Best Points from ICTT2013 for Medical Tourism Facilitators

Last month I participated in India’s first travel technology conference and exhibition organized by ATTOI at the Leela Hotel, Kovalm, Kerala. It was really lovely experience to meet some well-known figure and learn new ideas from them like Mr. Adam Franklin, Mrs. Selina Power, Mrs. Sheila Scarborough, Mr. Bicky Carlra, Mrs. Nisha Jha and organizing committee. No doubt Mr. Adam’s Top 15 international travel technology tips- ICTT 2013 and Nisha’s blog ICTT Conference are very interesting and informative, but I am here only to raise those points which are best fit for Medical Tourism.

1. Art of Listening and responding; Ms. Sheila Scarborough learnt very simply art of listening which is very important part of Medical tourism. Medical tourism agencies are nothing but bridge to fulfill the gap between healthcare providers and patients. At this point we only identify the problems when we listen carefully and convey to the doctors. It is not possible to provide special care and attention to each and every patient without knowing his problem. Apart from that we should also appreciate the good comments and feedbacks. She said we are asked all the time about responding the negative stuff, but the real problem is ignoring the good things that people are saying.

2. Number game is nothing; Mr. Chad Wiebesick’s advices for Medical tourism industries are not to worry about number game. Only numbers doesn’t play a role to judge ROI on the web. Major thing is their engagement, age group and their ability to avail your product or services. If children/ minors are active on your social page then you are not going to benefit from them or very low as they make ready their parents to avail your services. So use networks where your audience is at.

3. Blogging Flourish your marketing; Mr. Adam Franklin appointed that blog is fuel to flourish your business and marketing strategy due to fresh and unique contents. Medical tourism bloggers should write about general issues, medical procedures, new trends in the industry and safety measure pre/ post surgery instead of boosting yourself. It is not a matter that how long or big blogs are.

4. Attract, Interact and Convert; Mr. Suresh babu advises the Medical tourism industry to use long word keywords as search option because it brings more traffic compare to 1-2 keywords. Medical tourism is also work as a chain system as one happy patient recommends another one, so need to interact many people and converts them into prospective client.

5. Do proper research; Medical tourism industry need proper research for knowing the potential market for their services and what will attract more people to use this service. Medical tourism which mostly depends on inbound patients needs proper information about target country, their healthcare system and method of response by government. It is interesting to know that some country provide free healthcare to its citizen and if we spent our potential to those countries its only west of time and energy.

Is Medical Tourism Company or Agent safe in India?

If you are planning to visit India for medical treatment, you can arrange your treatment plan without any support. Hiring a Medical Tourism Companies is totally depend on your choice, your condition of health and proficiency to deal with all issues related to journey, accommodation, fooding and treatment. If you were in India before or you can communicate with hospital/ healthcare providers easily then you should arrange all things without any support otherwise you should seek support of medical tourism company or agents which are certified/ member of Medical Tourism Quality Alliance or Medical Tourism Association.

If you are elderly, disabled, an inexperienced traveler or not in the best of your health, you should hire medical tourism company for handling everything for you. They won’t charge much more, for handling your case and arranging all your needs, if you select reputed and certified agency.

This is true that Indian Medical Tourism providers are always ready to assist you and happy to take care of your all needs very carefully and professionally. Some medical tourism agencies provide 24/7 assistance during your stay in India, including those you may not have expected.  

You can choose as and when need basis payment plan in India form reputed companies, means you will pay for each and every expanse by cash/ card, but it is not a good deal. Taking whole package for treatment/ surgery will give you mind relaxation along with you 10-30% saving. Indian Medical tourism companies follow the guideline set by Indian government and American Medical Association. 

In 2008, American Medical Association issued nine guidelines for people seeking medical care outside the United States. 

• Medical care outside the United States should be voluntary.

• Financial incentives to go outside the United States for care should not inappropriately limit diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives or restrict treatment or referral options.

• Financial incentives should be used only for care at institutions accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies.

• Local follow-up care should be coordinated and financing arranged to ensure continuity of care.

• Coverage for travel outside the United States for care must include the costs of follow-up care upon return.

• Patients should be informed of rights and legal recourse before traveling outside the United States for care.

• Patients should have access to physician licensing and outcomes data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data.

• Transfer of patient medical records should be consistent with HIPAA guidelines.

• Patients should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.

Mohammad Afzal Siddiqui

www.safemedjourney.com