Opthalmologists at the last All Indian Opthalmological Conference (AIOC) held in Jaipur, India, last February 5-8, discussed the need to improve hospital standards in the country to attract more medical tourists from developed nations. While India is considered one of the more attractive nations by patients for medical tourism, most of the patients who undergo medical treatment in India still come from developing nations.

The participants in the conference discussed how improving hospital standards in India would attract more foreign patients from the West to seek treatments and healthcare in  the country. Raising the standards of medical facilities in India involves not just improving medical treatments and facilities but also acquiring international standard certifications. International certifications such as the certification by the Joint Commission International (JCI) boosts the reputation of a medical facility.

As part of the discussion, a proposal was made regarding the creation of a special group that will coordinate with opthalmological organizations from other countries for possible exchange programs of professionals and students from the field.

The conference held at the Birla Auditorium was attended by more than 6,000 opthalmologists and eye specialists from India and other countries. The conference focuses on the current status, the developments and the challenges that the industry faces.