Why Oman Patients Choose India for Medical Treatment

India and Oman Relations

India’s strategic partner is the Sultanate of Oman, which is an important speaker at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.
India and Oman are strongly connected through geography, history, and culture, building warm and friendly relations. Interaction between both countries has been for over 5000 years, but formal diplomatic ties started in 1955. This Relationship was further upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. India is among Oman’s top trading partners. India is the 2nd largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports for the year 2022 after China. India’s pharmaceutical expertise helped and improved Oman’s healthcare infrastructure, providing affordable medicines and advanced medical treatments. Bilateral agreements between both nations promote medical tourism too, thus helping patients who are in need of medical treatments. Training programs, seminars, and joint research ventures strengthen healthcare capacities. 

India and Oman Travel Trends

In recent years, travel trends between India and Oman have witnessed a significant rise, particularly in the realm of healthcare tourism. Indian healthcare services, known for their advanced medical specialists, medical treatment, and cost-effectiveness, have become preferable among Omani citizens seeking quality medical treatment. Common medical procedures sought by Omanis in India are mainly cardiac surgeries, orthopedic treatments, and specialized procedures like organ transplants and cancer treatment. Factors such as affordable or cost-effective treatment, state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, and skilled Medical Teams contribute to this trend. In Addition to, cultural and historical ties between the two nations bring a sense of trust, reliability, and comfort to Omani patients seeking medical treatment in India. 

Reasons for Choosing India: Why do Oman patients prefer India over other countries for their medical treatments? 

There are several compelling reasons for Medical Treatment for Oman Patients in India:

• Affordable Medical Treatment: Medical treatment in India is quite affordable compared to other countries, including Oman, so it has become a preferred option for Omani patients. 
• Quality Healthcare Facilities: Indian hospitals provide world-class medical facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology and skilled healthcare professionals. Patients from Oman come to India to seek specialized treatments, such as cardiac surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and oncology.
• Language and Cultural Familiarity: Many Omani patients prefer communicating in English, which is widely spoken in India. The cultural similarities between Oman and India may also contribute to a more comfortable experience for patients and their families.
• Visa Facilities and Travel Convenience: India offers relatively simple visa procedures for medical tourists, making it convenient for patients from Oman to travel for medical treatment.
• Skilled and Experienced Medical Professionals: Patients from Oman appreciate the expertise of skilled doctors and their professionalism, enabling them to receive prompt medical attention. Moreover, streamlined appointment processes and shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures in Indian hospitals ensure timely access to healthcare services for Omani patients.
• Visa for Medical Treatment: India offers a medical visa category for patients traveling to the country specifically for medical treatment. This visa facilitates the entry and stay of patients and their accompanying family members.
• Alternative and Traditional Medicine: India provides a diverse range of medical treatments, including modern allopathic medicine, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, and alternative therapies, which can cater to a wide variety of medical needs.
• International Patient Services: Many hospitals in India have dedicated departments or international patient services to assist foreign patients with travel arrangements, accommodation, language assistance, and more.

Medical Treatment Sought by Omanis Patients

There are a number of common medical treatments for Omani patients travelling to India.

1. Cardiac Procedures: Cardiac surgeries, such as bypass surgeries, angioplasty, and heart valve replacements, are commonly performed in India.
2. Orthopedic Surgeries: Orthopedic procedures like joint replacements (knee and hip), spinal surgeries, and treatment for orthopedic conditions are popular among medical tourists.
3. Cancer Treatment: India offers comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced surgical procedures for various types of cancer.
4. Fertility and Reproductive Medicine: India is a popular destination for fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy.
5. Organ Transplants: India is known for its success in organ transplant surgeries, including kidney Transplant, liver Transplant, Heart Transplants, and bone marrow transplants.
6. Neurosurgery: India provides neurosurgical treatments for conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy, and spine-related disorders.
7. Ophthalmology: India offers advanced eye care, including cataract surgeries and treatments for various eye conditions.
8. Alternative and Traditional Medicine: Some travelers seek Ayurvedic and alternative treatments for holistic health and wellness.
9. Bariatric Surgery: Weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, are performed in India to combat obesity.

India’s reputation for providing high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost in Western countries has made it a preferred destination for medical tourists from Oman and other nations. Many hospitals and medical facilities for oman patients in India are accredited and have a strong track record of successful medical procedures, which further enhances its appeal as a medical hub.

People from Oman traveling for Non-Surgical option –  Ayurveda Treatment

Patients from Oman who are looking for other alternatives or non-surgical treatment options prefer ayurvedic treatment, which is a natural treatment that uses natural remedies and therapies to treat medical conditions such as diabetes, Hypertension, gastritis, and other metabolic disorders. In India, Ayurveda is well known for eye-related medical conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Optic neuropathy, and Retinitis pigmentosa. 

In Ayurveda, massages with herbal oils, herbal medicines, and lifestyle modifications are preferred by Oman patients seeking noninvasive approaches to healing.

Lastly, Patients from Oman travel to various hospitals in India for medical treatment, depending on their specific medical needs and the expertise available at these hospitals. Some of the well-known hospitals in India that are frequently chosen by international patients, including those from Oman, for medical treatment in India include:

Best Hospitals for Oman Patients in India :

Medical Visa Eligibility from Oman to India:

• Applicants for a medical visa to India must have the sole purpose of seeking medical treatment.
• Treatment should be done at recognized and specialized hospitals in India.
• A maximum of two medical attendants, which may include family members, relatives, friends, or associates, are allowed to accompany the patient to India.
• A medical conditions for which a medical visa is issued and granted include cardiac ailments, Neurosurgery, Organ Transplants, gene therapy, congenital disorders, Orthopedic Surgeries, Cancer Treatment, and others.

Required Documents for an Indian Medical Visa from Oman:

• A completed online visa application form.
• Copies of relevant pages of the international passport and previous passports (if applicable).
• Domestic passport or residence permit.
• ENN Number (Taxpayer Identification Number).
• Confirmed return air ticket.
• An official invitation from the concerned hospital in India, including details such as the patient’s name, passport number, medical condition, treatment details, duration, and cost, should be sent directly to the Embassy’s official contact.
• Medical reports and medical history of the patient with translations.
• Bank statement to demonstrate financial solvency.
• Diagnostic examination reports.
• Details of flight bookings.

Note: Original documents must be carried by applicants, and close relatives accompanying the patient must provide documents establishing the relationship with the patient

You can apply for a Medical visa at the Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman.