As part of its ongoing activities, the Ministry has released global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. Digital promotions are also regularly undertaken through the Social Media accounts of the Ministry on different themes including the theme of Medical Tourism.
So, to create a robust framework and synergy amongst the Central Government Ministries, State Governments and Private Sector for promoting India as a Medical and Wellness Tourism destination, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism, as disclosed by Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism. To provide a dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, the Tourism Ministry has constituted a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board with the Tourism Minister as its Chairman.
He said that the Tourism Ministry will offer financial assistance for participation in Medical/ Tourism Fairs, Medical Conferences, Wellness Conferences, Wellness Fairs and allied Road Shows. The funding will be done under Market Development Assistance Scheme to Medical Tourism Service Providers accredited by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
The Minister said that as a part of the project, a ‘Medical Visa’ has been introduced, which can be given for specific purposes to foreign travellers coming to India for medical treatment. ‘E- Medical Visa’ and ‘E-Medical Attendant Visa’ have also been introduced for 156 countries.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme has sanctioned 76 projects under 13 thematic circuits including a ‘Buddhist theme’ for the development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
