{"product_id":"medical-tourism-and-inequity-in-india-the-hypercommodification-of-healthcare-9781793644176","title":"Medical Tourism and Inequity in India: The Hyper-Commodification of Healthcare","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eKristen Smith examines Indian private hospitals' role in the global healthcare service supply chain, problematizing the assumed independence between the medical tourism industry, the commodification of the Indian healthcare system, and the local populations facing critical health issues. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 222 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15 April 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Lexington Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn her captivating book, \"Medical Tourism \u0026amp; Inequity in India,\" Kristen Smith delves deep into the intricate world of Indian private hospitals, examining their pivotal role in the global healthcare service supply chain within a diverse array of religious, social, cultural, historical, and economic contexts. Through the lens of critical medical anthropology theories and health and human rights perspectives, Smith challenges the notion of the assumed independence between the medical tourism industry, the commodification of the Indian healthcare system, and the local populations grappling with severe health challenges. She sheds light on the rapid transformation of healthcare services into yet another global commodity, raising important questions about the ethical implications and potential consequences of this phenomenon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmith's research takes readers on a journey through the bustling streets of India, exploring the various private hospitals that cater to patients from around the world. She meticulously examines the social, economic, and political factors that shape these institutions, highlighting the ways in which they contribute to the country's economic growth and development. However, she also raises concerns about the potential exploitation of vulnerable patients and the uneven access to healthcare services that marginalized communities face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key themes that Smith explores is the commodification of the Indian healthcare system. She argues that the growing demand for medical tourism has led to the commercialization of healthcare services, with private hospitals increasingly focusing on generating profits rather than providing quality care. This has resulted in a skewed distribution of resources, with the majority of facilities catering to the needs of wealthier patients from developed countries, while the majority of Indians continue to struggle to access basic healthcare services.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmith also delves into the complex relationship between medical tourism and the local populations facing critical health issues. She highlights the ways in which medical tourists, often seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare services, can contribute to the economic development of local communities. However, she also raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on the local healthcare system, such as overcrowding, resource depletion, and the erosion of public trust.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo address these issues, Smith proposes a range of solutions, including increased government investment in healthcare infrastructure, the promotion of public-private partnerships, and the development of sustainable medical tourism policies. She also calls for greater awareness and education about the ethical implications of medical tourism and the importance of ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care and that their rights are protected.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Medical Tourism \u0026amp; Inequity in India\" is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the complex interplay between medical tourism, healthcare systems, and social inequality. It provides a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature on global health and offers a critical perspective on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of medical travel. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Smith challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of medical tourism and the urgent need for a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in India and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 513g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 228 x 160 x 24 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781793644176\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kristen Smith","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44102255542522,"sku":"9781793644176","price":85.68,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1651831615385_book.jpg?v=1651901157","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/medical-tourism-and-inequity-in-india-the-hypercommodification-of-healthcare-9781793644176","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}