Failure to track and analyse patient inflow hampers the state's ability to formulate effective strategies to attract medical tourists
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Despite its position as the healthcare nucleus of Northeast India, Assam's ambitions to establish itself as a premier destination for medical tourism remain largely unrealised. The state's capital, Guwahati, is home to institutions such as the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, and Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, alongside numerous private healthcare providers. However, a comprehensive record of medical tourists, both domestic and international, is conspicuously absent. A source from the Directorate of Tourism, in conversation with GPlus, acknowledged this oversight: "There is no such tally as of now, but the ministry has directed an empanelled agency to proceed with the survey. The process is ongoing."
This lack of data underscores a significant gap in the state's strategy to position itself as a 'healer's hub'.
Currently, attendants of patients often find accommodation in hotels, Airbnb properties, guest houses, or through private rental agreements. Guwahati frequently receives visitors from various districts within Assam, as well as international patients from neighbouring countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Yet, the Assam Tourism Department has lagged in maintaining an account of these visitors, hindering efforts to assess and enhance the state's medical tourism potential.
In a recent cabinet meeting, the state government deliberated on plans to transform Assam into a 'healer's hub'. This vision aligns with the broader objectives outlined in the Assam Tourism Policy of 2022, which emphasises the development of niche tourism sectors, including medical tourism. The policy advocates for the establishment of world-class healthcare facilities, promotion of traditional healing practices, and the creation of a conducive environment to attract both domestic and international patients.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been vocal about the state's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. In a recent event, he inaugurated a 350-bed State Cancer Institute in Guwahati, equipped with advanced medical services such as radiation, chemotherapy, robotic surgery, and bone marrow transplant facilities. The project, valued at ₹395 crore, is a testament to the state's dedication to providing comprehensive cancer care. Furthermore, Sarma announced plans for an additional seven state cancer institutes slated for completion in 2025 and 2026, as well as the introduction of Proton Beam Therapy to facilitate advanced and targeted cancer treatment in Assam.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. As per reports there is a significant gap in medical infrastructure within the state. With a population exceeding 36 million, Assam currently offers 24,178 hospital beds across both government and private sectors. According to healthcare norms, there should be five beds per 1,000 populations, indicating a requirement of approximately 183,000 beds. This reveals a shortfall of over 158,000 beds, underscoring the pressing need for substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Moreover, the absence of a systematic approach to track and analyse patient inflow hampers the state's ability to formulate effective strategies to attract medical tourists. Without accurate data, it becomes challenging to identify trends, allocate resources efficiently, and market Assam as a viable destination for medical care.
The Assam Medical Tourism Council Trust, established in 2021, aims to bridge this gap by promoting the state as a medical tourism destination. The trust focuses on building a medical tourism bridge in Southeast Asia, combating issues like drug trafficking, and initiating eco-friendly projects. Their mission is to serve humanity by advocating for hope and compassion in the realm of medical tourism.
In addition to these efforts, the state government has launched the Assam Health System Strengthening Project (AHSSP) with support from the World Bank. This project is designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved regions of Assam. The AHSSP focuses on strengthening the state’s health infrastructure, improving the management of public health systems, and ensuring better service delivery through modern technology and data-driven governance. Key initiatives under the project include the development of district hospitals, capacity-building programmes for healthcare professionals, and improved healthcare financing mechanisms. By addressing systemic gaps, AHSSP aims to create a healthcare ecosystem that can not only serve the state's population effectively but also support Assam's long-term goal of becoming a medical tourism hub.
In conclusion, while Assam has made strides in enhancing its healthcare infrastructure, the dream of becoming a leading medical tourism hub remains distant. Addressing the critical gaps in infrastructure, implementing robust data collection mechanisms, and fostering public-private partnerships are essential steps towards realising this vision. With concerted efforts and strategic planning, Assam can position itself as a beacon of medical excellence in the region.