Kerala – A hot destination for Medical and Wellness Tourism

Is the daily home-work-home cycle stretching you out too much? Is age showing on you? Is your health buckling under the demands of your lifestyle? Deny it as you may, these are common problems in today’s working population; whatever be the age, location or profession. If you feel its time to rejuvenate, find some time and plan a visit to Kerala, known popularly as “God’s own country” because of its picturesque landscape. The soothing climate, natural abundance of forests having a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants takes one into paradise.

Kerala has established itself as a prominent destination of world leisure tourism for its natural beauty and cultural assets. The growth of tourism in the state has been mainly buyer driven. The collective marketing effort through the Tourism department had been limited till the recent past. With the growing awareness of Medical, Health and Wellness Tourism, the facilities and infrastructure available in Kerala have now gained a fare share of the limelight.

The golden opportunity has been recognized by private players, particularly the Ayurveda sector, who took some collective effort to convert Kerala as source for Ayurveda treatment. Then came Dentistry and Modern Medicine. A combination of many factors has led to the increase in popularity of medical tourism in Kerala.

The state of Kerala has more than 15 world class hospitals equipped with the best of all advanced facilities for health care, medical and paramedical education and research. Defining qualities of a world class hospital are professional expertise and technology of international standards, streamlined efficiency of service, courteous personal attention and meticulous cleanliness. Capitalizing on these assets, today Kerala has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Health and wellness tourism.

Traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha are widely popular in the state, and draws increasing numbers of tourists. With ease and affordability of international travel and Improving technology and standards of care, visitors from across the globe throng to Kerala for exclusive sessions.

Traditional Indian practices of healthcare and beauty treatment from natural herbs and plants have been rediscovered and brought forward in new packages. Alongwith, medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies offer exclusive post treatment tours to the natural forests, backwaters, lakes and other beautiful tourist attractions in the state. A stay in the Houseboats adds to the experience.

The major specialties of Medical Tourism in Kerala are the following:

Modern Medicine: Cardiac Care, Orthopaedic, ENT, General Surgery, Cosmetic Treatment, Urology Ophthalmology, Fertility Treatment, Neuro Surgery, Dental care, etc

A leading Healthcare institute, Kerala institute of Medical Science (KIMS)

Alternate Medicines: Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Naturopathy, Aroma Therapy. The patronages received from different countries are presented below:

Alternate Medicine		Modern Medicine
Germany	22.20%	Middle East	26.46%
France	13.14%	UK	18.41%
Switzerland	12.88%	Germany	13.41%
USA	12.29%	USA	12.44%
UK	7.29%	Maldives	11.46%
Italy	7.20%	France	7.32%
Russia	6.78%	Australia	3.54%
Middle East	6.36%	Spain	2.44%
Denmark	5.08%	Switzerland	2.44%
Japan	4.66%	East Africa	1.83%
Spain	1.69%	Kenya	0.24%
Kenya	0.42%

(Source: Medical Tourism in Kerala—Challenges and Scope, Joseph M. Cherukara and Dr. James Manalel, May 2008).

Adam Wood House-Cochin, Kerala

The Other Home offers you a pleasant stay in the backwaters of Adams Wood House (Fort Cochin),Summerhouse Holiday (Kollam) and Coconutcreek Kumarakom Homestays (Kumarakom) from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and enjoy ultimate relaxation and comfort. If you have come to Kerala for medical purposes and need specific care, we shall ensure the best of individual care for you as prescribed by the doctors.

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