Industry stakeholders believe the initiative could significantly boost India’s “Heal in India” campaign and make the country a leader in integrated healthcare and wellness services
The Indian government is considering visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities for medical travellers from the United States and select European nations, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced at the CII Annual Health Summit in New Delhi.
Goyal emphasized India’s growing status as a global healthcare destination, highlighting its cost-effective treatment options and advanced medical infrastructure. He said the proposal aims to make India more accessible to international patients seeking specialised or elective surgeries.
India’s medical tourism sector, valued at around $800 billion globally, is expected to surpass $1 trillion soon, encompassing wellness and preventive care
The minister also revealed plans to allow non-resident Indian doctors to perform surgeries in India, subject to approval from the Indian Medical Association.
Goyal cited recent government measures, including GST reductions on medicines and an expansion of AIIMS and nursing colleges, as key drivers of the sector’s growth.
