Question

Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title, with the help of the given points/hints.
Title: Promoting Medical Tourism in India: A Mixed Blessing

Hint:

In summary writing, ensure that you capture the main ideas of the passage while presenting them concisely. Avoid adding personal opinions or too many details, focusing on the key points instead.

Answer 1

The Government of India is actively promoting medical tourism by offering tax benefits and export incentives to hospitals participating in the industry. Medical visas are being cleared quickly, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Ministry of Tourism, has set up a task force to evaluate opportunities in the industry. Several private hospitals are also investing heavily in acquiring equipment and skills to meet the growing demand for medical tourism. However, medical tourism carries several risks. Countries like India, Malaysia, and Thailand may have different infectious diseases compared to Europe and North America. Additionally, travelers may face the risk of diseases like Hepatitis A and amoebic dysentery. Another concern is the quality of post-operative care, which may vary greatly depending on the hospital and country. Furthermore, after returning to their home countries, patients may have limited access to their surgeons, making it difficult to manage any complications that arise.
The concept of medical tourism also raises significant questions regarding its accessibility, affordability, and ethics in India. A large portion of the Indian population has little or no access to private healthcare, and the public healthcare system is inadequate, lacking proper infrastructure and facilities. This has led to a debate about whether it is sensible to prioritize medical tourism while many in India still lack basic healthcare services.
In conclusion, while medical tourism has the potential to boost the economy and provide high-quality medical services at lower costs, it also comes with various challenges that need to be addressed, including the risk of disease and the disparity in access to healthcare for the Indian population.