India’s government actively supports medical tourism through various initiatives, policies, and infrastructure development to make the country a global healthcare hub. Below is a detailed overview of the government facilities and support systems available for international medical tourists:
🏛️ Government Facilities & Initiatives for Medical Tourism in India
1. 🇮🇳 Medical Visa (M-Visa) & e-Medical Visa
The Government of India offers a special visa category for medical tourists:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| M-Visa (Medical Visa) | For patients seeking specialized treatment (like cardiac surgery, organ transplant, neuro, etc.) |
| Validity | Up to 6 months; extendable to 1 year |
| Multiple Entry | Allowed (with a max of 3 entries per year) |
| e-Medical Visa | Available to 160+ countries; faster approval and online application |
| Medical Attendant Visa | Issued for up to 2 accompanying persons (family/friends) |
👉 Source: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) & Bureau of Immigration
2. 🏥 Accreditation Support: NABH & NABL
- The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare promotes NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) and NABL (for labs).
- Ensures hospitals meet international standards for quality and patient care.
- Accredited hospitals are recommended to medical tourists for better trust.
3. 💼 Government-backed Promotion Bodies
a) Ministry of Tourism
- Runs a dedicated division for Medical & Wellness Tourism
- Organizes events and roadshows in foreign countries to promote Indian healthcare
- Funds hospitals under its Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme for medical tourism
b) FICCI Health Services Committee
- Collaborates with government & hospitals to regulate and promote ethical practices in medical tourism
c) Invest India – Healthcare Desk
- A platform to help foreign patients & investors get medical assistance and guidance
4. 🌐 Medical Tourism Portal & Helpline
- Government has launched:
- www.indiahealthcaretourism.com (managed by Services Export Promotion Council)
- Features top accredited hospitals, treatment options, cost estimates, and visa help
- 24×7 helpline services in English and other languages to support medical travelers
5. 🚑 Healthcare Infrastructure Upgrades
- The government has increased spending on tertiary care hospitals (AIIMS, PGIMER, etc.)
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) encouraged in health infrastructure to provide world-class treatment
6. ✈️ Airport Facilitation & Immigration Support
- Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad have:
- Medical tourism counters
- Fast-track immigration desks for M-visa holders
- Dedicated help desks and interpreters
7. 🧘 Promotion of AYUSH & Wellness Tourism
- Ministry of AYUSH promotes:
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Siddha
- Unani
- Homeopathy
- AYUSH hospitals are being internationally certified
- Foreign tourists receive medical visas for non-invasive treatments, detox, and holistic wellness
8. 📊 National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board (NMWTB)
- A policy body created by the Ministry of Tourism
- Focuses on:
- Streamlining medical tourist processes
- Quality assurance
- Integration of all stakeholders (hospitals, agents, ministries)
✅ Summary of Government Support
| Facility | Provided By |
|---|---|
| Medical Visa & e-Medical Visa | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Fast-track Airport Help | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| NABH/NABL Hospital Accreditation | Quality Council of India (QCI) |
| Promotion & Portal | Ministry of Tourism & SEPC |
| Traditional Therapies (AYUSH) | Ministry of AYUSH |
| International Events & Partnerships | FICCI, Invest India, SEPC |