Kochi: Being the state known for its medical tourism, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala launched houseboat ride, a new initiative on the occasion of this year’s World Tourism Day.

The unique initiative is inaugurated by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Dr. Ashraf Shikhaliyev. Embracing the concept of Rethink Tourism, Medcity’s houseboat ride along the Periyar is available for those coming from abroad and outside Kerala for various medical services. This is the first time in the world where medical tourists are being treated on a houseboat.

The purpose of houseboat ride service is to provide a new experience to those who come from abroad and outside Kerala for various medical services.

Aster Medcity is the leading hospital in the various Hospital Rankings in India. “The introduction of houseboat travel will enhance the medical tourism experience of foreigners seeking treatment here, says Farhan Yasin, Regional Director of Aster Hospitals, Kerala & Oman Cluster.  Kerala gives much importance to medical tourism and the new initiative is conceived in line with ‘Rethink Tourism.’ Aster Hospitals will continue to introduce innovative and creative projects like this in the future to boost Kerala’s medical tourism sector.” he added.

Farhan Yasin, Regional Director of Aster Hospitals, Kerala & Oman Cluster, Vaishak Seetharam, Cluster Head Service excellence- Aster Hospitals Kerala, Jayesh V Nair – Head of Operations – Aster Medcity, senior doctors from the hospitals- Dr. V. Narayanan Unni, Senior Consultant -Nephrology, Dr. Jem Kalathil, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, and representatives from foreign countries attended the event.