Indian hospitals widen net as Bangladesh crisis hits medical tourism

Large Indian hospital chains are diversifying their international patient base to drive up revenue and reduce dependence on a single region, amid an ongoing dip in patients from Bangladesh, industry executives told Mint.

- Jessica Jani

Bangladeshi patients make up the largest chunk of international visitors checking into Indian hospitals for procedures, but numbers dipped sharply last year after political crisis gripped the neighbouring country. While hospitals like Apollo and Manipal-which were among the most impacted-are expecting a gradual uptick, the focus is now on bringing in more patients from other regions as well.

"Bangladesh has historically been one of the largest contributors to Manipal's international patient base, accounting for approximately 120 patients per day across our hospitals," Vikas Tayer, head of international healthcare services at Manipal Hospitals, told Mint. Bangladesh contributes about 25-30% of their international patients in India, especially in the Kolkata region, he said.