The Indian Union Home Ministry has introduced a new visa category called the Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India under the Ayush and other Indian systems of medicine. The visa is specifically designed for therapeutic care, wellness, and yoga treatments. This initiative is part of India’s efforts to promote medical value travel and position the country as a destination for traditional Indian medicine.
The Ayush (AY) visa has been incorporated as Chapter 11A in the visa manual, which includes provisions for treatment under Indian systems of medicine. Amendments have been made to various chapters of the visa manual to accommodate this new category. The introduction of this visa category is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon.
Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has praised the creation of the Ayush (AY) visa category, stating that it will boost Medical Value Travel in India and contribute to Prime Minister Modi’s vision. Sonowal also commended Home Minister Amit Shah for his efforts in establishing this special visa category.
India has seen significant growth in medical value travel in recent years, and the Ayush-based healthcare and wellness economy is estimated to reach USD 70 billion by 2025. The Ministry of Ayush is working together with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop a Heal in India portal, which will serve as a one-stop destination for medical tourism in India.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Ayush has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Tourism Development Corporation to promote medical value travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.
The introduction of the Ayush (AY) visa category aligns with India’s push to position itself as a global hub for traditional medical treatments. This new visa option will attract foreign nationals seeking Ayush therapy and other Indian systems of medicine, contributing to the growth of India’s medical value travel sector. With the implementation of the Ayush (AY) visa and the development of the Heal in India portal, India is poised to become a leading destination for individuals seeking traditional healthcare and wellness solutions.
