**Mumbai, India** – As foreigners continue to flock to the popular beach destination of Goa, India, a new trend has emerged: the proliferation of pharmacies that cater exclusively to foreign tourists. These pharmacies offer a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications at significantly lower prices than those charged in their home countries..
This trend has been fueled by the increasing number of Russian tourists visiting Goa in recent years. Russians are drawn to Goa’s beautiful beaches, affordable prices, and lack of visa requirements. However, they often find that the cost of medication in India is much lower than in Russia..
As a result, many Russian tourists have begun to purchase their medications from pharmacies in Goa. This has led to a boom in the number of pharmacies that cater to foreign tourists..
These pharmacies are typically located in popular tourist areas, such as Calangute and Baga. They are often staffed by pharmacists who speak Russian and English. The pharmacies stock a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-malarials..
The prices of medications at these pharmacies are often significantly lower than those charged in Russia. For example, a course of antibiotics that would cost around $50 in Russia can be purchased for around $10 in Goa..
This has made Goa a popular destination for medical tourism. Many Russian tourists now travel to Goa specifically to purchase medications..
The boom in foreign-only pharmacies has also raised some concerns. Some critics argue that these pharmacies are taking advantage of foreign tourists by charging inflated prices. Others worry that the pharmacies may not be properly regulated and could be selling counterfeit or substandard medications..
However, the vast majority of foreign tourists who purchase medications from these pharmacies report having a positive experience. They appreciate the convenience and affordability of these pharmacies..
The boom in foreign-only pharmacies in Goa is a sign of the growing popularity of medical tourism in India. As more and more foreigners discover the affordability and quality of healthcare in India, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow in the years to come..
