“The idea about visa on arrival is a good idea. We will pursue that…For many countries, we allow visa on arrival, we allow e-visas…both these can be considered let’s say for the United States, most of the European countries… not all by the way …for most of the countries where we have a fair amount of comfort and where detailed investigations or enquiries are not required,” Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said
New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said offering visa on arrival facilities for medical treatment can be considered to patients from countries such as the US.
The idea was floated in the CIIs annual health summit here.
“The idea about visa on arrival is a good idea. We will pursue that…For many countries, we allow visa on arrival, we allow e-visas…both these can be considered let’s say for the United States, most of the European countries… not all by the way …for most of the countries where we have a fair amount of comfort and where detailed investigations or enquiries are not required,” Goyal said.
He suggested the CII to work on the idea and share with the government.
“Off course one has to look at what will be the certifications and which are the countries for which we can allow that,” he added.
Speaking on the theme “Adding Life to Years in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the Minister said that easing travel access will help India emerge as a global leader in medical care while ensuring that citizens continue to receive quality healthcare services.
Goyal said India stands at the threshold of becoming a global benchmark for quality healthcare and called on all stakeholders to work together under 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 said.
He added that this reflects the country’s determination to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
“We are working aggressively to provide a robust social security net and ensure affordable healthcare for all. Initiatives such as providing sanitary pads at nominal costs for underprivileged women demonstrate our commitment to inclusive health and well-being,” the Minister said.
He also encouraged the healthcare industry to share new ideas that can improve service delivery and promote innovation.
Goyal urged hospitals to expand nursing education and training. “India has a young population, with its skilled workforce, especially our highly regarded nurses who are in demand across the world. I urge hospitals to collaborate in expanding high-quality nursing capacity by at least 100,000 professionals,” he said. He also advised healthcare providers to maintain a balance between domestic and international patients, noting that visa-on-arrival facilitation would give medical travel a much-needed boost.
Goyal also said that, “For Heal in India to take off, we must aim to integrate modern medicine with our rich traditions of Ayurveda and holistic wellness.”
Supporting this vision, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said India must fully harness Ayurveda as a cornerstone of holistic healthcare. He encouraged hospitals to integrate Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and detoxification therapies into their offerings, citing global demand for such services among international visitors seeking restorative care.
CII Health Council Chairman Naresh Trehan stated that India is well-positioned to become a top destination for medical travel if it addresses its current challenges effectively. Apollo Hospitals Managing Director Suneeta Reddy added that medical tourism would not only attract patients but also create employment and growth opportunities across related sectors.
Pramod Alagharu of Manipal Health Enterprises suggested creating a unified digital portal under the Heal in India initiative to help international patients easily compare healthcare options and make informed choices.