Ayush Visa for Foreign Medical Treatment

• 05 Aug 2023

On 2^nd August, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially established a novel classification of visa known as the Ayush Visa, catering to foreign nationals seeking treatment within the realm of Ayush systems and Indian traditional medicine.

Key Points

• Need: The global wellness economy is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 9.9 percent.

• Within this context, the Ayush-based healthcare and wellness sector is predicted to expand to a substantial $70 billion by the year 2025.
• Innovative Visa Category: The Ayush Visa caters to foreign nationals seeking medical treatment within the domain of Ayush systems and Indian traditional medicine.
• This visa category encompasses therapeutic care, wellness, and yoga-based treatments.
• Chapter 11A - Ayush Visa: A new chapter, designated as Chapter 11A, has been seamlessly integrated into the existing Visa Manual.
• This new chapter exclusively focuses on the Ayush Visa, complementing Chapter 11, which pertains to the Medical Visa.
• The Ayush Visa encompasses treatment options within Indian systems of medicine.
• Amendments for Inclusion: In response to the introduction of the Ayush Visa, pertinent amendments have been incorporated across various sections of the Visa Manual for the year 2019.
• Significant Medical Tourism Boost: The Ayush Visa is poised to greatly enhance medical value travel in India.
• Heal in India Initiative: The establishment of the Ayush Visa aligns seamlessly with India's broader vision for the "Heal in India" initiative.
• Medical Tourism Hub: This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to positioning India as a prominent destination for medical tourism.