Veena Joshi/ENS

Bangalore, Jun 23: Bangalore is fast becoming the hub of a new wave of medical tourism: as the most advanced medical care becomes available in the city at costs that compare favourably with other parts of the world, many foreigners visit to get treated at India’s Silicon Valley.

Owing to the exorbitant cost of treatment elsewhere in the world and considering the excellent expertise, the advanced technology and the medical infrastructure available in Bangalore, patients have been seeking treament in the city not only from other Asian countries, but also from many European nations.

In what is seen as a first, Malaysia’s Health Ministry has decided to route the country’s medical needs to Bangalore. Around 200 poor children with congenital heart disease in Malaysia will soon be travelling here for a new lease of life.

Dr. Devi Shetty, chairman, Narayan Hrudalaya Hospital told this website's newspaper, “Malayasian children are likely to come within 15 to 20 days. The entire treatment cost is being borne by the Malaysian Health department. This is the first time that the Malaysian government is taking such a step, which is an achievment for our country.

All these years, we used to see individuals from various countries coming here for treatment on their own expense. With this decision, the Malaysian government acnowledges the expertise of doctors here and the advanced facility for treating children with congenital heart diseases.”

The children will undergo surgery at the Narayana Hrudayalaya a few days after they arrive.