Challenges Face in Medical Tourism in Mauritius

The global medical tourism market size is expected to reach USD 179.6 billion by 2026, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., registering a 21.9% CAGR during the forecast period. Medical tourism generates direct foreign exchange income and contributes to the overall development of any economy. Government support to maintain the general reputation and political stability of the host country is a key factor driving the medical tourism market. Medical tourism has led to a rise in state-of-the-art medical facilities in developing countries to attract foreign nationals, resulting in fast growth of healthcare infrastructure in such countries. Moreover, healthcare providers now offer comprehensive medical tourism packages that include services ranging from ticket booking to hotel stay and medical insurance. The Medical tourism industry in Mauritius has witnessed a sustained growth over the last years. The Mauritian private healthcare sector now boasts stateof-the-art facilities and highly-qualified personnel providing comprehensive high-end medical care which has enabled Mauritius to position itself as a leading destination for medical travel. Mauritius has an impressive track record as an upmarket tourism destination and is now gradually transforming itself into a leading medical hub in the region. The island is an ideal destination where patients can undergo treatment, recuperate and enjoy a holiday at a competitive rate. In 2016, more than 18,000 foreign patients travelled to Mauritius for both inpatient and outpatient procedures and the value of the private health industry is estimated at around MUR 2 Billion. However one of the main challenges that are faced by tourists coming for medical care in Mauritius is mainly related to specialised care. Mauritius do have major facilities but lack resources in care such as advance cancer treatment, specialised robotic assisted surgeries and advance diabetes treatment to name a few. These challenges can be curbed by having more doctors trained in specialised care and at the same time investing in high end equipment.