Cross-Border Medical Tourism and Patient Experiences: A Sociological Study of Indian Patients Visiting Eye Hospitals in Biratnagar, Nepal

Abstract

Cross-border medical tourism has become asignificant area of social research. This study explores the experiences of Indian patients who trust eye hospitals in Biratnagar, Nepal.This research covers medical services, communication, social interactions, hospitality, cost perceptions, and hygiene from a sociological perspective. The study is based on an exploratory qualitative research design. Ten Indian patients and accompanying family members were selected by using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The findings disclose that participants were normally satisfied with the quality of eye treatment, behavior of doctors and nurses, and eye healthcare services available in Biratnagar. However, patients’ experiences were subjective by social and environmental factors. Language barriers, communication difficulties, interactions with local people, hospitality services, accommodation costs, and hygiene conditions are concerns with Indian guests. The research showed that participants came from diverse occupational backgrounds, including farmers, shopkeepers, and government employees. It has shown that cross-border healthcare is influenced by social and economic factors. From a sociological perspective, the research focused that medical tourism is not only a process of receiving healthcare and parts of trade and business but also a social involvement shaped by everyday interactions, cultural consideration, and service environments. The findings givea strong suggestion that improving communication, customer care, politeness, respect old peoples, hygiene, and community hospitality can strengthen Nepal’s position as a medical tourism destination.