As the influx of patients from Bangladesh seeking medical treatment in India dwindles significantly, hospital administrators report that evaluations continue, but the list of those waiting for care is growing longer.
For the past six months, the turmoil in Bangladesh has severely restricted travel for patients requiring treatment in India, among other concerns.
Currently, over 100 Bangladeshi patients are on waiting lists after having undergone medical evaluations at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, according to Dr. Santosh Shetty, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. He emphasizes that not all patients requiring urgent care can afford to wait, particularly those with serious conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and orthopedic issues.
Although the volume of patients visiting hospitals in western India has decreased, Bangladesh represents the largest demographic within that group, according to hospital representatives. Bangladeshi patients typically seek care from hospitals located in the East, South, and North of India.
Although Bangladesh has its own healthcare facilities, there remains a significant number of patients who prefer to pursue treatment in India or look for advanced care options at more affordable prices, noted an anonymous insider in the healthcare industry, citing the politically sensitive nature of the matter. In areas affected by conflict, the need for medical assistance often takes precedence, leading to discussions about how to issue medical visas for verified cases while still considering security concerns.
Moving forward, the landscape of medical tourism is likely to evolve due to geopolitical factors, suggests Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman of Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH). He points out that currency fluctuations can make treatment abroad increasingly costly and that countries are becoming more inclined to retain patients within their local healthcare systems to prevent financial drain. Bali also recommends that India revamp its medical tourism strategy to attract underserved patients from developed nations who may be on waiting lists.
Dilip Jose, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Manipal Hospitals, agrees that the inability of patients to travel to India for medical care represents a humanitarian issue, not merely a financial one. Manipal Hospitals has expanded its footprint in Kolkata through the acquisition and rebranding of AMRI Hospitals and Medica Synergie.
Industry analysts note the impact of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh on major hospital networks such as Apollo Hospitals and Max Healthcare. During its Q2 FY 2025 earnings call, Apollo highlighted that international patient revenue constituted 6 percent of its total revenue, with plans to increase this figure to 9 percent while also “derisking” its reliance on Bangladesh. An Apollo executive acknowledged a 25 percent drop in patient volumes from the region compared to historical levels. Similarly, Max Healthcare reported that Bangladesh accounted for a minimal portion of its total business. The network has managed to offset this decline by seeking opportunities in other markets.
