Kerala expects one lakh medical tourists

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9 (UNI) The Kerala government expects one lakh foreign tourists each year for treatment in the state, Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan informed the Assembly today.

In a written reply, he said according to available reports, 15,000 foreigners were visiting the state for treatment each year now.

Stating the country was expecting total revenue of Rs 10,000 crore through Medical Tourism by 2010, he said the state was expected to cash in on about 20 per cent of the total.

Mr Balakrishnan said to promote Health Tourism, the government was implementing schemes with participation of the private sector.

The government's aim was to increase income from tourism by ensuring better and quality treatment to foreigners, while enjoying the state's beauty, he added.

He said it had taken steps to curb unauthorised massage parlours in the state with the help of the Health and Police Departments.

Claiming that many people had come forward to invest in medical tourism, the Minister said the government had taken various measures to attract more investors in the field.

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