The Indian government is exploring the possibility of extending visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities to medical travellers from the US and select European nations, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the CII Annual Health Summit in New Delhi. He added that if approved by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), non-resident Indian doctors may soon be allowed to return and perform surgeries in India.
Highlighting India’s potential in the global healthcare space, Goyal said medical tourism currently represents an $800-billion market that could soon cross $1 trillion with wellness and preventive care included. He noted India’s affordability and efficiency in treatment compared to long waiting periods abroad. The minister also mentioned recent GST cuts on medicines and the government’s focus on expanding medical colleges, AIIMS institutions, and nursing programmes to meet rising healthcare demand.
