New Delhi, November 11: India’s plans to introduce a visa-on-arrival facility for medical travelers could significantly strengthen the country’s position as a leading global healthcare destination, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit, Goyal said the initiative would make India more accessible to foreign patients seeking quality and affordable medical care.
“The visa-on-arrival facilitation, if implemented, will further boost medical travel in India,” he said.
‘Heal in India’ and Integrative Healthcare
Outlining the government’s vision for the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, Goyal called for the integration of modern medicine with traditional systems like Ayurveda and holistic wellness.
“For ‘Heal in India’ to take off, we must aim to integrate modern medicine with our rich traditions of Ayurveda and holistic wellness, taking India’s healthcare to the next level,” he said.
He added that India is “at the threshold of becoming a global benchmark for quality healthcare” and stressed the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders.
“To achieve this vision, all key stakeholders must come together and provide strong leadership. The Government is fully committed to promoting the healthcare sector, evident in the doubling of medical colleges over the past decade and a major expansion of medical seats planned in the next five years,” he noted.
Focus on Accessibility and Social Security
Goyal also highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure affordable healthcare and a stronger social security network.
“The government is working aggressively to provide a robust social security net and ensure affordable healthcare for all,” he said, citing initiatives such as the distribution of sanitary pads at nominal costs for underprivileged women as examples of inclusive health policies.
He urged hospitals to expand nursing capacity by training at least 100,000 professionals, supporting both domestic healthcare services and the medical tourism industry.
Hospitals, he said, should maintain a balance between serving Indian citizens and international patients.
Ayurveda’s Growing Global Appeal
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the importance of integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.
“India must fully harness the vast potential of Ayurveda as a cornerstone of holistic healthcare. Hospitals should actively integrate Ayurvedic treatments and wellness therapies into their service offerings, aligning traditional wisdom with modern medical practices,” he said.
Kotecha added that Ayurveda, yoga, and detoxification programs have become increasingly popular among international clients seeking “comprehensive, restorative care.”
India Positioned as a Global Health Hub
Industry leaders at the summit echoed Goyal’s optimism about India’s potential to lead in medical tourism.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman of the CII Steering Group on Health and Healthcare Council, said India is “well positioned to become a leading global destination for medical travel.”
Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, said the focus should go beyond attracting medical tourists. “Our focus should extend beyond attracting medical tourists to India; we must also recognize the jobs it will generate and the broader opportunities it will create across the healthcare and allied sectors,” she said.
Government’s Vision for Global Healthcare Leadership
With the proposed visa-on-arrival scheme, expansion of medical infrastructure, and integration of traditional wellness systems, India aims to position itself as a global hub for affordable, high-quality, and holistic healthcare.