Srinagar, May 07 (KNO): As India's medical tourism industry gears up to surpass pre-pandemic levels, stakeholders in Kashmir are optimistic about the region's potential to emerge as a prominent destination in the sector.
With its serene landscapes and upcoming healthcare investments, Kashmir is poised to attract medical tourists seeking high-quality treatment coupled with a therapeutic environment.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), medical tourism in India is set to get a boost with projections indicating that the number of medical tourists will exceed pre-pandemic levels.
According to data released by credit rating agency Crisil, the number of medical tourists visiting India is projected to be around 7.3 million in calendar year (CY) 2024, up from 6.1 million estimated in CY 2023.
The last time these figures touched 7 million was in CY2019, before crashing due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns.
Amid this resurgence, stakeholders in Kashmir believe Kashmir’s significant role in the medical tourism landscape.
With its picturesque locales, temperate climate, and improving healthcare facilities, the stakeholders claimed that Kashmir possesses the necessary ingredients to emerge as a preferred destination for medical tourists.
“Kashmir has made significant strides in upgrading its healthcare infrastructure in recent years. Coupled with the region's natural beauty and cultural richness, it presents a compelling proposition for medical tourists seeking treatment combined with a rejuvenating experience," Rauf Tramboo, President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK).
Additionally, stakeholders emphasize the need for concerted efforts to promote Kashmir as a medical tourism destination on both national and international platforms.
He said collaborative initiatives involving government agencies, healthcare providers, and tourism stakeholders are required to showcase Kashmir's potential and attract medical tourists from across the globe.
Umar Ahmad, another travel agent, said the large-scale investments in the healthcare sector can help the valley become a prominent medical tourism destination. “ So many hospitals and clinics are coming up in Kashmir. With a clean and serene atmosphere, Kashmir can certainly prove to be a leading tourism destination,” he said.
Pertinently, the government has also unveiled its action plan to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a medical tourism destination.
The government has claimed that Jammu Kashmir is fully prepared to become an important centre of AYUSH and ‘Heal in India’ campaign, which will promote medical tourism in the Union Territory—(KNO)