Introduction: This paper attempts to examine the current trends of medical tourism in some Asian countries, identify the challenges and concerns faced by it and suggest policies that may help it grow as an important economic contributor for the Sultanate of Oman in near future. This paper also analyzes many reasons why Omani patients travel abroad for medical care because they do not have access to a particular treatment or domestic limitations in technology, training, or infrastructure; or because of long waiting lists. Many others travel simply because they cannot afford a particular procedure in their own country. On the supply side, several developing countries have dramatically improved the quality of care they can offer. This growing supply is able to meet the increased demand in substantial part because of the Internet, which enables foreign providers to contact patients and signal their credentials. Outsourcing of Medical Services: Labour surplus in developed countries has often caused immigration of skilled workers, including medical and paramedical personnel, to developed countries. In recent times, the same labour surplus has created opportunities for outsourcing of services from developed to the lesser developed world. During last few years, such outsourcing is increasingly observed in the field of medical care, in a form that is often referred to as "medical tourism‟ and is growing throughout the globe, including Asia. Thailand, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines are increasingly experiencing the inflow of patients from outside their borders, thereby making medical tourism an industry in its own right with significant potential for growth. Growth of Medical Tourism in Asia: It has exploded in recent years, aided by globalization in the health services industry. Gradually, countries have opened their borders, now there are thriving international markets for health care professionals, telemedicine, medical technology and drugs. In 2003, an estimated 350,000 patients from various countries traveled to Cuba, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for medical care. In 2005, over 55,000 Americans visited Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok for medical care. In India alone, the number of medical tourists visiting the country tripled between 2002 and 2005, and is expected to rise by 600% over the next few years
