October Magazine, p.31, (12/8/2007)

The Indian experience

By: Dr. Mohei El Din Ragab Al Banna

The medical care is not just a service provided by the state it has also become one of the significant sectors of the national economy. In the US the medical care represents 13% of the national economy. If we say that it is unreasonable to compare ourselves to the US we have to take a look at what India achieved in this field.

Economists say that the health care sector is one of the significant driving forces of the economy in India. The medical care market is estimated at $ 31 billion. The growth rate in this sector is estimated at 13% annually.

4 million Indians work in this sector that contains the highest number of manpower in India. The Indian government spends 5.4 % of the GDP on medical care. India is also seeking to merge into the global medical care market. This is due to its possession of high quality hospitals and medical centers that have distinguished management, quality, advanced technology, and qualified manpower.

India has a strong industrial base in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Egypt imports surgical sutures and some medical equipment from India.  In the few past years, India entered into three new fields which are: outsourcing, research and development, and medical tourism. In all these fields, India is providing services that are similar to those provided in Europe and the US at a much lower cost. We have to consider the Indian experience, as we have to reshape our medical care sector.