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Month: March 2025

  • FCC to hunt down banned Chinese Telecoms

    FCC to hunt down banned Chinese Telecoms

    The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has vowed to track down companies that could be evading sanctions against Chinese telecommunications operators.

    FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said that the commission began an investigation to root out organizations that were still operating with equipment and services from companies in China that are currently banned in the U.S.

    The Covered List, which includes the likes of Huawei, ZTE and China Telecom, is intended to block U.S.-based carriers and service providers from using equipment and services from companies that have close ties to adversary governments. The Chinese government has long been suspected of forcing companies in the country to allow for covert monitoring and data collection.

    The fear from Uncle Sam is that the equipment and services from those companies could be embedded with back doors and data collection components that could potentially be leveraged for espionage operations.

    According to Carr, the commission suspects that some of those companies could still be using nefarious means to get their products into the U.S. telecommunications sector.

    “We have reason to believe that, despite those actions, some or all of these Covered List entities are trying to make an end run around those FCC prohibitions by continuing to do business in America on a private or ‘unregulated’ basis,” Carr said in announcing the operation.

    “We are not going to just look the other way.”

    According to the FCC, the operation to root out lingering Chinese infiltration has been ongoing since the announcement earlier this month of a new FCC-backed Council on National Security.

    The council’s first official action was to investigate whether any U.S. operators are still using gear or services from those banned Chinese vendors, thus posing a potential national security risk.

    “The FCC, working through our new Council on National Security and in coordination with partners across the federal government, will identify the scope of their ongoing activities and move quickly to close any loopholes that have permitted untrustworthy, foreign adversary state-backed actors to skirt our rules,” said Carr

    Notably absent from the announcement was any mention of investigating or pursuing the use of software from security vendor Kaspersky, the only non-Chinese company on the covered list.

    The Russia-based security vendor, suspected of maintaining close ties to the Kremlin, was sanctioned and forced to shut down its U.S. operation over espionage fears. The Trump administration has also ordered the U.S. Cyber Command to cease operations against the Russian government while it was reported that CISA was told to scale back efforts against Russian threat actors, though those reports have been disputed. SC World

  • Investor seeks to end Dropbox founder control

    Investor seeks to end Dropbox founder control

    Cloud storage provider Dropbox, opens new tab is facing pressure from an activist investor to end founder control of the company, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

    Half Moon Capital, a small hedge fund, is criticizing the company’s slowing revenue growth and taking issue with its strategy on payment tiers, the report said.

    Dropbox and Half Moon did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

    Half Moon seeks to remove Dropbox’s dual-class share structure, which gives CEO and co-founder Drew Houston a voting supermajority, the report said.

    The proposal says the structure has prevented shareholders from holding management accountable after it made “significant missteps,” according to the report.

    Half Moon Capital holds around 40,000 Dropbox shares, a stake recently valued at about $1.1 million, according to the report.

    The WSJ report said the proposal would require a majority vote for approval, meaning Houston’s support would be needed for it to pass.

    Houston currently has a roughly 77% voting stake because of his Class B shares, which have 10 times the voting rights of Class A shares, the report said.

    Half Moon Capital believes the proposal, which is set for a vote at the company’s annual meeting, will pressure management and the board to make other changes, the report added.

    The company said in October 2024 that it would reduce its workforce by 20% globally, after its 16% lay offs announcement in 2023. Reuters

  • India to access Musk’s satellite network?

    India to access Musk’s satellite network?

    India’s two major telecom operators signed separate deals with Elon Musk’s spaceflight company SpaceX in mid-March in a move that could signal his satellite internet network Starlink is one step closer to gaining entry to the South Asian country and its population of some 1.44 billion people.

    The collaborations represented about-turns for the billionaire owners of India’s two largest telecommunications companies, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd and Bharti Airtel Ltd, who had vocally opposed Starlink’s gaining access to India just months earlier. Starlink has been seeking a license to operate in the country since 2021.

    The deals notwithstanding, Starlink still requires the approval of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India before it can legally operate in the country. The government is also yet to decide how airwaves for satellite communication will be priced in India, which would influence how much Starlink, if approved, could charge customers.

    What Is Starlink?
    Starlink is Musk’s satellite internet service operated by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX. It is a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which circle about 550 kilometers from the Earth’s surface and as a result can send data to the ground more rapidly than traditional High-Earth geostationary satellites that are some 36,000 kilometers away. This makes the lower orbit satellites advantageous for technologies that require a fast response time, such as live video streaming, high frequency securities trading and self-driving cars.

    Most people around the world, however, access the internet through “terrestrial” networks – a combination of local cellular towers and fiber optic cables.

    Where Starlink has a competitive advantage is in providing high-speed internet via its satellites to people who don’t have access to the internet via terrestrial networks – whether it’s because they live in a remote location or the ground telecom infrastructure has been disrupted as a result of war or a natural disaster.

    Since SpaceX launched its first Starlink satellites in 2019, it has signed up about 5 million customers in more than 100 countries, far outpacing its competitors. But India, along with China, is one of the major markets Starlink has not been able to access.

    Why is there no Starlink in India?
    Musk has been trying to get Starlink into the Indian market since 2021, when it began accepting pre-orders for its satellite internet service before it had obtained a license to operate in the country. The government ordered Starlink to stop taking deposits, close the pre-orders and refund payments it had collected until it secured proper licensing.

    To get regulatory approval, SpaceX would have to comply with India’s strict data storage norms, which require foreign firms to store user data locally and grant real-time access to security agencies. The government has also asked the company to establish a control center in India, giving local authorities access to information when called upon.

    In line with legislation, SpaceX would also have to disclose any links it has with India’s border-sharing countries – like China – before getting the green light. On top of that, all foreign telecom equipment must undergo mandatory testing by India’s telecom agency, adding another layer of compliance.

    The government has cited security concerns – specifically around the potential use of Starlink devices in illegal activities. Indian authorities uncovered Starlink satellite equipment during a raid on a drug smuggling operation and an operation against an insurgent group along the Myanmar border. Musk has denied that Starlink operates in India at all.

    What’s the internet market like in India?
    Some 670 million of India’s 1.4 billion people – about 48% of the population – don’t have access to the internet, according to a 2024 report by GSMA, a trade body for mobile network operators worldwide.

    Of non-active internet users – those who have not used the internet in at least a month – 16% said it was because it was too expensive, according to a study by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar, a market research firm.

    Most people in India have access to the internet wirelessly, via cellular towers, with more than 95% of Indian villages able to access 4G, after the government rolled out a telecom connectivity initiative in 2024.

    Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel – run by Indian businessmen Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal respectively – are the two largest rivals in a booming telecom market in India. Vodafone Idea, in which the Indian government has a 23.5% stake, comes in third. Mobile-phone data is on average just 11 cents per gigabyte because fierce competition has kept prices low. That, however, is changing as these companies start to charge more to deliver higher profits after years of chasing customers by offering low fees.

    Indians don’t have access to the internet via LEO networks. Both Ambani and Mittal, however, have invested in internet satellite companies. Mittal has invested in Starlink’s closest rival, OneWeb, which is part of Paris-based Eutelsat Group. Ambani’s Reliance Jio formed a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES in 2022 with the goal of delivering very affordable high-speed internet via medium-earth orbit satellites.

    What are the deals Starlink has made in India?
    Both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have secured Starlink’s marketing and distribution rights to tap a segment of users that live in remote areas with patchy wireless connectivity, according to people familiar with the internal discussions, who asked not to be identified as the information is private.

    Based on the few details that have been released, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel would have the rights to sell and install the equipment that customers would need to access and use Starlink’s network, as well as facilitate an ongoing service. This is despite the fact no regulatory decisions have been made.

    Why have these telecom companies embraced Starlink?
    Both companies vociferously argued that allowing Starlink to enter India would give it an unfair leg-up in a market they have invested significantly in to create. But a government decision in October that signaled India would open up the satellite internet market to competition – by allocating airwaves to satellite networks at a pre-determined price rather than through a bidding war – may have changed their calculations about whether it was better to fight or join forces with Musk.

    The deals between Starlink and the two telecom companies were struck a month after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a private meeting with Musk at the White House, during a trip to Washington DC to meet with US President Donald Trump.

    Modi’s meeting with Musk to discuss “space, mobility, technology and innovation” also triggered a flurry of activity in India for Musk’s other company, Tesla Inc., showing how being in the Trump administration has bolstered the political clout of the world’s richest person. The American electric carmaker soon after advertised several roles in the South Asian country and signed a lease for its first showroom in Mumbai.

    It comes as Modi has sought to, on several fronts, appease Trump, whose global trade tariff agenda could hit India’s economy hard.

    Would India be a huge win for Musk and Starlink?
    The combination of India’s vast population, the fact that there are areas of the country not serviced by cell towers, and that there is still further potential for mass internet adoption, makes it an attractive business proposition for Musk’s SpaceX. Switching on Starlink in India would mean unlocking additional revenue for the investments SpaceX has already made to its LEO satellite constellation.

    But India would not be a “volume play” for Starlink because its primary market would be users in remote locations rather than data-heavy urban users who rely on terrestrial networks, according to Utkarsh Sinha, managing director at Bexley Advisors, a boutique investment bank focused early stage deals in Tech and Media.

    Its pricing would also be key to mass adoption. A Starlink connection costs as much as $120 per month in the US, and that’s without the equipment, which starts from $349. For customers in Kenya, for example, Starlink has lowered its offering substantially — but it’s still $15 a month. In India, where the average rural wage in 2022 was just $148 a month, and the average cost of mobile data is among the cheapest in the world, it could be a hard sell. Bloomberg

  • Delhi HC gives panel time for Deepfake report

    Delhi HC gives panel time for Deepfake report

    The Delhi High Court granted time to a panel constituted to examine the issue of deepfakes and submit its report. A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the committee to also consider the petitioners’ suggestions while examining the issue. The bench said, “By the next date we expect that the committee shall complete the deliberations and submit its report.” The matter would be heard on July 21.

    The court was hearing three petitions against the non-regulation of deepfake technology in the country and the threat of its potential misuse.

    Deepfake technology facilitates the creation of realistic videos, audio recordings and images that can manipulate and mislead the viewers by superimposing the likeness of one person onto another, altering their words and actions, spreading disinformation in the process.

    The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had informed about a committee being formed on Nov. 20, 2024 to tackle the issue.

    On Monday, the counsel for MeitY submitted a status report and said the committee had held two meetings.

    The counsel, however, said the committee needed to deliberate further on the issue and sought three months to file a comprehensive report.

    The court, in November 2024, directed the Centre to nominate members for the committee.

    One of the pleas, filed by journalist Rajat Sharma, seeks regulation of deepfake technology in the country and directions to block public access to apps and software enabling the creation of such content.

    The other petition has been filed by Chaitanya Rohilla, a lawyer, against deepfakes and the unregulated use of artificial intelligence.

    Sharma, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Independent News Service Pvt. Ltd., in a PIL said the proliferation of deepfake technology poses a significant threat to various aspects of society, including misinformation and disinformation campaign, and undermines the integrity of public discourse and the democratic process. PTI

  • Lilavati, Assam Govt Ink MoU for Guwahati Hospital

    Lilavati, Assam Govt Ink MoU for Guwahati Hospital

    Lilavati Foundation on Monday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Assam government to set up a super-speciality hospital in Guwahati with an investment of Rs 300-350 crore, and the facility will cater to the northeast region and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.

    The Mumbai-based foundation said it is in the advanced stage of discussions with several states for setting up multi-speciality hospitals to expand its presence pan India.

    It said the proposed 250 to 300-bed facility in Guwahati would focus on critical specialities such as oncology and cardiology. It is set to become a premier healthcare destination for the Northeast region, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.

    “The Assam government has allotted 3 acres of land for this project on a long-term lease, and the funds for this project will be raised through a mix of debt, equity and donations,” said Prashant Mehta, founder and chairperson of the foundation.

    He said the project is expected to be completed in two to three years. It will provide essential medical services to a region that has long faced challenges accessing specialised healthcare.

    “This project is a testament to our dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare. Assam’s strategic location and the strong support from the state government make it an ideal hub for medical tourism and specialised medical services,” Mehta said.

    The foundation, which runs the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai’s Bandra, said it is also actively looking at setting up multi-speciality hospitals and medical colleges across India, including Goa, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

    “We are in the advanced stage of talks with Goa, Delhi, Rajasthan (Jaipur), Telangana (Hyderabad) and Karnataka (Bengaluru). We are looking for suitable land parcels in these states to set up similar facilities. In five years, we are looking at setting up hospitals with 3,000 beds across most metros,” Mehta said. PTI

  • Audit finds ₹93.32L fraud at UP’s Kanpur GSVM College

    Audit finds ₹93.32L fraud at UP’s Kanpur GSVM College

    An audit by the accountant general (AG) has uncovered financial irregularities here at GSVM Medical College, including alleged fraudulent patient admissions and inflated payments for biomedical waste disposal. The audit, covering 2020-21 to 2023-24, detected discrepancies exceeding ₹93.32 lakh, with empty hospital beds falsely recorded as occupied to justify expenses.

    The audit revealed that the college awarded a biomedical waste disposal contract to a private firm at ₹30.42 per unit, higher than Jhansi Medical College’s ₹27.6 per unit for similar services. While Jhansi renewed its agreement at ₹35.80 per unit in 2023, Kanpur’s rate was increased to ₹41.17 per unit without clear justification.

    The discrepancies came to light during a review of tenders issued since 2019.

    GSVM Medical College principal Dr Sanjay Kala, who took charge in 2022, stated that the contract was signed before his tenure. He argued that updated state waste management guidelines—mandating capped rates—could not be applied retroactively.

    Dr Kala added that the company’s payment has been put on hold after the audit’s objections. If the audit approves, the payment will be released; otherwise, it will be returned to the government.

    However, auditors maintained that payments made post-2023 should comply with current norms.

    Further concerns were raised over missing vehicle logbooks from the firm essential for verifying waste transportation. Despite repeated requests, the contractor failed to provide the records, leading authorities to withhold pending payments.

    In its response, the firm asserted that its contract adhered to the terms of the 2019 tender and denied any wrongdoing. However, the AG’s office has sought detailed clarification on the rate increases and procedural lapses. Hindustan Times

  • DEA, HHS extend Telemedicine Rx rules

    DEA, HHS extend Telemedicine Rx rules

    The US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services will delay the effective date of two final rules that were expected to go into effect on Friday, March 21.

    By extending the Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients final rules – first promulgated Jan. 17 – to Dec. 31, the agencies can spend more time considering comments they have received.

    Why it matters
    The two rules were scheduled to become final on Feb. 18, but following a Jan. 20 regulatory freeze by the new administration, the agencies initially delayed their effective dates by a month.

    The expansion rule would have permanently allowed virtual care providers to prescribe new patients a six-month supply of buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. After the six-month mark, the rule requires patients to see a provider in person.

    The long-awaited clarity on prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine included establishing three special registries for practitioners and platforms to balance patient access with safeguards against misuse.

    The DEA has had a responsibility to create a telehealth prescribing registry under the 2018 Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, known as the SUPPORT Act.

    Healthcare organizations raised concerns about the registries proposed in the DEA’s final rule, arguing that they could limit telemedicine access and impose burdensome restrictions. One concern has been limiting virtual prescribing access to terminally ill patients in hospice care.

    In response to a request, the DEA said it received 32 new comments since February.

    The Alliance for Connected Care asked US Attorney General Pam Bondi last month to intervene on the DEA’s e-prescribing rules and urged broader telehealth access, stating that the draft special telehealth registries should be tossed out.

    The larger trend
    Congress and telehealth industry groups have urged the DEA and HHS to jointly extend prescribing flexibilities allowed under the original Covid-19 public health emergency since it was initially set to expire.

    The agencies agreed to a third temporary extension of virtual prescribing for controlled substances allowed under the original Covid-19 public health emergencies in November.

    With this new postponement of the rules’ effective dates, telehealth providers are back to an end-of-year deadline.

    On the record
    “The Department of Justice wishes to further postpone the effective dates for the purpose of further reviewing any questions of fact, law and policy that the rules may raise,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Heather Achbach, the DEA’s Federal Register liaison officer, Monday in their joint notice on the new postponement. Healthcare IT News

  • Acutus Medical Posts $0.1M Loss in FY24

    Acutus Medical Posts $0.1M Loss in FY24

    Acutus Medical, Inc. reported results for the full year of 2024.

    Full year 2024 financial results
    Revenue from Continuing Operations was $20.2 million for 2024, an increase of 181% compared to $7.2 million in 2023.

    Gross margin on a GAAP basis for continuing operations was 5% for 2024 compared to negative 44% for 2023. The improvement was driven by higher production volumes related to left-heart access manufacturing and reduced manufacturing overhead expenses.

    Operating expenses for continuing operations on a GAAP basis was $1.1 million for 2024 compared to Operating expenses of $8.6 million last year. The decrease in operating expenses from reduced discretionary spend under this new business model.

    Net loss on continuing operations on a GAAP basis was $4.6 million for 2024 and net loss per share was $0.16 on a weighted average basic and diluted outstanding share count of 29.8 million, compared to a net loss of $11.9 million and a net loss per share of $0.4 on a weighted average basic and diluted outstanding share count of 29.1 million for last year.

    Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash were $14.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Loss on discontinued operations
    Loss on discontinued operations was $5.0 million for 2024, compared to $69.7 million last year.

    Outlook
    Due to the announced plan to realign resources to support the left-heart access distribution business and exit from the electrophysiology mapping and ablation businesses, the Company will no longer provide financial guidance.
    TheNewsBit Bureau

  • Andhra Budget: Rs 19,264 Cr for Health

    Andhra Budget: Rs 19,264 Cr for Health

    Water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu announced that the state government has allocated Rs 19,264 crore in the Budget to improve medical facilities for people below the poverty line. Distributing Rs 12.60 lakh in cheques to middle-class beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund at Palakollu on Monday, he said the alliance government has cleared Rs 1,300 crore dues owed to private hospitals under NTR Vaidya Seva, which the previous YSRC government had left unpaid.

    He further stated that the government will implement a Rs 25-lakh health insurance scheme to ensure corporate-level medical treatment for the poor. Additionally, injections worth Rs 50,000 each will be supplied free of cost to all government hospitals for heart attack patients. The government is also conducting large-scale, door-to-door cancer screening for 4.10 crore people. To support kidney patients, dialysis centres will be set up in every constituency, he added. Deccan Chronicle

  • Medical Tourism to hit USD 142.7B

    Medical Tourism to hit USD 142.7B

    The global medical tourism market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for high-quality yet cost-effective medical treatments across international borders. The market is projected to grow from USD 46.27 billion in 2023 to an estimated USD 142.7 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 15.12% from 2024 to 2032. Factors such as the availability of advanced healthcare infrastructure in emerging medical tourism destinations, shorter wait times for critical procedures, and affordable treatment options compared to developed nations are key contributors to this expansion. Additionally, increasing awareness about medical tourism through digital platforms, coupled with government initiatives to promote cross-border healthcare, is further propelling market growth. Popular procedures driving this trend include cosmetic surgeries, dental treatments, fertility treatments, orthopedic procedures, and specialized surgeries such as cardiovascular and oncology treatments.

    The market is also shaped by technological advancements and international collaborations, which enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in medical tourism hotspots. Countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey are among the leading destinations due to their state-of-the-art hospitals, skilled healthcare professionals, and competitive pricing. However, challenges such as regulatory barriers, visa restrictions, and concerns over post-operative care in foreign countries may impact market expansion. Nonetheless, the growing acceptance of telemedicine and medical concierge services is improving patient confidence in traveling abroad for medical treatments. As global healthcare costs continue to rise, medical tourism is expected to remain a viable alternative, driving sustained market growth over the forecast period.

    Key growth determinants
    Cost-effective medical treatments and high-quality healthcare
    One of the primary drivers of the medical tourism market is the significant cost savings offered by emerging medical destinations compared to developed nations. Patients from countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. seek medical treatments abroad due to high healthcare costs and insurance limitations. Countries such as India, Thailand, and Mexico provide high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the price, making medical tourism an attractive alternative. Additionally, international accreditation of hospitals, technological advancements, and skilled medical professionals contribute to the growing preference for overseas medical treatments.

    Rising demand for specialized medical procedures
    Increasing incidences of chronic diseases, the aging population, and advancements in cosmetic, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and fertility treatments are fueling demand for medical tourism. Patients opt for international healthcare providers to access cutting-edge treatments, shorter wait times, and innovative surgical procedures. Additionally, medical tourists seek treatments not readily available or legal in their home countries, such as certain fertility treatments and stem cell therapies, further boosting market expansion.

    Government support and infrastructure development
    Several governments are actively promoting medical tourism by investing in world-class healthcare facilities, launching special visa programs, and establishing medical tourism hubs. Countries like Singapore, the UAE, and Turkey are developing policies to attract international patients by offering streamlined medical visas, tax incentives, and infrastructure development in healthcare. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in medical tourism, including collaborations between hospitals, airlines, and hospitality services, further facilitate the growth of this sector.

    Technological advancements and telemedicine integration
    The integration of AI, telemedicine, and digital health platforms has enhanced accessibility and patient engagement in medical tourism. Patients can now consult specialists online, receive pre-treatment counseling, and access follow-up care remotely, making cross-border medical travel more convenient. AI-driven diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgeries, and minimally invasive treatments have also improved patient outcomes, increasing trust in international medical providers. As digitalization continues to evolve, medical tourism is expected to witness greater patient confidence, improved care coordination, and seamless cross-border healthcare experiences.

    Key growth barriers
    Regulatory and legal challenges
    One of the significant barriers to the medical tourism market is the variation in healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and legal frameworks across countries. Differences in medical malpractice laws, patient rights, and treatment approvals create uncertainty for international patients. Additionally, some insurance companies do not cover treatments performed abroad, limiting the accessibility of medical tourism for a broader patient base. Stricter visa policies and bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining medical visas also act as obstacles, particularly for patients traveling from developing nations.

    Quality and safety concerns
    While many medical tourism destinations offer high-quality healthcare, concerns over inconsistent standards, counterfeit medications, and unregulated practices can deter patients. Lack of post-operative care, language barriers, and varying levels of medical expertise pose potential risks, affecting patient trust. The absence of a globally unified accreditation system means that some healthcare providers may not meet the safety standards expected by international patients, leading to apprehension in seeking treatment abroad.

    Travel risks and logistical challenges
    Long-distance travel for medical procedures presents physical, financial, and logistical challenges for patients. Risks associated with air travel after surgeries, medical complications due to long-haul flights, and post-treatment complications without adequate follow-up care can impact patient recovery. Additionally, factors such as unexpected treatment costs, lack of transparency in pricing, and hidden expenses make it difficult for patients to plan their medical trips effectively. Political instability, economic downturns, and travel restrictions in key medical tourism destinations further pose challenges to market growth.

    Pandemic-related uncertainties and health risks
    The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of the medical tourism industry, with border closures, travel bans, and heightened infection risks affecting patient mobility. While the market is recovering, ongoing concerns about infectious diseases, emerging health crises, and stringent quarantine regulations continue to impact international medical travel. Patients may hesitate to seek treatment abroad due to fears of contracting infections, particularly in countries with less developed public health infrastructure. Additionally, fluctuating international healthcare policies and uncertainties surrounding future pandemics remain potential barriers to long-term market stability.

    Regional analysis
    Asia-Pacific: Leading the global market
    The Asia-Pacific region dominates the medical tourism market, driven by countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, which offer high-quality healthcare at competitive prices. India, in particular, is a preferred destination for cardiac surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and fertility treatments, owing to its skilled medical workforce and cost-effective healthcare infrastructure. Thailand and Malaysia are recognized for cosmetic and dental procedures, attracting patients from North America and Europe. Additionally, government initiatives, medical visa programs, and internationally accredited hospitals further strengthen the region’s position. The region’s rapid advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, regenerative medicine, and alternative therapies are expected to boost market expansion in the coming years.

    North America: Outbound medical tourism growth
    North America, particularly the United States and Canada, contributes significantly to outbound medical tourism, as high healthcare costs and long wait times drive patients to seek treatments abroad. Many U.S. patients travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean for affordable dental procedures, cosmetic surgeries, and bariatric treatments. However, the region also has advanced healthcare facilities, attracting patients for specialized treatments in oncology, neurology, and organ transplants. The increasing acceptance of cross-border healthcare agreements and telemedicine consultations is expected to shape the region’s medical tourism dynamics.

    Europe: Growing inbound and outbound tourism
    Europe has a dual role in the medical tourism industry, with countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey emerging as top destinations for high-quality, specialized treatments in areas like orthopedics, cardiology, and cancer care. The U.K. and France, on the other hand, witness substantial outbound medical tourism, as patients seek quicker and more cost-effective treatments in Eastern Europe and Asia. Turkey is a key player in hair transplants, cosmetic surgeries, and dental procedures, offering cutting-edge healthcare at competitive rates. Additionally, advancements in regenerative medicine, medical research, and EU-funded healthcare initiatives continue to drive the region’s growth.

    Middle East & Africa: Expanding medical infrastructure
    The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, is witnessing rapid growth in medical tourism, fueled by government investments in state-of-the-art hospitals and luxury medical facilities. The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is positioning itself as a premium medical tourism hub, offering world-class cosmetic, orthopedic, and fertility treatments. Meanwhile, Africa is still in the early stages of medical tourism development, with South Africa emerging as a key destination for cosmetic and dental procedures. The region faces challenges such as political instability, limited specialized treatments, and travel restrictions, but growing investments in healthcare infrastructure and accreditation programs are expected to drive future growth.

    Latin America: Cost-effective and rapidly growing market
    Latin America is gaining traction in medical tourism, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia, which offer affordable and high-quality medical treatments. Mexico, due to its proximity to the U.S., attracts a large number of American patients for dental work, bariatric surgeries, and cosmetic procedures. Brazil is a leader in plastic surgery, while Costa Rica is known for dental and wellness tourism. The region’s affordability, improving hospital infrastructure, and government-backed medical tourism initiatives are driving its expansion. However, safety concerns and inconsistent healthcare regulations remain challenges for sustained growth. Credence Research