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In an effort to further
facilitate the process of
travelling to India for
medical purposes, and
recognizing this rapid growth
and changes in the healthcare
sector, the Government of
India has introduced Medical
Visa for foreigners seeking
specialty treatment for
extended periods. Until now,
medical tourism patients had
to enter the country on a
tourist visa, valid for barely
six months and subject to
extension by the union home
ministry alone, causing them
tremendous inconvenience in
case an extended treatment was
needed. However by introducing
medical visa to
India,
the government has made an
earnest attempt at addressing
the perceived lack of
regulation, controls and
loopholes in the process.
Open to residents of all
countries including Pakistan,
Bangladesh, China and Sri
Lanka, those applying for
medical tourist visa, are
required to produce their
documents (stating the purpose
for which medical treatment
visa is being requested)
before the India Mission/
Posts abroad for verification
of the need of the foreign
national to come to India for
medical treatment/ health
enhancements. The visa is
issued under following
conditions:
The
Mission
is satisfied that the
applicant has sought
preliminary medical advice
from his country of
origin/country of residence
and he has been advised to go
for specialized medical
treatment. In case the foreign
national desires to go for
treatment under the Indian
system of medicines, his case
may also be considered.
The
Medical Visa is admissible to
foreigners seeking medicare in
reputed/recognized specialty
hospitals or treatment
centers. Serious ailments like
neuro-surgery; ophthalmic
disorders; cardiac surgery;
renal disorders; organ
transplantations; cosmetic
surgery ; joint replacement
etc are given primary
consideration.
The initial period for the
visa is one year or the period
of treatment whichever is
less, which can be thereafter
extended for another year by
the State Governments and
FRROs (Foreigners Regional
Registration Offices) if
relevant documents/ medical
certificates by an institute
of repute are produced,
stating the need for further
extension. The Ministry of
Home Affairs on the
recommendations of the State
Government/ FRROs can allow
further extension (upto three
visits in a year) for special
cases.
Those arriving in India on
Medical Visa (M Visa) have to
register themselves with the
local FRRO within 14 days of
their arrival at the place of
treatment here. Under the
medical visa rules, medical
tourism patients also have the
facility to bring along two
attendants/family members
(spouse/children) through a
co-terminus visa (MX Visa).
Attendants/family also have to
register at the FRRO within 14
days of arrival.
Just a beginning to a series
of steps that the government
is initiating to enable
international patients to have
access to finest medical care
in the most recognized and
specialized hospitals of the
country, the facility of
Medical Visa has given a
robust boost to the influx of
health tourism patients coming
to India, by offering them
greater convenience.
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