Medical Tourism and Inequity in India: The Hyper-Commodification of Healthcare

Kristen 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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her captivating book, "Medical Tourism and 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.

Smith'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 hospitals' operations, highlighting the ways in which they contribute to the country's economic growth and development. However, Smith's analysis goes beyond mere economic considerations, delving into the complex interplay between medical tourism, healthcare commodification, and the local populations' experiences.

She problematizes the notion that medical tourism is solely a matter of seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare services, arguing that it is also deeply intertwined with issues of power, privilege, and inequality. Smith explores how the medical tourism industry commodifies the Indian healthcare system, leading to the commercialization of medical procedures, the prioritization of profit over patient care, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. She also sheds light on the ways in which local populations are marginalized and excluded from accessing healthcare services, particularly those living in rural areas or with limited economic resources.

Through her compelling storytelling and rigorous analysis, Smith challenges readers to consider the broader implications of medical tourism and inequality in India. She calls for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location. She advocates for policies that promote access to healthcare services, reduce healthcare disparities, and ensure that healthcare resources are distributed fairly and equally.

In conclusion, "Medical Tourism and Inequity in India" is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the complex relationship between medical tourism, healthcare commodification, and social inequality. Kristen Smith's research provides a valuable contribution to the field of medical anthropology and sheds light on the urgent need for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system in India and beyond. By challenging the assumptions and norms that perpetuate healthcare disparities, this book offers a roadmap for building a more just and compassionate world.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 231 x 154 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793644190