Sat 7 Jul 2007
The new ambassador of medical tourism
Posted by raphael encaoua under Heavy surgery, Hospital marketing
Michel Rocard is quite an affluent man in the history of France. Looking at his curriculum he was the former Prime Minister of France for three years (88 to 91) before being sacked because of his bickering rivalry with francois Mitterand. Recently he became quite popular with his very phoney interviews during which he appeared as a sincere man full of humor and nuances. In a word, he is someone that stands high in the French opinion.
BEFORE AFTER
Yet, recently, while being on a tour in India for the IFUNA, Michel Rocard experienced many problems while trying to walk and he was sent to emergencies on the 30th of June in Calcutta while barely being able to speak. From what it seems, Michel Rocard had a major hematoma in the brain and a surgery was quickly performed by Dr. G. K. Prusty.
Michel Rocard now comments: ” the surgery performed on me was quite serious (…) and could have crippled me”, but it was undertaken under excellent conditions (…), I believe there will be no side effects, it is formidable“.
Form Wikipedia: “Public relations (PR) is the managing of outside communication of an organization or business to create and maintain a positive image. “ This has been perfectly epitomized by Mr Rocard who is the living and well publicised study case that medical tourism was waiting for. Actually there was another case previously when Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala needed medical care in 2006 (he went to Thailand). Even though in this case, the medical operation performed was an emergency one, the comoplexity of the latter and the good results expected makes it a very good ad. Plus Michel Rocard, soon to be 77, commented extendidly on the quality of the service in India, the warmth of the medical staff etc etc. He also commented that Nicolas Sarkozy a right wingist had been very with him, a left wingist (the political scenary in France is in shambles conversly to medical tourism).
In a more serious note, I feel that what medical tourism needs is PR agents. The main marketing tool used to lure medical patients is the cost effects but not the technical prowess used or the genuine difference in terms of service or sometimes or after surgery care. These PR agents can only be reputed or famed people. When thinking twice about it, everything began with Pamela Anderson and her silicon breasts that never exploded but were partially removed. For men it was a cosmetic revolution, for women a source of complexion. 30 million US citizens are actually seeking for cosmetic surgery thanks to her. But if we look at things inverted, if an Indian hospital could save Brad Pitt or Maria Carey, how would people react? By converting them into Indian pilgrims, or perhaps by taking a closer look on these hospitals.
So Brad, Maria, if you want to help the industry, you know what you have to do!!
July 13th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Americans Have Friends In India
Three Americans living in Mumbai (Bombay), India for 20+ years formed a company called Americas’s Medical Solutions www.americasmedicalsolutions.com . There are no fees as the Indian hospitals pay them to hold your hand from getting the necessary passport or visa to seeing that your every comfort is met while having major surgery. They can even plan an excursion for you, if you’re up to it, either before or after the surgery. No medical need is too sophisticated, from in vitro fertilization with long term stays, to in and out dental veneers or implants in one day. LASIK surgery to hip resurfacing is all available by the most experienced doctors and sterile hospitals in the world. They are Joint Commission International Accredited and Harvard Medical International associates, etc., with unbelievably affordable prices for those with or without insurance. These Americans know exactly what Americans need and expect, but as one of their directors said, “Americans can’t believe what they get, as our surgeons and technologies are the finest and most experienced in the world. It’s a pity the US hasn’t had the equipment and technology as long as India has, and the US has simply priced themselves out of the market.” They are negotiating health plans with major insurers and employers. Most credit card limits will allow a person to get on a plane and get all his medical needs solved within the time of a vacation.
July 13th, 2007 at 2:40 am
thanks Dan, for your comment. I honestly think that the best way of doing what you try to do (free advertising) is to sincerly contribute to the log by commenting it. Then you can market your stuff. Such a behavior is the best way to earn a bad rep among the blogger community and that s never a great idea for a start up like yours.
July 19th, 2007 at 5:34 am
Well, I think you’re right, but what can I do? I’m no Brad Pitt.
Actually, we are doing what we can to advertise the benefits of Indian medicine. We do not cater to any other country. And why should we? India has it all. Right here in Mumbai is every hospital like a specialty doctor which all of medicine knows is what everyone wants. But once again, I’m no Brad Pitt.
Nevertheless, the word is getting out.
Dan
July 20th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Sorry, but I don t understand what your company is doing… Do you have a precise offer or is it a Wall Mart style business? Have you created an efficient follow up service that allows a patient not to have untreated echymoses on his way back to home? Why should I pot to travel in india instead of Mexico if I am American. A LA to india is something like 20 hours no? And what about insurance? Looking at medical tourism, besides low cost insurance plan with a pooloing of hospital in Kolkata or mumbai its all about adverse selection. Do you have any idea about what’s going on?
October 21st, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Thanks your comment is funny.
I will definitely read your site..
See ya