In 2016, approximately 18,000 medical tourists visited the island nation for medical treatments. The growing sector has received the attention of the government as well as foreign investors. Two major healthcare groups from India have built their high standard healthcare facilities there. The healthcare infrastructure has thus received a boost with this venture.
Most hospitals in Mauritius have been investing in latest equipment to enhance the specialty treatments. Medical tourists who come to Mauritius are therefore not disappointed with the quality of treatment and advanced equipment.
Merging the tourism appeal with medical treatment in innovative ways to deliver healthcare have been put in place. Mauritius’s biggest appeal is the luxurious hotels and tranquil atmosphere combined with the magnificent beauty of the seascapes.
Clinics such as the Centre de Chirurgie Esthetique are focusing on caring for visitors, tourists and medical tourists so that they feel pampered and worry-free, in the sunny and serene environment. The wellbeing of the patients and wellness seekers is the main goal. The clinic is aimed at medical tourists who want treatment as well as pleasure.
Medical tourists seek treatment mainly in the specialties of cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, dentistry, eye surgery, fertility treatments, and bariatric surgery. Internationally renowned branded hospitals such as the Fortis Clinique Darne and Welkin Hospital, deliver treatment that is at par with international standards. The GREA group is investing 54 million dollars to build a state-of-the-art 81-bed multi specialty hospital in Curepipe, and an oncology hospital in Coromandel.
The investment by the private groups and government boost by allowing visa on arrival for visitors from countries such as India, China and the United States attracts medical tourists from these countries who want to have a relaxing holiday as well.
Many patients from France turn up in Mauritius as French is spoken by most locals. Middle-eastern countries and Europe are other source markets. The people as well as the excellent physicians ensure that medical tourists return for holidays as well as follow up treatments.
A trend reported by the BBC is that East African patients from countries like Seychelles who get the primary treatment done in India or other Asian countries, prefer to get the follow-up treatment done at Mauritian healthcare facilities.
This is a big segment that medical tourism facilitator companies, private hospitals and clinics can focus on and create a niche market. Medical travelers from Africa, who do not want to travel long distances and yet want quality aftercare can travel easily to Mauritius. This group of patients can add significantly to the country’s revenue.
One of the reasons why Mauritius is one of the best medical tourism destinations is because there are virtually no waiting lists. Medical tourists can have pre-consultations with the physician or surgeon prior to their visit. The medical tourism facilitators or travel companies book tickets, help with visas, book their accommodation and guide them about the entertainment and wellness activities available on the island. A patient can enjoy a hassle-free treatment and post-cure wellness treatments such as spa or rehabilitation without having to run around.
Costs are quite affordable in Mauritius due to the low cost of living, bringing down the other costs as well. So patients looking for treatment and a nice holiday can do both without breaking the bank.
The affordable rates are a big draw for patients for outpatient and inpatient procedures. The world class resorts and hotels providing opulent living experience to tourists is extended to medical tourists also. Healthcare, leisure, and wellness treatments are included in medical tourism packages ensuring that every patient gets a taste of the diverse traditional and modern procedures.
Water treatments using deep sea water are in great demand because of the healing property.
Realizing the importance of the high-value activities in healthcare industry such as high-tech medicine and medical education, the government has been proactive and facilitating these pursuits.
There are however a few challenges that patients face, for example, there is a lack of complicated procedures, advanced cancer treatments, AI assisted surgeries, advanced diabetetic treatments and so on.
To be as competitive as any other top medical tourism destination, Mauritius has to improve the frequency of flights to the country. IT connectivity has to be stable and free wi-fi should be available for health tourism seekers who want to work while on a wellness tourism trip.
Mauritius has all the positives in its favor when medical tourism is considered – a sunny climate, tranquil environment that hastens recovery, affordable rates, and high standard of hospitals and clinics staffed with dedicated and experienced healthcare professionals.