Medical Tourism in Guwahati: A Study of Patients’ Perspectives and Referral Intentions

Medical tourism has emerged as an important component of the healthcare and tourism industries, particularly in developing countries such as India, where affordable and quality healthcare services attract a large number of patients. In recent years, Guwahati has gradually developed as a significant healthcare destination in Northeast India due to the presence of advanced medical facilities, multispecialty hospitals, and improved regional connectivity. The present study aims to examine patients’ perspectives on the prospects and challenges of medical tourism in Guwahati and assess their willingness to recommend the city to friends and relatives for medical purposes.
The study is based on primary data collected from patients visiting Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and Nemcare Hospital. A structured questionnaire based on Likert scale statements was used for data collection. The study adopts a descriptive research design, and statistical tools such as percentage analysis mean score analysis, correlation analysis, chi-square test, and Mann–Whitney U test were proposed for data interpretation.
The findings of the study are expected to provide insights into patients’ perceptions regarding healthcare quality, affordability, infrastructure, accessibility, and support services associated with medical tourism in Guwahati. The study may also help identify factors influencing patients’ referral intentions and contribute to improving healthcare and tourism-related services in the region. The research highlights the growing importance of Guwahati as an emerging medical tourism destination in Northeast India.

Medical Tourism, Patient Perspectives, Referral Intentions, Healthcare Services

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