By Lizzy Carr
The Chief Operating Officer of Manipal Hospitals Enterprise India Karthik Rajagopal has noted that the Covid_19pandemic has brought setbacks to medical tourism as patients had to postpone their surgeries and other treatments due to travel restrictions.
Rajagopal was speaking at a webinar on medical excellence that extends beyond borders that brings awareness about medical tourism as part on an ongoing initiative between the Hospital and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The healthcare sector he said has experienced significant challenges resulting from the COVID _19 pandemic as the virus hampered the treatment for patients who needed to fly to India for better treatments and procedures.
“Due to the pandemic, medical tourism had suffered major setbacks and patients had to postpone their surgeries and other treatments due to travel restrictions,this has impacted many lives and made the patient’s conditions even worse, increasing the morbidity and mortality risk associated with treatable and preventable health conditions”.
The Chief Operating added that the delay in treatment has also contributed to the reported excess deaths indirectly related to COVID-19.
As countries open their borders
Manipal Hospital is urging patients not to delay any further in their treatments and surgeries.
“With outstanding equipment, world-class technology, and a team of experienced doctors, the hospital is delivering healthcare services to international patients while adhering to strict safety standards.”
Rajagopal said the Manipal Overseas Patient Care Centre provides great services for its international patients, such as visas, transportation, insurance, and many others.
He reeled out some successes recorded despite the pandemic,that include providing care critical patients who required kidney, liver, and heart transplants.
“With international borders opening up, the hospital is now able to use its air ambulance services for patients in different countries, as we believe in making healthcare accessible to everyone.
“We are now prepared to maintain the same level of confidence and clinical excellence among international patients, thanks to our amazing team of doctors”.
National President Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo commended Manipal Hospitals for the partnership that has saw many journalists benefit from its trainings on health related issues.
Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe.