In 2009, when India was recognised as the fourth largest exporter of passenger cars in the world, she attributed this success to Chennai. Five years later India once again thanks Chennai, this time for its contribution medical tourism. It may not match up to the US$15.7 billion automobile industry, but medical, currently in its nascent stage, is beginning to gain momentum through Chennai. By the end of this financial year, it is estimated to generate US$ two million for India.
In fact, the growing industry has a long history in Chennai (formerly known as Madras). Western medicine was first made available in India in the 16th century here, where it was practiced by European students. Today, of the top ten world class hospitals in India, seven are in Chennai — four find their roots, and three have their branches here.
To take one example, Apollo Hospitals, known for being the first to invest in innovative medical technology, also began operations in this city and it alone has close to 1,00,000 patients visit them from 120 countries each year.
Of all the medical tourists in Chennai, about 40 to 50 per cent are Indians from other states, mainly those in the north-east. “Even though Kolkata is just a ₹500 train ride away, the north-easterners would rather do the two-day travel, as they confess to trusting the doctors here more,” says Dr Shradha Nichani of Dr Shradha Dental Center.
Then there is the smaller, but growing segment of international medical travellers, who come predominantly from Africa, Bangladesh, and the Middle East. Raju Venkatraman, Managing Director & CEO, Medall Healthcare says, “There is an acute shortage of good doctors in Africa and the Middle East. To an extent, these doctors are open to sending their patients to their Indian contacts, after performing the basic surgery.”
An increasing number of foreign patients are coming from developed, western countries, primarily from middle to low income groups, who are attracted by the cost difference. Treatments that aren’t covered by insurance can burn a painfully expensive hole in their pockets. By travelling to India, a patient from a developed country, such as the USA or Australia, saves anywhere from 30 to 70 per cent on treatment cost; and the price of accommodation is negligible. A heart bypass that costs roughly US$130,000 in America, is US$7,000 in India. From specialised surgical treatments to tertiary ones such as hip replacement, knee replacement, endoscopic harvesting, cell grafting; the most sought after include IVF treatments, transplants, orthopaedic surgeries, heart surgeries, and dental treatments.
It’s not all good news, however. “Imagine how many more will visit if we clean up the city?” says Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairman, Apollo Hospitals. In addition to litter being a poor shop window for the city, there is the appalling traffic.
NRIs (Non-resident Indians), being aware of the high calibre of doctors in India and at affordable costs, also find it cheaper to be treated here. Nichani explains, “When they realise the price difference is 15 times cheaper in Chennai, why wouldn’t they club a family visit with a doctor’s visit. The amount they would spend on one dental treatment in America, of competing quality and care as in Chennai, would cost them the same as flying to India, paying for accommodation and medical bills together.”
Further, clinics often receive emails from extremely cost-conscious patients, enquiring after treatment packages based on diagnoses from their local doctor. The lowest quote wins.
Emphasising that Chennai is not just about cheap medical service, Venkatraman adds, “Our doctors, education system and colleges are fabulous too.” Madras Medical College, established in 1850; Christian Medical College in Vellore, two hours from Chennai; and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry, 2.5 hours from Chennai, are ranked amongst the top 10 medical academies in India.
Those who graduate from these colleges have a chance to train under the best if recruited by known hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals, Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, MIOT International Hospital and the likes. Chennai’s specialised hospitals have working relations with international hospitals for joint research, training, continuing educational medical programmes and other such partnerships. It is common for Indian doctors working abroad to be headhunted by institutions in Chennai. Shadowing them, gives students a different kind of exposure.
Reddy says, “A lot of Indian doctors decide to move back on their own too and for various reasons — being close to the parents, giving back to their country, and so on. Another attraction is the numbers that they work with here aren’t as much as those in foreign countries.”
Travel operators offer packages that include a quick medical checkup in Chennai — dubbed as the gateway to South India — to families booking a holiday to explore this part of the country. So long as examinations are non-intrusive, people don’t mind spending US$400 in India for a MRI scan that would otherwise cost them US$3,000 in America.
Likewise, hospitals are usually prepared with information on hotels, sightseeing tours, and leisure activities in Chennai. Some medical institutes have a dedicated team for this purpose. Certain health centres have set up a concierge/travel desk to assist families accompanying patients. Others have initiated medical packages for “on the go”.
Take for example Apollo’s recently launched “Dental Vacation” in India. Riding on dental tourism’s growing numbers, Apollo White Dental invites foreigners to invest in their dental schemes. The plan labelled Holi-dent, allows patients to start their dental treatment at one Apollo clinic, and as they travel through India, continue the treatment at another Apollo location without interrupting their holiday itinerary.
On November 27, 2014 the Indian government made available the option of online visa application to citizens of 76 countries. Reddy says, “The one good thing that has come out of the recent online visa application process is that it has encouraged patients from the world over by simplifying entry to India.” These are extended to visiting friends and family, business travellers and tourists for short duration medical treatments. To help speed up the process, hospitals and clinics may offer a letter of invitation to applicants of medical visas. In case of emergency cases, a copy of the medical report with other necessary paperwork can entail a priority visa too.
When asked about how much does medical tourism contribute to Chennai’s GDP, Venkatraman shares, “Unfortunately these numbers haven’t been officially published. In my opinion, it is safe to guess that the revenue generated falls within the ₹30 to₹50 million bracket. For most hospitals, I am sure, that four to five per cent of their revenue is from medical tourism.”
Through medical tourism, Chennai is seeing a rise in ancillary industries as well. Language translators have been in demand for foreign and Indian patients alike. Most hospitals have in-house interpreters for easy communication between the doctor and patient. Apollo Hospitals has close to 20 people hired solely as translators between doctors and foreigners.
In 2010, South Asia’s first medical technology park, Trivitron Medical Technology Park (TMTP), was launched near Chennai. The project is spread over 23.5 acres and produces specialised products such as ultrasound systems, colour dopplers and x-ray machines. The main aim behind its creation is to provide the world with affordable medical equipment as manufacturing in India is cheaper. Currently India imports 85 per cent of medical technology. By tying up with foreign companies to manufacture here, TMTP hopes to change the import figures in India’s favour.
It is ironic that with such an inflow of tourists and expats, the tamil speaking city struggles when communicating with its visitors. Let alone english, they aren’t fluent in the nation’s most widely spoken language, hindi either. At restaurants, menu cards may be in english, but fluency in the language is limited amongst the staff. Visitors often complain about being lost in translation in Chennai, and this is a grumble shared by Indian tourists as well. To travel within the city, it is safest to book an Ola (olacabs.com) or an Uber (uber.com). Even though there is no guarantee of an english speaking driver, they’re equipped with GPS systems. When helpless about directing cabbies to where you are because of language barriers, locals are happy to help. Some even make an effort to speak your language, even if in broken grammar. And it is this niceness that keeps Chennai’s pulse beating to its rising medical tourism.
WHAT TO SEE
The people of Chennai take their religious duties very seriously. A drive through the city will expose you to at least two temples per minute. The most famous of them is the Kapaleeshwar Temple built in the eighth century. It is located in the cultural hub of the city, which is also one of the oldest residential areas here. Opening hours: 5:30am to 10pm.
Valluvar Kottam was built in 1976, in memory of Thiruvallavar, a classical Tamil poet, philosopher and saint. It resembles a chariot, 39 metres in height, inside which is a life sized statue of the poet. Locals treat this as a temple. It is wise to remove your shoes before entering the building. Opening hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm.
To really enjoy the Bay of Bengal, visit Marina Beach early in the morning. It is a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends. The beach is dotted with statues of historic figures, food stalls and temporary shops. It isn’t the best place to swim, but is ideal to enjoy the sea breeze and the sun-kissed horizon.
If you don’t mind the jostling and noise, it’s not a bad idea to walk down Ranganathan Street in the evenings. All flavours of Chennai in its true avatar are found here. Everything from hawkers of local cuisines to fruit and vegetable vendors, and small shops with economically priced goods to large jewellery showrooms, draw in crowds from all strata of the society.
WHERE TO EAT
Murugan Idli Shop
This is a humble chain of restaurants, most popular for their idlis (rice cakes) amongst other traditional South Indian fare. Your plate is a banana leaf and your cutlery is your fingers, unless requested for otherwise. They serve four kinds of chutneys to begin with, followed by your order. For a true South Indian experience, finish the meal with a hot filter coffee. Don’t be shy to slurp. muruganidlishop.com
Ente Keralam
All three branches are equally popular for their consistency in quality of Keralite food. The rustic walls, brass urlis (decorative bars containers), flower decorations, straw mats, lamps and incense sticks give the feeling of visiting a home in Kerala. Karimeen Pollichathu — fish grilled in banana leaf, Vendakka Mappas — okra cooked in coconut milk and Kerala spices, and Paal Ada Payasam — sweetened rice porridge are the specialties. If the menu is all too tempting, opt for the thali or tasting menu that satiate any ravenous appetite. entekeralam.in
Copper Point
This one is a pan-Indian restaurant in GRT Grand Hotel. They serve food that is very typical to the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. All their cutlery and utensils are in copper. For a tangy thrill, order their Chettinad curries that come with special puffed rice pancakes, and the bisibellebath, a hot lentil rice dish that is infused with herbs and flavoursome seasoning. Paan, a cone of betel leaf with sweet fillings, offered at the end of the meal acts as a coolant and digestive after the spice-filled feast. grthotels.com
DRINK
Unless you have a building with 20 rooms to let, you cannot hold the licence to serve alcohol commercially. Being a conservative society that is matriarchal is nature, it is uncommon to spot a mixed group of men and women sharing drinks. If at all, it is the more lavish, luxury hotels that are frequented, and by the affluent crowds.
WHERE TO STAY
ITC GRAND CHOLA
Inspired by the architecture of the Chola dynasty from the middle ages, ITC Grand Chola is a regal spread of three wings across eight acres. The luxury property holds 522 elegantly appointed rooms, suites and 78 serviced apartments. One floor is dedicated to Eva rooms, a category reserved for solo women travellers. In addition to the 10 restaurants and bars on the property, its pool, gym, spa and shopping arcade provide high-end recreational services. More than 5575 sqm space is reserved for business conferences. itchotels.in
LEMON TREE HOTEL
The budget, 54-room business hotel is within proximity to the Chennai Trade Centre, DLF IT Park, and India’s largest orthopaedic hospital, MIOT Hospital. Lemon Tree’s rooms are divided into superior, deluxe and suites. Each of the Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms and Executive suites are equipped with a work desk, high-speed wifi access, and an orthopaedic mattress. They have one all-day cafe, a fully equipped conference room with a capacity of 200 people, and a board room for 12. lemontreehotels.com
THE RAINTREE HOTEL
The mid-range, eco-friendly hotel
is centrally located in Chennai’s business district, Anna Salai. Guests have access to express laundry service, travel assistance, currency exchange, and courier service. Both their banquets have a total capacity of 1,000 people, allow customisation of layouts as per group size, and are equipped with audio-visual support and wireless internet connectivity. They have three meeting rooms, one with a capacity for 12 and two for eight people. A long day can be forgotten at their rooftop pool and sky lounge for a quick dip and drink. raintreehotels.com
