Most of the medical expenses incurred by an average Indian are paid from their own pocket.
According to an analysis published in the medical journal `Lancet', private expenditure on health in India is close to 78% compared to 14% in the Maldives, 29% in Bhutan, 53% in Sri Lanka, 31% in Thailand and 61% in China.
Only Pakistan is worse off with private expenditure being as high as 82.5%. The paper, "Financing health care for all: challenges and opportunities", says two features of the private out-of-pocket expenditure in India are noteworthy.
First, most of the expenditure (74%) was incurred for outpatient treatment, and not for hospital care. Only 26% was for inpatient treatment. Secondly, purchasing drugs accounted for 72% of the total private out-of-pocket expenditure.
According to Dr A K Shiva Kumar, one of the primary authors of the paper, nearly 39 million people in India are pushed to poverty because of ill health every year. Around 30% in rural India actually didn't go for any treatment for pure financial reasons in 2004, up from 15% in 1995. Similarly, in urban areas, 20% of ailments were untreated for financial reasons in 2004, up from 10% in 1995. Shockingly, 47% of hospital admissions in rural India and 31% in urban India were financed by loans and the sale of assets.
Dr Kumar, who is part of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's high level expert group on universal health coverage, told TOI, "The health sector at present is a rip off for the common man. The future has to be tax funded. Preventive, primary and some part of secondary treatment has to be completely free, cashless and provided by the government and funded through taxes."
Medical insurance too has a meager market share. According to the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector, only 7% of India's workforce is in the organised sector. The remaining 93% are cultivators, agricultural labourers, artisans and workers who typically do not have a regular or assured source of income.
Analysis of the per person public spending on health has also thrown up bleak results. While the government spent just 19 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars on every person for health, the figure stood at 207 in Thailand, 122 in China, 88 in Sri Lanka, 751 in Maldives and 60 in Bhutan. "The per person government spending on health in India was about 22% of that in Sri Lanka, 16% of that in China and less than 10% of that in Thailand," the paper says.
Public spending on health -- 0.94% of the gross domestic product (GDP) -- is among the lowest in the world.
Between 1986 and 2004, the average real expenditure per hospital admission increased three times in government and private hospitals. The sharp increase in the prices of drugs has been the main reason for the rising costs of medical care, which more than tripled between 1993-94 and 2006-07, says the paper.
Dr Kumar added, "Between 1993-94 and 2004-05, compared with a 67% increase in real per person income and an 82% increase in per person tax collections, real per person public health expenditure rose from Rs 84 to Rs 125 -- an increase of 48%."
Source: Times of India
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Kuoni Launches its 'We Know What You're Thinking' Sale Campaign
Kuoni, the luxury tour operator, has launched its innovative 'We know what you're thinking' marketing campaign, injecting personality into the search by travellers for a break away from the UK's winter gloom.
Kuoni's luxury holidays offer premium service, destination insight and affordability as well as allowing customers to enjoy savings of up to 40%, plus an additional 5% discount online.
To convey this message in an engaging way, the tour operator has designed a campaign that resonates with customer sentiment and needs as they think about planning their time away from it all. Some of the messages include 'Re-charge your batteries without being charged the earth'; 'Mind, body and soul breaks that are good for your wallet, purse and credit card' and 'I want to broaden my mind not permanently shrink my bank balance'.
The messages reflect the fact that many people have less to spend in today's modern society and are seeking better value for money in the luxury market.
Kuoni has invested in media across the marketing mix to communicate to customers at various touch points including the company's retail stores, the Internet, press advertising, outdoor and radio.
A wide range of holidays are on offer, designed to suit a variety of needs: customers can relax and soak up sun on Maldives holidays; indulge in spa therapy in St Lucia, Thailand or Oman; sign up for adventure in Malaysia, India Peru or Marrakech; encounter game on safari holidays in Kenya; tour around Sri Lanka and much more.
The Kuoni retail stores, which are situated around the UK, are also getting into the sale spirit. Personal travel experts are wearing specially designed shirts are promoting the campaign while large plasma screens show short films of the holidays on offer. Creative window displays will also entice shoppers in-store to avoid the British weather.
To reflect the increasing use of mobile phones to research holidays, Kuoni has also included QR codes in their press advertising. iPhone users will be able to scan the code to download Kuoni's new, innovative and interactive iPhone app and then check out the latest sale offers.
For the latest luxury holiday offers, travellers can visit the Kuoni website.
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com
Kuoni's luxury holidays offer premium service, destination insight and affordability as well as allowing customers to enjoy savings of up to 40%, plus an additional 5% discount online.
To convey this message in an engaging way, the tour operator has designed a campaign that resonates with customer sentiment and needs as they think about planning their time away from it all. Some of the messages include 'Re-charge your batteries without being charged the earth'; 'Mind, body and soul breaks that are good for your wallet, purse and credit card' and 'I want to broaden my mind not permanently shrink my bank balance'.
The messages reflect the fact that many people have less to spend in today's modern society and are seeking better value for money in the luxury market.
Kuoni has invested in media across the marketing mix to communicate to customers at various touch points including the company's retail stores, the Internet, press advertising, outdoor and radio.
A wide range of holidays are on offer, designed to suit a variety of needs: customers can relax and soak up sun on Maldives holidays; indulge in spa therapy in St Lucia, Thailand or Oman; sign up for adventure in Malaysia, India Peru or Marrakech; encounter game on safari holidays in Kenya; tour around Sri Lanka and much more.
The Kuoni retail stores, which are situated around the UK, are also getting into the sale spirit. Personal travel experts are wearing specially designed shirts are promoting the campaign while large plasma screens show short films of the holidays on offer. Creative window displays will also entice shoppers in-store to avoid the British weather.
To reflect the increasing use of mobile phones to research holidays, Kuoni has also included QR codes in their press advertising. iPhone users will be able to scan the code to download Kuoni's new, innovative and interactive iPhone app and then check out the latest sale offers.
For the latest luxury holiday offers, travellers can visit the Kuoni website.
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com
THAI Offers Code-Share Flights to the Maldives
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced that the company is operating code-share flights to the Maldives in cooperation with Bangkok Airways, on the route Bangkok-Maldives-Bangkok.
THAI is pleased to offer code-share flights to the Maldives, renown for its splendor and natural beauty. Flights to the Maldives will be operated at a frequency of three flights per week on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, utilizing Airbus A319 aircraft.
The flight program for flights on the route Bangkok – Maldives v.v. during the winter schedule, now until 26 March 2011, are as follows:
Marketing Flight No
Flight Days
Route
Departure
Arrival
Aircraft
TG4523
Mon, Thurs, Sun
Bangkok-Maldives
1400
1620
A319
TG4524
Mon, Thurs, Sun
Maldives-Bangkok
1720
2340
A319
(Departures and arrivals in local time)
“The code-share agreement between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the return route from Bangkok to Maldives significantly offers more travel opportunities for passengers who book and travel with THAI. Through this code-share arrangement, more passengers will be able to travel to the Maldives, the island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of 26 atolls, and experience the renown pure beauty of the Maldives at its best,” said Mr. Weerawat Swasdibutra, THAI General Manager for Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.
Currently, THAI serves 71 destinations worldwide in 34 countries, spanning five continents. THAI operates flights to cities in Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East, People’s Republic of China, Indian sub-continent, Australasia, and the United States.
The new code-share services between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the route Bangkok to Maldives took effect on 30 December 2010.
Source: Thai Airways International
THAI is pleased to offer code-share flights to the Maldives, renown for its splendor and natural beauty. Flights to the Maldives will be operated at a frequency of three flights per week on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, utilizing Airbus A319 aircraft.
The flight program for flights on the route Bangkok – Maldives v.v. during the winter schedule, now until 26 March 2011, are as follows:
Marketing Flight No
Flight Days
Route
Departure
Arrival
Aircraft
TG4523
Mon, Thurs, Sun
Bangkok-Maldives
1400
1620
A319
TG4524
Mon, Thurs, Sun
Maldives-Bangkok
1720
2340
A319
(Departures and arrivals in local time)
“The code-share agreement between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the return route from Bangkok to Maldives significantly offers more travel opportunities for passengers who book and travel with THAI. Through this code-share arrangement, more passengers will be able to travel to the Maldives, the island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of 26 atolls, and experience the renown pure beauty of the Maldives at its best,” said Mr. Weerawat Swasdibutra, THAI General Manager for Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.
Currently, THAI serves 71 destinations worldwide in 34 countries, spanning five continents. THAI operates flights to cities in Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East, People’s Republic of China, Indian sub-continent, Australasia, and the United States.
The new code-share services between THAI and Bangkok Airways on the route Bangkok to Maldives took effect on 30 December 2010.
Source: Thai Airways International
Carlson announces second Radisson property in the Maldives
Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, announced the signing of a second Radisson property in the Maldives.
The USD 91 million, 281-villa resort, owned by Three K International Private Limited, is expected to open in the third quarter of 2012 on the island of Naagoshi.
The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi will feature 182 land and 99 overwater, contemporary villas designed by Hassell, the award-winning, multidisciplinary firm which has been appointed architectural, interior and landscape design consultants for the resort.
“The addition of this resort property fuels our Ambition 2015 growth strategy to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and engaging brand in key cities, resort and airport locations throughout Asia Pacific,” said Simon Barlow, president, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
“This spectacular resort is being created as a unique holiday sanctuary retreat for couples and families, through distinct facilities and design features catering to both markets,” said Xerxes Meher-Homji, executive vice president and chief development officer, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
“We are excited to be joining Carlson as the Radisson brand continues its strong momentum in the region, and are confident that the Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi will be well received by leisure travelers from around the world,” said Sergey Komarav, chairman, Three K International Private Limited.
Hotel guests will enjoy a variety of dining options, including an overwater Pan Asian restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and a seafood restaurant. The overwater seafood restaurant, discreetly located at the southwestern corner of the resort, will feature paths trailing out onto five private overwater dining pods for couples seeking a romantic dining experience.
Additional resort facilities will include a gym, a dedicated yoga work out space, a large spa with 16 treatment rooms, badminton and tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a meeting and function room, a diving and water sports center, and butler stations.
The resort’s kid’s club concept of learning, exploring, nature and growth will be brought to life through extensive facilities comprising a children’s swimming pool, playground with a sandpit, a games room, a movie and a library corner, and a cooking station.
The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi is being constructed on Naagoshi Island, on the northern Hua Dhaalu Atoll and is 45 minutes by sea plane from the Male International Airport. Carlson has another hotel presently under construction in the Maldives, the 250-room Radisson Hotel Maldives Hulhumale scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013.
Last October, Carlson announced plans to increase the number of Radisson hotels in Asia Pacific to over 100 hotels by 2015. The Radisson portfolio in Asia Pacific includes 11 other resorts in Australia (Gold Coast), China (Huizhou and Sanya), India (Alibaug, Goa and Mamallapuram), the South Pacific (Fiji and Tahiti) and Thailand (Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket).
Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com
The USD 91 million, 281-villa resort, owned by Three K International Private Limited, is expected to open in the third quarter of 2012 on the island of Naagoshi.
The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi will feature 182 land and 99 overwater, contemporary villas designed by Hassell, the award-winning, multidisciplinary firm which has been appointed architectural, interior and landscape design consultants for the resort.
“The addition of this resort property fuels our Ambition 2015 growth strategy to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and engaging brand in key cities, resort and airport locations throughout Asia Pacific,” said Simon Barlow, president, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
“This spectacular resort is being created as a unique holiday sanctuary retreat for couples and families, through distinct facilities and design features catering to both markets,” said Xerxes Meher-Homji, executive vice president and chief development officer, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.
“We are excited to be joining Carlson as the Radisson brand continues its strong momentum in the region, and are confident that the Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi will be well received by leisure travelers from around the world,” said Sergey Komarav, chairman, Three K International Private Limited.
Hotel guests will enjoy a variety of dining options, including an overwater Pan Asian restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and a seafood restaurant. The overwater seafood restaurant, discreetly located at the southwestern corner of the resort, will feature paths trailing out onto five private overwater dining pods for couples seeking a romantic dining experience.
Additional resort facilities will include a gym, a dedicated yoga work out space, a large spa with 16 treatment rooms, badminton and tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a meeting and function room, a diving and water sports center, and butler stations.
The resort’s kid’s club concept of learning, exploring, nature and growth will be brought to life through extensive facilities comprising a children’s swimming pool, playground with a sandpit, a games room, a movie and a library corner, and a cooking station.
The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi is being constructed on Naagoshi Island, on the northern Hua Dhaalu Atoll and is 45 minutes by sea plane from the Male International Airport. Carlson has another hotel presently under construction in the Maldives, the 250-room Radisson Hotel Maldives Hulhumale scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013.
Last October, Carlson announced plans to increase the number of Radisson hotels in Asia Pacific to over 100 hotels by 2015. The Radisson portfolio in Asia Pacific includes 11 other resorts in Australia (Gold Coast), China (Huizhou and Sanya), India (Alibaug, Goa and Mamallapuram), the South Pacific (Fiji and Tahiti) and Thailand (Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket).
Source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com
China vows to step up parliamentary cooperation with Maldives
China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, met with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid in Beijing Monday and called for closer relations between the two nations and the two parliaments.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said the growth of bilateral relations in recent years had yielded substantial benefits for the two peoples.
Wu said China valued ties with the Maldives and was willing to maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation at all levels in an effort to expand political mutual trust and economic and trade cooperation in fields such as fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure construction.
China would encourage Chinese companies to further participate in the Maldives' national construction and more Chinese tourists to visit the country, Wu said.
Wu voiced his hope for stronger coordination between the two nations on international issues in order to build a relationship that would be a model for relations between big and small nations.
Wu suggested the two legislatures promote dialogue and exchanges of views among members on successful experiences of national construction so as to inject new vitality to the development of bilateral relations.
Shahid, speaker of the Maldivian People's Majlis, said the Maldivian people treasured the friendship of the Chinese people, and the rapid growth of the Chinese economy offered inspiration to developing countries, including the Maldives.
Shahid pledged the Maldivian parliament would continue to play a constructive role in promoting bilateral relations.
Shahid is leading a Maldivian parliamentary delegation to China at the invitation of Wu. The delegation arrived in China on Jan. 8. It is Shahid's first visit to China as the country's chief legislator.
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said the growth of bilateral relations in recent years had yielded substantial benefits for the two peoples.
Wu said China valued ties with the Maldives and was willing to maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation at all levels in an effort to expand political mutual trust and economic and trade cooperation in fields such as fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure construction.
China would encourage Chinese companies to further participate in the Maldives' national construction and more Chinese tourists to visit the country, Wu said.
Wu voiced his hope for stronger coordination between the two nations on international issues in order to build a relationship that would be a model for relations between big and small nations.
Wu suggested the two legislatures promote dialogue and exchanges of views among members on successful experiences of national construction so as to inject new vitality to the development of bilateral relations.
Shahid, speaker of the Maldivian People's Majlis, said the Maldivian people treasured the friendship of the Chinese people, and the rapid growth of the Chinese economy offered inspiration to developing countries, including the Maldives.
Shahid pledged the Maldivian parliament would continue to play a constructive role in promoting bilateral relations.
Shahid is leading a Maldivian parliamentary delegation to China at the invitation of Wu. The delegation arrived in China on Jan. 8. It is Shahid's first visit to China as the country's chief legislator.
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com
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