Docs say not only are there no cancellations, but there is also no fall in fresh enquiries after terror attack

Medical tourists keep their faith in the city

Docs say not only are there no cancellations, but there is also no fall in fresh enquiries after terror attack

For three months, Viola Anwar Riaq (25), a resident of Sudan, has been in touch with Dr Shrihari Dhorepatil, working out the details of her visit to the city for obesity surgery.

Riaq, who describes herself as a post-graduate student and part-time entrepreneur, was about to get her travel papers cleared when the German Bakery blast, which killed two Sudanese living in the city, took place.

And that's when the trouble started. But a determined Riaq overcame family objections and other hiccups, and is now set to arrive at Dr Dhorepatil's clinic on March 21.

"Besides just family opposition she faced some problems in getting a visa and travel documents as there was a blast and it wasn't advisable to come to Pune. But she was firm she wanted to come," said Dr Dhorepatil. "If she wanted, she could've postponed her visit, as this was an elective surgery, not urgent, but she went ahead and got her travel documents done."

Soon after the blast, many countries issued unfavourable travel advisories, asking their citizens to reconsider their travel plans to the city, terming the climate unsafe and sounding out the possibility of other blasts, while asking their citizens already in the country to be alert and maintain a low profile.

Pleasant surprise
Expecting travel permission hurdles from embassies, as is usually the case when a terror attack occurs, city doctors said they had feared their business would plummet at a time when medical tourism was at its peak.

"Our clients gave us a pleasant surprise. Not a single patient has cancelled his or her trip or asked a postponement. All are coming as scheduled; in fact, even new enquiries haven't been affected," said Dr Shebaaz Daruwala, director, Pune Infertility Center. "This isn't usually the case as people get scared after blasts and heed travel advisories if surgeries aren't for life-threatening conditions."

While Dr Dhorepatil also confirmed there had been no cancellations, cosmetic surgeon Dr Ashish Davalbhakta said a few medical tourists at his centre arrived just days after the terror attack, and have even decided to go sightseeing after surgery.

"Unlike with swine flu, which had really affected medical tourism, the blast hasn't put off medical tourists. It is their conviction in us that is making them not only come forward for surgeries, but also discuss their travel plans, saying that they want to see India. This, despite the fact that they have to face difficulties in coming down to Pune in this climate; it is brave on their part," said the head of cosmetic surgery at Ruby Hall Clinic.