Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

Though traditionally Medical Tourism for heart ailments & joint replacement surgeries have been considered as areas with good growth potential in India, it is being observed that ‘Cosmetic treatments‘ viz cosmetic surgeries are increasingly getting popular among foreign tourists & local people, alike, in Goa.

With the maximum number of foreign tourists flocking to Goa every year, Goa is one of the prime destinations for medical tourism in India.

Says, Dr. Mohan Thomas, consultant cosmetic surgeon, Vintage hospital, Panjim, – “Contrary to the popular perception that it is only foreign tourists, who are coming in for cosmetic surgery, our analysis shows, that an equal number of Goan locals are also increasingly going in for cosmetic treatments. He adds, – ” The people in Goa are very cosmopolitan, and are aware of the latest trends and are willing to be ‘up-to-date’ with Metros¹ in India.

They are also aware that the foreign tourists come to their home-town, Goa, for cosmetic treatments, because the services provided here are superior, with good infrastructure, latest technology, low cost & high-quality, hence, the locals need not take the extra effort to double-check, on the credibility of the hospitals or doctors”.

Primarily, it is the low cost of treatment and medicines in India that makes India an ideal ‘Medical Tourism‘ destination, with Goa being the front-runner.

There is no compromise on the quality of medical services, which can confidently compete, with that of even the most developed nations. -“Goa with its advanced medical services team paired with her exotic natural bounties has become a heaven for medical tourists”, Dr. Thomas concludes.

Incidentally, he has been conferred by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery at its 22nd annual scientific meeting of the academy in Orlando, USA.

Source – The Navhind Times, Goa Feb 9, 2006