At the CII Health Summit, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government is actively considering visa on arrival and expanded e visa options for medical tourists from the United States and most European nations. The aim is to position India as a central hub for medical and wellness travel by pairing advanced clinical care with cost competitiveness and trusted outcomes.
A large and growing market
Global medical travel is valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars and grows further when wellness services are included. India sees a clear opportunity to serve patients facing long queues and high costs in developed markets. Faster entry processing, transparent tariffs on devices and equipment, and tighter integration across hospitals and follow up care can increase confidence for inbound patients.
Quality as a national lever
Goyal underscored the expansion of Quality Control Orders to raise product standards, protect consumers, and reduce substandard imports. Examples in toys and plywood show how quality frameworks can strengthen domestic industry, save foreign exchange, and safeguard jobs. He also urged states to simplify labor, environment, and shop laws and to release incentives on time to crowd in private investment.
Toward a credible Indian rating voice
At a separate forum, the minister called for building a world class Indian credit rating agency, noting that global agencies can lag in reflecting India’s fundamentals. He also asked departments to give more weight to domestic ratings where appropriate, aligning assessments with on the ground realities.
What changes for medical travelers
If adopted, visa on arrival for the US and EU would reduce friction for patients seeking care in India across orthopedics, cardiac, oncology, fertility, and dental specialties. The policy would complement hospital accreditation, clear pricing, and continuity of care after return. The net effect would be faster decisions and safer journeys.
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