Cross-border healthcare policies and cancer care: Strategic opportunities for medical tourism in South Asia

The globalization of healthcare has fueled the rapid growth of cross-border medical tourism, particularly in regions with significant disparities in healthcare infrastructure. In South Asia, cancer patients increasingly seek treatment abroad due to a lack of specialized oncology services, affordability constraints, and regulatory barriers. This research critically examines the intersection of cross-border healthcare policies and cancer care, identifying key push and pull factors that influence medical travel in the region. The study employs a document analysis and case study approach to assess how national healthcare policies either facilitate or restrict access to international oncology treatment. Findings highlight the uneven distribution of cancer care resources, with countries, such as India, serving as medical hubs, while others, such as Bangladesh and Nepal face severe treatment shortages. Policy inconsistencies, visa restrictions, and healthcare agreements further complicate patient mobility. This research underscores the need for regional cooperation in standardizing medical regulations, improving patient safety measures, and streamlining healthcare policies to enhance access to timely and cost-effective cancer treatment. The study contributes to the discourse on regional health integration by proposing policy recommendations for harmonized cross-border healthcare frameworks within South Asia.