Factors Influencing Outbound Medical Travel From Dhaka and Chottogram Divisions

Abstract

The practice of medical tourism is usually well-liked in both wealthy and developing nations, and it is steadily becoming a legitimate tourist subset. This paper focuses primarily on Bangladesh as a destination for international medical travelers. In Bangladesh, the medical tourism industry is currently a small niche with enormous promise and constrained resources. In terms of current infrastructure and potential investment opportunities, this sort of tourism is getting attention. With examples like sustainable tourism, urban tourism, and many more, the development of associated regions is inextricably linked to the rise of this type of tourist. Travelers seem to be more inclined to visit locations throughout the world that can provide medical or healthcare and tourism services in a suitable similar manner than stay at home, demonstrating the indisputable acceptability of medical tourism. The purpose of this conceptual debate is to examine the growth of medical travel in Bangladesh with specific emphasis on its present characteristics and potential effects. If its expansion is properly managed, the nation is thought to have the potential to develop into a significant medical tourism attraction. Currently, Bangladesh generates a sizeable number of medical tourists who ultimately travel to destinations not just in South Asia's bordering nations but also around the globe. On the other side, the nation has recently seen significant governmental and private sector investment in medical services and the construction of health infrastructure. On the other hand, local resources for alternative medicine, such as Ayurveda (herbal treatments and massage), are well-established. This type of travel is typically done to receive medical, surgical, cosmetic, dental, orthopedic, or similar care. Medical tourism, which provides treatments while on a trip, vacation, or visit, is becoming more and more of a global phenomenon. This kind of travel allows visitors from one nation to visit another to meet people and take advantage of certain healthcare or treatment options. The fundamental reality is that healthcare and medical facilities vary significantly between nations, and customer demands for greater care at cheaper costs are constantly shifting. The growth of medical tourism typically depends on several elements, including greater access to transportation, supplementary tourism facilities, industry-focused information sharing, and generally higher-quality service offerings. The study also offers some important recommendations to aid in the creation of policies that would hasten the development of this industry.