Guwahati: The Department for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), the central ministry responsible for the North Eastern Region, is gearing up to promote medical tourism in the area, targeting neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.

To facilitate this initiative, an Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal will be introduced. This digital platform aims to streamline the experience of international visitors seeking medical services in India. The portal's introduction is expected to improve accessibility, offer crucial information, and provide a seamless interaction for potential medical tourists.

An important highlight of this endeavor is the incorporation of North East India as a significant participant in the vision of medical tourism. Leveraging the region's unspoiled landscapes, culturally rich heritage, and diverse local experiences, the North East has emerged as a distinctive destination within the broader strategy. The plan by the Ministry aims to capitalize on the unique allure of the North East, drawing medical travelers who are not only seeking top-notch healthcare but also a rewarding travel experience.
G. Kishan Reddy, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of the North Eastern Region, unveiled this development during a Lok Sabha session on August 7. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the healthcare and tourism landscape of the region.

Recognizing the immense potential of the North East, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced an ambitious plan to bolster medical tourism across India. This comprehensive National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism outlines strategies to establish India as a distinct wellness destination. The initiative aims to harness the region's abundant natural beauty and revitalizing environment, complemented by world-class medical facilities.

The strategy also underscores the importance of fortifying the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism. This includes ensuring that facilities and services align with international standards.

In alignment with this forward-looking agenda, the Government of India has already taken steps to facilitate medical travel. Sub-categories of the e-visa Scheme, such as the e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa, have been introduced. These categories allow for multiple entries and potential extensions to cater to the specific requirements of medical tourists.

“There are hi tech hospitals in Guwahati which can cater to medical tourists, though in AIIMS we will take another six months to  start services for medical tourists”, Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS told Business North East.

Additionally, the Union Ministry of Health is adopting a collaborative approach by closely collaborating with hospitals, Medical Value Travel (MVT) facilitators, insurance companies, and accreditation bodies like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH). This coordinated effort aims to enhance the overall medical tourism experience, guaranteeing world-class healthcare services for those who opt for India as their medical destination.

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