India Medical Tourism EXPO '06 (IMTE) has confirmed that India's leading Medicare providers will be exhibiting at this year's event taking place at Olympia, London from the 2 – 4 June 2006.

[UKPRwire, Sat May 06 2006] India Medical Tourism EXPO '06 (IMTE) has confirmed that India's leading Medicare providers will be exhibiting at this year's event taking place at Olympia, London from the 2 – 4 June 2006.

India has established world-class expertise in practices such as cardiac care, cosmetic surgery, joint replacements and dentistry which are the major tourist attractions, last year's event attracted over 2000 visitors.

With increasingly long waiting lists and the prohibitive cost of private medical treatment in the United Kingdom, Medical Tourism is big business in India. The country attracts about 150,000 tourists each year and is growing annually by 30%. India's profile as the preferred health care destination has increased significantly and the country is now considered one of the world's leading providers of surgical, cosmetic and holistic treatments.

Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said: "Medical Tourism in India has enormous potential and is a key emerging area for Indian tourism. The Ministry of Tourism works in public and private partnerships and supports this initiative. I am sure this Expo will help in showcasing this new tourism product of the country to the UK market."

India Medical Tourism EXPO '06, now in its second year, provides the opportunity for doctors, nurses, health care professionals and the general public to experience some of the first-class facilities and treatments available in India.

Prasant Saha Managing Director IMTE said: "This exhibition provides the platform to showcase the world-class facilities on offer. Indian doctors are among the best in the world and given the right environment, they can enhance India's reputation as a medical tourism destination. We have seen an increase in tourists travelling to India to receive treatment since last year's event; they can combine this with a holiday which still works out cheaper than receiving the same treatment in the UK."

• The exhibiting organisations have special packages announced for this event, for example 20% discount on treatments and free health check-ups.

• IMTE will also offer two all paid executive health check-ups and a resort holiday in India. This prize can be won by visiting India Medical Tourism Expo 2006.

The Indian Government has recently introduced Medical Visas for those visiting the country for treatment. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is responsible for quality standards in all hospitals and clinics.

India's National Health Policy declares that treatment of foreign patients is legally an 'export' and deemed 'eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings'.

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