August 7, 2023: The Ministry of Tourism is taking concerted efforts to bolster India’s standing as a premier destination for Medical Tourism by introducing a comprehensive National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. This strategic framework aims to enhance the country’s allure in the global medical tourism landscape and provide a robust ecosystem to cater to the needs of international patients seeking medical care in India.
Outlined in the strategy are six key pillars that constitute the roadmap to catalyze Medical and Wellness Tourism in India:
- Branding India as a Wellness Destination: The Ministry intends to establish India as a well-regarded wellness haven, promoting not only medical treatments but also holistic wellness experiences.
- Strengthening the Ecosystem: The plan includes enhancing the medical and wellness tourism ecosystem, ensuring top-notch medical facilities, accommodations, and supporting services are readily available for international patients.
- Digital Transformation: A significant aspect of the strategy involves the establishment of an Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal, facilitating seamless access to medical information and services for prospective patients.
- Enhancing Accessibility: The strategy emphasizes improving accessibility for Medical Value Travel, making it easier for patients to visit India for medical treatments.
- Promotion of Wellness Tourism: Alongside medical treatments, the strategy seeks to promote wellness tourism, highlighting India’s potential as a destination for holistic well-being and rejuvenation.
- Effective Governance: The strategy outlines the need for a robust governance and institutional framework to ensure streamlined processes and quality standards in medical and wellness tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism is actively engaged in promoting India’s diverse tourist offerings, including Medical Tourism, through global media campaigns under the ‘Incredible India’ brand. These campaigns are conducted across various platforms, including print, electronic, and online media, along with digital promotions on the Ministry’s social media channels.
Moreover, the government has taken steps to ease the visa process for medical travelers. The e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa categories offer flexibility with triple entry and extensions of up to 6 months on a case-by-case basis.
Collaboration between the Union Ministry of Health and various stakeholders, including hospitals, Medical Value Travel facilitators, insurance companies, and NABH, further underscores the government’s commitment to promoting medical value travel in the country.
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, shared these insights in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken to harness the potential of Medical and Wellness Tourism in India.
