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The government introduces the Ayush visa category to cater to foreign nationals seeking treatment within India's traditional medical systems.

As per the Ayush Ministry, this visa aligns with the proposition of introducing a distinct visa scheme, designed for foreigners coming to India to receive treatment in fields such as therapeutic care, wellness, and Yoga, all encompassed by the Indian systems of medicine.

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has officially introduced a novel Ayush (AY) visa category for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush and other Indian healthcare systems. This visa aligns with the Ayush Ministry's proposal to establish a dedicated visa scheme catering to foreigners seeking therapeutic care, wellness, and Yoga treatments within India's traditional medical frameworks. The visa's incorporation, represented by a new chapter (Chapter 11A) following the existing Chapter 11 on medical visas in the visa manual, reflects the government's commitment to medical tourism and holistic wellness. Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, lauded the introduction of the Ayush (AY) visa, emphasizing its potential to enhance Medical Value Travel in India, align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global traditional medicine vision, and applauding Home Minister Amit Shah's role in its establishment.

The Ayush (AY) visa's inception was publicly announced by Prime Minister Modi during the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) held in Gujarat's Gandhi Nagar in April 2022. This milestone coincides with India's Heal in India initiative, aimed at promoting the country as a premier destination for medical value travel. Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are underway to develop a comprehensive Heal in India portal to bolster India's status as a global medical tourism hub.

The significant growth of Medical Value Travel in India, highlighted by the Global Wellness Institute's report 'The Global Wellness Economy: Looking beyond COVID,' is projected to expand at a rate of 9.9 percent annually. Ayush-based healthcare and wellness sectors are poised to contribute substantially, with an estimated value of USD 70 billion by 2025. The Ministry of Ayush has been actively engaged in both domestic and international efforts to propagate the Ayush system of treatment.

Recent collaboration has been exemplified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the India Tourism Development Corporation, focusing on the promotion of medical value travel through Ayurveda and other traditional medical systems. These collective endeavors signal India's dedication to offering holistic wellness and healthcare solutions to a global audience.