Patna AIIMS will soon be seen in a new avatar. It will become a hub for medical tourism. Patients from abroad will receive treatment at lower rates than at private hospitals in major cities. To this end, preparations are underway to formulate a new policy. Under this policy, treatment will be prioritised for people from SAARC and Gulf countries.
Treatment for Foreigners Will Be Slightly More Expensive
According to reports, there are plans to make treatment for foreigners slightly more expensive than for those from the country and the state. Sources say that as part of the Healing in India Mission, a plan to provide world-class and affordable healthcare, efforts will be made to develop AIIMS across the country as medical tourism hubs. Patna AIIMS is also included in this initiative.
Why do foreigners seek treatment in India?
According to experts, treatment in Bihar and elsewhere is cheaper than in other countries. People have to spend a significant amount of money on everything from tests to major surgeries abroad. In this context, many patients from abroad come to India for treatment. Patna, in particular, receives the highest number of patients from Nepal and Bangladesh. According to the AIIMS administration, medical tourism is a major and promising opportunity to promote Patna on the world stage.
Direct flights to Patna from these cities
Patna’s Jayprakash Narayan International Airport currently operates daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Therefore, patients arriving from abroad will not need to wait for flights. Currently, Patna AIIMS sees approximately 4,000 patients daily in the OPD from across Bihar, including Nepal. Additionally, there are 100 to 150 inpatients.
Treatment rates will be fixed.
Patna AIIMS Director Dr Raju Agarwal stated that AIIMS will soon issue instructions to all departments. A study of treatment costs at major institutions nationwide will be conducted. Treatment rates will be determined accordingly, encouraging patients from abroad to seek treatment at AIIMS. Several initiatives are underway to develop world-class facilities at Patna AIIMS. Plans are also underway to launch world-class healthcare services under the Healing in India mission.
