Medical tourism is Kerala's USP, says KK Shailaja

Kochi: The health infrastructure in Kerala has immense potential and can turn the state into a major medical tourism destination, Minister K K Shailaja has said. Inaugurating a virtual discussion organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Health Minister said that the traditional healing system of Ayurveda attracts a large number of tourists to Kerala. Moreover, the treatment costs here are much lower than other Asian countries, she added.

Chief Secretary of the state Vishwas Mehta said that though only 10 per cent of the foreign tourists arriving in India visit Kerala, they spend maximum time in the state. “This can be attributed to health tourism,” he said.

Meanwhile, chairman of CII’s Kerala chapter Thomas John Muthoot said that Kerala is the ideal destination for foreign travellers seeking medical services.

Among those who took part in the discussion included CMD of KIMS Healthcare Dr M I Sahadulla; CMD of Aster DM Healthcare Dr Azad Moopen; vice chairman of CII Kerala chapter Sreenath Vishnu; CEO of Aster DM Healthcare Dr Hareesh Pillai; director of Baby Memorial Hospital Dr Vineeth Abraham; vice chairman of Sreedhariyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital Hari N Namboodiri; business director of Orioles Health International Sonal Pahwa and director of Magnus Health Care Services Dr Muhammed Bawaseer.