Date:01/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/07/01/stories/2004070101051900.htm

Back KIMS health tourism packages

Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram , June 30

THE Thiruvananthapuram-based Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) has launched several health tourism packages targeted at the international market.

The customised `medical treatment and leisure' packages were soft launched a few months ago. The response to these packages has been encouraging, especially from West Asia, says Dr M.I. Sahadulla, Chairman and Managing Director, KIMS. In fact, the Gulf region, along with Maldives and the UK, is among the largest markets for the hospital's health tourism packages, he adds.

Developed by the hospital in association with the Great India Tour Company Pvt Ltd, the packages offer customers an opportunity to visit different parts of the State and also undergo treatment at the hospital. According to Dr Sahadulla, cardiac treatments such as a coronary artery bypass graft are in great demand among those who opt for health tourism packages. Packages for cosmetic surgery are also quite popular.

The price advantage and the advanced medical facilities draw patients from abroad, he says. In the case of a coronary artery bypass graft including all investigations, the actual surgery and recuperation will cost approximately Rs 3 lakh at the hospital.