THE IT City never loses its taste for more. After being bitten by the IT bug, Bangalore is all geared up to experience another new wave.

It has once again found itself as a focal point on the world map as a medical tourist spot.
The silicon valley of India is experiencing a major influx of foreign patients. The city’s medical wizards are more than overwhelmed.

It all started in 2003, when Noor Fathima from Pakistan was operated by Dr Devi Shetty, chairman of Narayana Hrudayalaya. Across the world, the news was captivating from a dual perspective. Primarily it highlighted Bangalore as superior in medical profession, and secondarily it lifted the image of Indian hospitality when messages like ‘get well soon’ and ‘we are beside you Noor’ poured in from all over. Hospitals and corporate establishments in the city have now realised the potential of this niche market and have accordingly channelised their needs and facilities.

“People from across the world approach HOSMAT for spine and knee micro surgeries, neuro problems and spine tumour. The cost of the treatment is very cheap and the quality of treatment and facilities are comparable with international standards. We are also noticing 50 per cent increase in the numbers of patients as compared to previous years,” says Dr Thomas chandy, director and chief orthopaedic of HOSMAT hospital.

On being asked about the future of Bangalore as a medical tourist spot, he says it solely depends on speciality, expertise and experience of the doctors and hospitals. Some lead institutes and private hospitals like HOSMAT, Narayana Hrudayalaya, NIMHANS, Wockhardt, Manipal Hospital, Mallya Hospital are now providing services usually provided by a star hotel.

Karimah who has come from Nigeria for treatment at Wockhardt hospital says: “The quality of surgery, treatment and nursing care given here is better than that of hospitals in our own country. We have very few hospitals in South Africa and they are not up to the mark. In India, utmost care is taken by doctors and staff from admission to recovery and discharge.”

Compared to Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi, Bangalore was a late starter. But internationally acclaimed specialists opting to make the city their base made all the difference.