The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing a Trade Mission to India from March 2-8, 2012. This will be a non-executive led mission.

The Medical Trade Mission to India is intended to include representatives from a variety of U.S. medical/healthcare industry manufacturers (equipment/devices, laboratory equipments, emergency equipment, diagnostic, physiotherapy and orthopedic, healthcare information technology, and other allied sectors), service providers, and associations and trade organizations. The mission will introduce the participants to the government bodies, end-users and prospective partners whose needs and capabilities are best suited to each U.S. participant's strengths. Participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to India on their own, will enhance the participants' ability to secure meetings in India. The delegates will meet with government officials to obtain first-hand information about the regulations, policies and procedures in the healthcare industry. It will be an opportunity for participants to visit healthcare facilities to get acquainted with the functioning of hospitals in India and the varied standards. Market forces, such as medical tourism, insurance and corporate sector have accelerated the demand for quality in healthcare services. As a result, there is a growing demand from consumers for better healthcare as the lack of quality assurance mechanisms limits their access to appropriate health services. The Healthcare industry is now proactively creating standards for the medical tourism industry with the help of credit rating agencies, insurance companies and others involved in the self regulation of the sector. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) has been set-up to establish and operate accreditation programs for healthcare organizations. Some private hospitals are also applying for accreditation from bodies such as the Joint Commission International (JCI). The mission will include appointments and briefings in Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad, India's major healthcare industry hubs. Trade mission participants will have the opportunity to interact extensively with Embassy/Consulate Officials and Commercial Service (CS) India healthcare specialists, to discuss industry developments, opportunities, and sales strategies.