt and steady growth. Another reason could be the inordinately
long waiting times for countries which offer a version of nationalized healthcare.
Yet another reason could be the availability of treatment options that are
considered unethical or even illegal in the patients’ home countries.
Whatever the motivations
may be, all Healthcare Tourists primarily seek one thing – quality healthcare
at reasonable prices. This is the fundamental premise on which the entire
industry has been built. While patients are surely seeking cheaper or more
affordable alternatives, they are not necessarily willing to compromise on
quality. And when it comes to multiple countries with multiple quality
standards and multiple regulations, the crying need is for one consistent
system that can provide confidence and credibility.
This is where the
following three accreditation bodies become highly relevant. Over time, they
have come to offer the credibility and reliability of global standards of
excellence. Today, industry watchers worldwide often refer to them as the
must-have accreditation even before a patient begins planning a trip.
This is the international
arm of the Joint Commission Accreditation for Hospital Organisations (JCAHO).
JCI is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to certifying health
care capabilities and accreditation gives patients the confidence that they are
getting access to the best service according to International standards.
Globally, the best hospitals for Medical Tourism strive to get and retain their
JCI accreditation.
National Accreditation
Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) is a constituent board of
Quality Council of India, set up to establish and operate accreditation program
for healthcare organizations. NABH is an Institutional Member as well as a
Board member of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (lSQua).
NABH is also on the board of Asian Society for Quality in Healthcare (ASQua).
Medical Travel Quality
Alliance (MTQUA) is an independent international organization that develops and
promotes the highest standards of excellence in delivering treatment and care
to medical travelers and health tourists. MTQUA informs and connects consumers
who are seeking health and wellness services to health care and support service
providers. It is considered to be a "go-to resource" for people
seeking information on medical tourism globally.
Hospitals and Healthcare
service providers who hope to tap in to the growing Healthcare Tourism market
would do well to get themselves accredited by these bodies.
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