In a most important boost for medical tourism, the government is set to announce e-visas for patients who are looking to visit India for prolong treatment in recognized healthcare centres.
Sources from the Home Affairs Ministry has told informed that the government has agreed for this move, on intervention from Office of Prime Minister and an announcement is yet to be made post present on going Parliament session. However, the Home Ministry has not agreed request from Tourism Ministry about e-visas for conferences, meeting and events.
Applications from almost 150 nations entitled for e-tourist visas could sent their applications online for medical visas with the copies of medical prescriptions which are scanned from government’s recognized hospital of their country, The biometric information of the applicant would be taken upon arrival.
The validity of this short term medical visa would be month long from the day of arrival, after that the department of home of states could extend it to the period of one year, after getting a written advice from any reputed or specialized hospital in the country. Additional extensions could be issued only by Ministry.
Presently, the patients who are visiting India for treatment has to get online appointments from Indian missionaries that takes many week a month. The patient is also need to be present during embassy discussion. The patient has to submit a certificate from a hospital in India who wants to treat them.
Compared to other countries, treatment cost in India is less, and the treatment quality and medicatl facilities are also available.
The relaxation of visa had come after the efforts from tourism ministry for bringing India in competition with other countries that also offers visa on arrival.
