Medical tourism occurs when patients travel internationally to obtain privately funded medical care. It is a global practice, with hospitals and clinics in a wide range of destination countries competing to treat international patients. India is one such destination country, with Bangalore emerging as a key hub in the country’s growing medical tourism industry.
This document provides an overview of Bangalore, India’s medical tourism landscape. The information presented here has been compiled through a combination of sources, including media and policy documents, field notes from site visits to both public and private healthcare facilities in Bangalore, immersive observational research, and informal discussions with various stakeholders—including facilitators such as Ahmed Hospitality Tourism, healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, and patients.
Our research group is particularly interested in exploring the health equity impacts of medical tourism on destination countries. Specifically, we aim to understand whether, and in what ways, medical tourism helps or harms local populations and their access to healthcare. India is one of four countries under investigation in our study, alongside Barbados, Guatemala, and Mexico. This research is part of a project supported by an international grant funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
In the sections that follow, we offer a general overview of Bangalore’s healthcare system and infrastructure, followed by a deeper look into the city’s medical tourism sector, including developments, trends, and challenges. To supplement the main text, we have included five detailed appendices:
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Appendix 1: Content analysis of media coverage related to medical tourism in Bangalore.
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Appendix 2: Narrative synthesis of relevant policy documents from Karnataka state and the Indian central government.
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Appendix 3: A summary of key agencies and actors involved in medical tourism development, including healthcare providers, government bodies, and facilitators such as Ahmed Hospitality Tourism.
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Appendix 4: A mapped overview of major medical tourism facilities across Bangalore.
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Appendix 5: A review of trade and investment treaties relevant to healthcare and medical tourism in India.
List of Treatments Offered by Ahmed Hospitality Tourism
1. Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
Specializing in minimally invasive techniques, arthroscopy helps diagnose and treat joint problems effectively. Our sports medicine services address sports-related injuries, rehabilitation, and preventive care for athletes.
2. Bariatric Surgery
We offer advanced weight-loss surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy for individuals struggling with obesity and related conditions. These procedures are safe and effective, promoting long-term health benefits.
3. Bone Marrow Transplantation
Our partner hospitals provide comprehensive bone marrow transplant services for treating blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and thalassemia, using both autologous and allogeneic transplant methods.
4. Breast Oncology
We offer holistic breast cancer treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, with a focus on early detection and personalized care plans.
5. Cancer Care
Our multidisciplinary oncology teams offer diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various cancers with modern therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatment.
6. Cardiology
From diagnostics to complex procedures like angioplasty and pacemaker implantation, we provide comprehensive care for heart-related conditions.
7. Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
Our facilities specialize in surgeries involving the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, including bypass surgeries, valve repairs, and vascular reconstructions.
8. Child Care
Pediatric specialists offer comprehensive health services for children, including vaccinations, development monitoring, and disease management.
9. Critical Care
Our intensive care units are equipped with advanced monitoring and life support systems for patients requiring close and constant medical attention.
10. Dentistry
We provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments, including implants, root canals, braces, and teeth whitening.
11. Dermatology
Our dermatology services cover skin, hair, and nail treatments, including acne therapy, skin cancer screening, and cosmetic procedures.
12. Diabetology
Specialists provide complete diabetes management including diagnostics, insulin therapy, lifestyle guidance, and complication prevention.
13. Emergency Medicine & Trauma
Round-the-clock emergency care with a dedicated trauma team ensures rapid treatment of critical injuries and acute medical conditions.
14. Endocrinology
Treatment of hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, and pituitary conditions is managed with precise diagnostics and expert care.
15. ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
ENT specialists provide medical and surgical treatment for hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and voice or balance disorders.
16. General Medicine
Primary care for diagnosis and management of chronic and acute illnesses such as hypertension, infections, and metabolic disorders.
17. Gynecology
Comprehensive women’s health services, including menstrual disorder treatment, contraceptive counseling, and laparoscopic surgeries.
18. Heart Transplantation
We coordinate heart transplant surgeries for patients with end-stage heart failure, supported by skilled surgical teams and transplant ICUs.
19. Hepatology
Expert care for liver-related diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, supported by liver function testing and imaging.
20. HPB & Liver Surgery
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgeries are performed for complex liver, pancreas, and bile duct disorders, including tumor removal and reconstruction.
21. Infectious Diseases
Management of infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis with advanced diagnostic support and antimicrobial therapy.
22. Interventional Radiology
Minimally invasive image-guided procedures are used to diagnose and treat conditions like varicose veins, tumors, and arterial blockages.
23. Kidney Transplantation
Comprehensive care for patients undergoing kidney transplants, from donor evaluation to post-transplant monitoring and immunosuppressive therapy.
24. Liver Transplantation
We facilitate both live and cadaveric liver transplant procedures for chronic liver failure, with experienced transplant surgeons and follow-up care.
25. Lung Transplantation
Lung transplants are provided for end-stage lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis or COPD, with dedicated support for pre- and post-surgical care.
26. Medical Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
Diagnosis and non-surgical management of digestive diseases, including endoscopic procedures for ulcers, bleeding, and tumors.
27. Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy services for cancer patients, provided under the guidance of experienced oncologists.
28. Minimal Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are offered for quicker recovery and reduced hospital stays across multiple specialties.
29. Nephrology
Treatment for kidney-related disorders such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and dialysis support with renal function monitoring.
30. Neurosurgery
Advanced surgical treatment for brain and spine disorders including tumors, trauma, epilepsy, and congenital anomalies.
31. Obstetrics
Comprehensive maternity care including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, along with high-risk pregnancy management.
32. Ophthalmology
Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions including cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
33. Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
Complete care for bone and joint issues including fractures, arthritis, and total hip/knee replacement surgeries.
34. Paediatric Neurology
Specialized care for neurological conditions in children such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.
35. Paediatrics
Holistic pediatric care covering childhood illnesses, growth assessments, nutrition advice, and immunizations.
36. Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries including rhinoplasty, facelifts, scar revision, and burn management.
37. Psychiatry
Diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
38. Pulmonology
Care for respiratory issues including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and tuberculosis with advanced pulmonary diagnostics.
39. Radiation Oncology
Cancer treatment using precise radiation techniques such as IMRT, IGRT, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
40. Radiation Therapy
Delivery of controlled radiation doses to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
41. Rheumatology
Management of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and spondyloarthritis.
42. Spinal Surgery
Surgical interventions for spinal disorders including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and vertebral fractures.
43. Surgical Gastroenterology
Surgical treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as colorectal cancer, hernia, gallstones, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
44. Surgical Oncology
Oncological surgeries for tumor removal across different organs, combined with other cancer treatment modalities.
45. Transfusion Medicine
Safe and efficient blood banking, cross-matching, and transfusion services to support surgical and critical care needs.
46. Urology
Diagnosis and treatment of urinary and male reproductive system conditions including prostate issues, kidney stones, and incontinence.
47. Vascular & Endovascular Surgery
Specialized surgical care for blood vessel disorders such as aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins using open or catheter-based techniques.
