The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has said that it is planning to open a medical tourism counter at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to help international tourists avail the best medical facilities in the city.

AAI has already floated a tender for the center at the airport and has also said that it will provide 10 sq m of space at the arrival area of the international terminal to the highest bidder. The AAI will provide the space at Rs 3,500/sq m/month which is much less than .Rs 6,500/sq m/month. The authority wants to provide the space at subsidized rates for the center.

"The aim is to improve facilities for passenger and not to earn money," said R K Singh.

The medical tourism counter will provide information regarding the procedures, monetary transaction and international code of treatment to the passengers arriving the airport. The counter will help people find the best option for treatment in the city. Ahmedabad has emerged as one of the fastest growing cities and is aiming to emerge as one of the leading best healthcare providers in the stat. The number of of medical tourists in the state have risen 33 per cent while that in the country rose 20 per cent.