And as R Basil, MD and CEO of Manipal Health System, which has acquired an ISO 9001:2000 certification and an accredition by a German body, TUV, says, “If protocols are followed strictly, the number of complications arising from negligence and malpractise would also drop significantly.”

But he is quick to add that international standards would not mean that Indian hospitals charge more from their domestic patients. “Rather, increased volumes of patients would enable us to keep our costs down, while delivering the best service,” he feels.

However, most experts feel that India would have to pull up its socks quickly and formulate stringent domestic healthcare guidelines. “Else, countries like Thailand and Malaysia with international healthcare standards would capture the market,” warns Maini.