From Apollo to Fortis, hospitals tap West Asia, Africa for new patients

Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Narayana Hrudayalaya and other leading hospitals are targeting an increase in international patient admissions on the back of easier visa norms and linkages with international chains.

Foreign patients help hospitals increase occupancy, improve cash flow, build brand profile overseas, and serve as a hedge against currency volatility.

“Overseas patient admissions contribute to around 11 per cent of our revenue, up from 5 per cent four years ago. The growth has been due to opening up of new hospitals in Mumbai and Gurgaon, participation in medical camps abroad and liasioning with government agencies in Africa and West Asia,” said Viren Shetty, executive director of Narayana Hrudalaya.

A Fortis Hospital spokesperson said 10-12 per cent of annual revenue is contributed by foreign patients; growth from the category is 4-5 per cent. Last year, Fortis received 11,000 overseas patients and is focused on increasing the volume through tie-ups with foreign hospitals and streamlining support services. 

A majority of overseas patients to India come from Bangladesh and Africa/West Asia. According to a 2018 Ficci report, tourist arrivals from Bangladesh, Iraq and Oman for  medical purposes has increased over the last four years. 

Apollo Hospitals treated around 200,000 foreign patients last year and this included both admissions and out patient department cases. “Introduction of e-visas is a welcome move and it has certainly helped to improve patient experience in India. However visas for longer duration can be explored. Also e-visa facility should be extended to Nigeria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan and other countries from where patient inflow to India is significant,” an Apollo spokesperson said.

“Our hospitals treated over 3,500 overseas patients in FY 2019. The revenue contribution from international patients is above 6 per cent. This is 36 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. The strategic network of Aster DM Healthcare facilities abroad is leveraged to provide high quality and cost effective care to overseas patients by our India hospitals,” said Alisha Moopen, executive director of Aster DM Hospitals.

The FICCI report last year had suggested that the government must expand its outreach, promote Ayurveda and wellness packages and offer medical visas at competitive rates to attract more foreigners. These measures are being recommended as there is a decline in medical tourists travelling from Africa and Central Asia in the last couple of years.  Countries like Kenya and Uzbekistan are developing their health infrastructure to discourage residents from travelling overseas for treatment.