Embassy of India
Prague
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India Amongst the Top 6 Medical Value Travel Destinations in the World
India has in recent years emerged as a major hub for medical tourism and now considered amongst the top 6 Medical Value Travel Destinations in the world. Foreign tourist arrivals for medical purposes have jumped from 1,39,447 in 2014 to 4,95,056 in 2017. Reputed health care professionals and hospitals, English speaking health care workers, cutting edge global technology, personalized service, lower cost, lesser waiting time and rich cultural and leisure destinations in India make it a compelling destination for medical travel. It is estimated that the value of Medical tourism to India is likely to reach USD 9 billion by 2020 growing at an estimated 25% per annum.
2. Accordingly, the Ministry of Tourism of Government of India has set up a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board consisting of relevant stakeholders from the industry and various government agencies.
3. Amongst the initiatives successfully implemented on the supply side are:
i. E-Visa is enabled for medical tourists in addition to the existing medical and medical attendant visas.
ii. Patients not required to personally register with the FRRO.
iii. Facilitation counters set up at 3 international airports and 5 more are on the anvil.
iv. Accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers introduced for a new category called Medical Value Travel Facilitators who would play the coordinating role similar to tour operators.
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Prague
October 11, 2018
