In a recent global development, India has been lauded for its healthcare sector, earning the 10th spot in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) for 2020-2021 out of 46 international destinations. This recognition comes from the reputable Medical Tourism Association. As part of efforts to further enhance this sector, India’s Ministry of Tourism has mapped out a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism in 2022.
The Pillars of the National Strategy
The devised strategy primarily revolves around several essential pillars identified as pivotal for fostering medical-value travel within the nation. The key facets include developing a strong brand identity for India as an esteemed wellness destination, bolstering the medical and wellness tourism ecosystem, and promoting digital transformation via the establishment of an Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal. Additionally, the strategy aims at amplifying accessibility for Medical Value Travel and enhancing the governance and institutional framework pertaining to wellness tourism.
There has been a noticeable surge in the number of foreign tourists arriving for medical purposes, which increased from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 3.04 lakh in 2021.
Understanding Medical and Wellness Tourism
Medical and wellness tourism refer to the practice where individuals travel to different locations seeking medical treatments or wellness services. This form of tourism is gaining popularity with the rise in alternative healthcare options and the pursuit of high-quality yet affordable medical care.
Challenges in Indian Medical and Wellness Tourism
Despite the industry’s growth, certain hurdles persist in India’s medical and wellness tourism sector. One of the biggest issues lies in language and cultural barriers, creating communication difficulties between medical tourists and healthcare providers, potentially influencing the quality of care. Ethical issues have also emerged, particularly concerning the exploitation of vulnerable populations, specifically in organ transplantation cases.
Promotion of Medical and Wellness Tourism
In response to these challenges, multiple measures have been undertaken to promote medical and wellness tourism. The Indian government has introduced the ‘Medical Visa’, ‘E- Medical Visa’ and ‘E-Medical Attendant Visa’ for tourists from 156 countries seeking medical treatment in India.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism offers financial assistance under the Market Development Assistance Scheme to Medical Tourism Service Providers. This assistance is available specifically to those accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) who participate in Medical/Tourism activities.
The increased focus on enhancing the nation’s medical and wellness tourism paves the way for considerable growth in the sector, propelling India towards becoming an esteemed global wellness destination.