Gaudium IVF, one of the leading approved fertility treatment centres well known for utilising the most advanced reproductive technology, has bet big on India’s future to emerge as a popular hotspot for IVF treatments. The fertility clinic has reported that IVF drives the growth story of the Indian Medical Tourism Industry. This unfolds against the backdrop of declining fertility rates across the world, so much so that W.H.O. had to categorise fertility as the third largest disease burden now.
Gaudium IVF is witnessing increased ‘egg freezing’ cases, especially from global patients. Their study data indicates that egg reserve decline occurs in women of all races across 30 countries worldwide. This alarming data is to be accounted for by the fact that clinical factors, racial and ethnicity factors, alongside issues like longer median age for family planning and sedentary lifestyles of people, have increased the number of infertility cases.
This prompts couples to opt for advanced treatment options, creating huge market opportunities for India. Approximately 2 million patients visit India annually from 78 countries for medical, wellness, and IVF treatments, generating $6 billion for the Indian Medical Tourism Industry. The industry, backed by the government’s Health in India initiative, is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026.
Dr Manika Khanna, an infertility specialist laparoscopic surgeon and founder of Gaudium IVF, commented on promoting India as an accessible medical travel destination abroad: “The rising prevalence of late parenthood has increased the incidence of infertility due to rapidly declining egg reserves in women across the world. Over the years, the success rate of IVF treatments in our country has driven people from around the globe to travel to India.
However, Fertility is an emotional journey, and it is crucial to cultivate self-compassion towards maintaining hope and combating fertility issues with patience and a positive attitude. This is exactly when the government can jump right in and provide assurance to those seeking help by reaffirming our motto, ‘Athihi Devo Bhava’, backed by a solid communication strategy and insightful brand campaigns equivalent to that of ‘Incredible India’, to promote the strengths of Indian healthcare abroad with a pivotal focus on an individual’s mental, emotional, and social well-being.”
Medical Tourism refers to the industry where international patients travel across the border for medical treatments. In recent years, India has emerged as a major medical Tourism hub and is now considered among the world’s top 6 medical value travel destinations. IVF contributes significantly to the growth of Indian Medical Tourism. Since its inception, IVF’s growth and enormous success rate have been well-received by people around the globe. India has evolved as a pioneer in many high-end and result-oriented IVF treatments. This has drawn the attention of aspiring parents all over the world.
India’s main advantage is the low cost of providing world-class healthcare. The medical visa process must be smoothened over and made available easily. E-visas should be one option for patients but must not be the only one. Visa on arrival for medical treatment can further boost the tourists’ footfall.
“Looking at our population demographic, even though 65% of people are under 35, infertility is a much bigger challenge than we perceive now. Our unrivalled knowledge, top-notch doctors, extensive experience, and advanced IVF procedures have enabled patients to fly in from more than 30 countries worldwide. Egg freezing also helps women fight against cancer.
In one such case, a patient of ours flew in from New York and got her eggs frozen before undergoing her chemotherapies. After a complete remission of her cancer, she got married and came back later with her husband. We used her frozen eggs and delivered a beautiful baby who now is a healthy 7-year-old child.” further added Dr Khanna.
The cost-effective medical treatment and the availability of a highly skilled and experienced medical workforce make India one of the first choices for hassle-free and effective treatment. Its rapidly growing medical tourism industry has put Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kochi on the globe for millions across Asia and Africa, who turn to these cities for all their surgical needs.
