The Second Health Tourism Mart-2082 held in Birtamod, Jhapa, has emphasized the vast potential of Koshi Province as a hub for health and wellness tourism in Nepal. Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, the event took place at City Centre, Birtamod, and brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, and medical fields to discuss collaborative strategies to promote medical and wellness tourism in the region.
Koshi Province Holds Great Potential for Health Tourism
Speaking at the event, Koshi Province’s Minister for Tourism, Forest, and Environment, Sadanand Mandal, stated that tourism is the most viable path to prosperity for Koshi Province. He emphasized that the provincial government is actively promoting tourism by leveraging its rich natural, cultural, and medical resources.
He said, “We firmly believe that promoting tourism will lead to the development and prosperity of Koshi Province, and we are moving ahead with that vision.” Minister Mandal assured that the government is committed to facilitating Indian patients seeking treatment in Nepal by addressing any existing shortcomings in the system.
He further noted that Nepal is a suitable destination not only for medical treatment but also for Ayurvedic healing, as the country’s environment and climate contribute significantly to natural healing. “Many patients recover just by experiencing the serene climate and atmosphere of our region,” he said. The provincial government is working on policies that allow Indian patients to bring up to NPR 500,000 for treatment purposes in Nepal.
Need for Policy Reforms to Promote Health Tourism
Rohini Khanal, Acting Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, stressed that health tourism is a new but promising field. She emphasized the need for policy reforms and collaborative marketing to promote Koshi Province as a health tourism destination. “We must improve our infrastructure and service quality while collaborating with the private sector,” Khanal said.
She added that the natural environment and the scenic beauty of the Himalayas can play a therapeutic role in healing various ailments. She urged stakeholders to build trust in the Indian market, as the country holds a significant population that could benefit from Nepal’s health tourism offerings.
Health and Ayurveda Services Showcased in 48 Exhibition Stalls
The mart featured 48 exhibition stalls representing hospitals that offer specialized services in eye care, dental treatment, dermatology, Ayurvedic centers, hotels, and travel agencies. These stalls provided a comprehensive overview of Koshi Province’s capacity in offering medical and wellness tourism services.
Additionally, a photo exhibition of tourist destinations in Koshi Province was also held, showcasing the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the region. The exhibition was inaugurated and observed by Minister Mandal and other dignitaries.
Panel Discussions Address Challenges and Opportunities
The event included two panel discussions to deliberate on the scope, challenges, and future of health tourism. The first session, titled “Status, Potential, and Challenges of Health Tourism”, featured:
- Dr. Ajit Kumar Thakur, eye specialist
- Dr. Birendra Kumar Sharma, cancer specialist
- Rohini Khanal, Acting Director of Nepal Tourism Board
- Debashish Chakraborty, General Secretary of Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association
These panelists shared their insights on how Nepal’s medical services can be effectively merged with its tourism potential to build a sustainable health tourism industry.
Cross-Border Tourism Discussions Highlight India-Nepal Collaboration
The second session focused on “Cross-Border Tourism” and was moderated by Surya Thapaliya, Senior Manager at Nepal Tourism Board. The discussion included:
- Gopal Tamang, Chief Whip of Nepali Congress, Koshi Province
- Uday Kumar Shrestha, Former President of NATTA, Koshi Province
- Samrat Sigdel, General Secretary of Health and Hospitality Tourism Development Network (HHTDN)
These experts discussed the policy changes, infrastructure development, and the importance of cross-border cooperation to boost medical tourism between Nepal and India.
B2B Meetings Foster New Partnerships
The event also featured Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between Nepali tourism entrepreneurs and Indian delegates. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, these meetings facilitated positive dialogue on joint health tourism projects, potential investment areas, and future collaboration.
The Board reported that more than 20 tourism entrepreneurs from India participated in the event. Their presence highlighted growing interest from Indian stakeholders, given the close geographical proximity and social-cultural ties between the two nations.
Successful Completion with Strong Public-Private Support
The mart concluded on a high note, with a notable presence of local and international health professionals, tourism entrepreneurs, media representatives, and relevant stakeholders. The Nepal Tourism Board hailed the event as both successful and impactful, with clear momentum toward making Koshi Province a central hub for health tourism.
Surya Thapaliya, Senior Manager at the Tourism Board, stated that health tourism could become a strategic pillar of Nepal’s future economic development. He stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting this emerging sector.
With the success of the Second Health Tourism Mart, a foundation has been laid for Nepal’s foray into health tourism, an area that not only enhances international cooperation but also creates new avenues for economic growth, service innovation, and regional development.
