Medical Tourism | Medical Tour | Medical College Tour

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism is a popular mass culture where people travel long distances to another country, often overseas destinations such as India, Thailand, Japan, to obtain medical, dental and surgical care while simultaneously being holidaymakers at the same time.

Earliest Health Tourism Centers

Many of the earliest civilizations knew medical tourism in the form of sacred temple baths. Historical accounts of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures speak of bathing and healing complexes constructed around therapeutic springs.

As early as the Bronze Age (2000 B.C.), hill tribes near present-day St. Moritz, Switzerland gathered around to drink and bathe in the iron-rich mineral springs of the region. Bronze Age implements, including votive drinking cups, have also been found around thermal springs in Celtic mineral wells in England, France and Germany.

In ancient Sumer (4000 B.C.), the earliest known health institutions were erected alongside mineral water springs taking the form of elevated temples with flowing pools. Although, most cultures following Sumer certainly understood and appreciated the healing effects of mineral-rich water, it was ancient Hellas and the Greek civilization that first laid the foundation for a comprehensive health tourism system.

Greek Medical Tourism - Ascepian Temples

Some of the earliest health centers built for medical purposes in the ancient Greek world were the Asclepia Temples. Erected in honor of the Greek god of healing and medicine, Asclepius, these places served as central locations for the treatment of the sick or virtually anyone who required it. People from around the region traveled to these temples in hopes of receiving the god's grace.

The healing powers Asclepius possessed allowed him to, among other things, revive the dead, reverse the aging process, cure blindness, etc. The Greek people’s love for Asclepius grew ever stronger as evidenced by the fact that by the 4th century B.C., Asclepian healing temples had been built throughout the Hellenic world, from Epidaurus to Tricca.

Asclepia Temple

Goa Travel Guide | Goa Tourism | Goa Beach Hotels

Located on the far western coast of India and bordering with the Arabian Sea, Goa is a small seaside state that is a colorful and interesting fusion of Indian and colonial Portuguese styling. Well known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, Goa has been attracting a wide array of foreign tourists since the 1960s.

he Portuguese originally colonized Goa in the early 1500s and much of their culture and architecture has remained to this day. Once the Portuguese secured the state, they installed their own language, religion and European ideals, which is still evident in modern Goa with its array of churches and cathedrals.

Goa has two main districts: North Goa and South Goa. Within each district are several sub-districts which have towns, villages and small cities. Colonial architecture is still prevalent in Old Goa, the one-time capital city, and Panaji, the new capital city that took the reigns after Old Goa’s demise.

Mapusa, an interesting market town located inland, is alive with locals buying and selling during the day and offers an authentic Indian atmosphere. Anjuna is one of the most popular beachside locations in Goa, attracting thousands of foreign visitors who enjoy the picturesque beach and lively flea market.

Old Goa

Old Goa is a historic city located in north Goa which was once the capital city and boasted a population of over 200,000 — exceeding that of Lisbon and London at the time. Old Goa was home to an abundance of Portuguese built churches and buildings, of which only a few can still be seen.

Arambol

One of the most scenic areas of Goa, Arambol Beach offers visitors a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the natural surrounding beauty. There are numerous beach side huts, hotels and bungalows as well as souvenir shops and inexpensive eateries.

Mapusa

This busy market town is a taste of authentic India with large crowds of locals trading at the popular market. Tourists will enjoy the bustling market that provides great bargains on clothing and souvenirs. Mapusa is also a main town for transport, offering buses to many other parts of Goa.

Anjuna

One of the more developed beaches in Goa, Anjuna has been a popular destination with backpackers, hippies and ravers for many years. The picturesque landscape and array of modern amenities make it a good base for tourists. Nowadays there are some newly built mid-range hotels which are attracting European holidaymakers looking for a slightly more luxurious vacation. Perhaps the biggest draw is the regular hippy market held here.

Panaji

The capital city of Goa, Panaji, also called Panjim, is a beautiful fusion of colonial Portuguese styling and modern India. The city has a wide array of attractions and amenities catering to tourists including sporting activities, cultural landmarks and extensive transport connections.

Ponda

Situated in the north district of Goa, Ponda is well connected to other parts of the state by road and is the fastest growing city in the region. Ponda is the entrance point to some of the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa and the well-known Dudhsagar Waterfalls.