India saw 48% jump in medical tourists from Bangladeshis in 2023

India witnessed a 48% increase in medical tourists from Bangladesh in 2023 compared to that of the previous year, reports Business Standard, an India-based newspaper. 

A total of 449,570 Bangladeshis visited India for medical reasons in 2023, up from 304,067 in 2022.
However, India's government data indicates a decline in medical visas granted to other countries. Sri Lankans received only 1,432 medical visas in 2023-24, an 11.7% decrease from the previous year. Myanmar citizens received 3,019 medical visas, marking a 4% increase, while only 76 visas were issued to Pakistanis in 2023-24, down from 106 the previous year.
Anas Abdul Wajid, senior director and chief sales and marketing officer at Max Healthcare, explained that Bangladeshi patients typically seek treatments for transplants, cardiac issues, neurological conditions, orthopedic problems, and oncology. Max Healthcare has representatives in Dhaka to assist patients in navigating their treatment journey in India.
Wajid also noted the lack of patients from Pakistan and Afghanistan due to political and security issues, as the Indian government does not issue visas to patients from these countries. Conversely, there has been a significant increase in patients from Nepal and a steady rise in patients from Myanmar. However, after an investigation by the Financial Times regarding illegal kidney transplants, authorities have become more cautious in issuing medical visas to Myanmar citizens.
He mentioned a temporary decline in patient arrivals from Bangladesh and fewer visas issued during general elections. The Indian embassy often faces substantial waiting times for medical visa requests due to high demand.
Max Healthcare recorded a 22% growth in international business last financial year compared to the previous year. Cultural and linguistic similarities between eastern India and Bangladesh, as well as geographical proximity, contribute to this trend, said Santy Sajan, group chief operating officer at Paras Health.
Sajan added that comprehensive packages offered by private medical providers, which include doctor appointments and medical advisors, make the process more accessible. Paras Health has seen a rise in Bangladeshi patients and a diverse patient base from other neighboring and Western countries.
West Bengal, which shares geographical and cultural ties with Bangladesh, has seen a significant increase in patients from Bangladesh post-pandemic, with a 10% rise in patient inflow. Sombrata Roy, unit head at Calcutta Medical Research Institute, attributed this to efficient connectivity through direct trains and buses, along with shared cultural, linguistic, and culinary ties.
The increase in Bangladeshi medical tourists has also led to improved air connectivity between the two countries. To further support medical tourism, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on June 22 the introduction of an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshis, following his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her state visit to India. Additionally, India will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to better serve the people of northwest Bangladesh.