Why is India a popular destination for Bangladeshi medical tourists? A study based on perceived justice by Bangladeshi patients

Abstract

Purpose There is evidence of Bangladeshi citizens travelling to India to receive medical treatments, known as medical tourism. This study aims to explore the perceived justice dimensions of Bangladeshi patients towards domestic health care and the effects of these dimensions on their intention for outbound tourism to India. Design/methodology/approach Data from 307 Bangladeshi medical tourists were collected to test the proposed model. The data has been interpreted through the proposed model with covariance-based structural equation modelling in AMOS. To produce the results, the measurement model and structural model were examined. Findings The analysis confirmed the significant impact of procedural, informational and interpersonal justice dimensions on patients’ health-care experiences. However, the effect of distributive justice on patient experience has been found insignificant. The study also revealed a significant negative impact of patient satisfaction on outbound medical tourism intention. Thus, it raises concerns for the local medical service providers about improving patient satisfaction. Practical implications The findings of this paper can be applicable for health-care practitioners and policymakers in emerging countries to improve the bottlenecks of the health-care system for increasing patients’ service experiences and reducing the intention of patients for outbound medical tourism. Originality/value The research on perceived justice theory regarding the intention of medical tourism is limited. This research is one of the few studies to combine perceived justice theory with trust and medical tourism decision-making. Using the lens of perceived justice, this research argues that the decrease in perceived justice negatively affects the patients’ service experience, trust and loyalty to the service provider.