As health insurance premiums have hit the roof in the US and UK with the rising cost of healthcare, the companies are surveying the hospital chains here, as quality healthcare is available at nearly one-third the rates. However, there are many clearances that need to be ensured and it might even become a federal issue in these countries, said a source.

Surveys
There have been preliminary surveys and enquiries and if all goes well, these companies will come back with larger teams and stakeholders. The deals are likely to be finalised in the next two years.
With this kind of collaboration, the quality standards will be raised, newer technology and techniques will be adopted by the hospitals and the medical fraternity in India will enjoy greater recognition, feel experts in the field.

Changing trends
Some of the hospitals in Bangalore have already reported a change in trend, with a majority of foreign patients coming from developed western countries. At WH, about 70 per cent of the foreign patients are from US and Europe.

In the UK, where almost everyone is insured, people are at times made to wait for months for their turn to get treatment, said V Vijay Ratna, deputy general manager, WH. “In the case of the US and Canada, the cost of health insurance has skyrocketed, and many of those who are not covered by insurance come to us for treatment,” he said.

Ten years ago, people from developed countries used to look at Singapore and Thailand as healthcare destinations. Singapore and Thailand have been identified with tertiary care and cosmetic surgeries respectively but the costs have risen in these countries as well. As India offers quality healthcare at affordable prices, there has been a major diversion to the country in the last four years, said Mr Ratna.