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One of the greatest achievements of the civilized society is the longevity of human life; this longevity has paved way for new and significant developments in the healthcare industry. The increasing acceptance of surgery added with the excitement of travel and tourism is fuelling a new medical tourism industry in South East Asia, with India and Thailand pioneering the cause.

Healthcare facilitators have realized the potential of the industry and are making sure patients traveling find the destination is not anything like the commonly perceived third world scenario. In contrast they receive luxury amenities complimenting top quality health care. The quality, affordability and accessibility of medical procedures are the main pulses for people considering going overseas for surgery.

Nationals of the United States of America and/or Western Europe find the Third World expenses for medical services quite affordable. Medical tourists have good cause to seek out care beyond their boundaries. The public health-care system is so overburdened in many developed nations that it sometimes takes years to get the needed attention.

While this affordability makes medical tourism attractive to its prospective patients, risks such as lack of protection in cases of malpractice, possible lack of adequate pre-operational assessment and/or follow-up can also accompany it. Yet, the hospitals and clinics that cater to the tourist market often is among the best in the world, and many recruit physicians trained at major medical centers in the United States and Europe.

In some countries, clinics are backed by sophisticated research infrastructures as well. India is among the world's leading countries for biotechnology research. Add to this the fact that some healthcare centers assign patients a personal assistant for the post-hospital recovery period and throw in a vacation incentive as well, and the deal gets even more alluring. Additionally, many Asian airlines offer frequent-flyer miles to ease the cost of returning for follow-up visits. Medical tourism organizations work exclusively with leading and internationally accredited private hospitals to take care of patients from abroad. They make all arrangements including airfares, accommodation, airport/hotel transfers and access to specialists and surgeons.

Market trends guarantee that medical tourism in India will continue to expand in the years ahead. As in most tourist-oriented medical communities, the major attractions are cosmetic surgery and dental treatments. However, eye surgery, kidney dialysis and organ transplantation also are among the most common procedures sought by medical vacationers in India. India has top-notch centers for open-heart surgery, pediatric heart surgery, hip and knee replacement, cosmetic surgery, dentistry, bone marrow transplants and cancer therapy. Virtually all of India's healthcare centers are equipped with the latest electronic and medical diagnostic equipment.