In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of medical tourism, the Indian government is unveiling its ambitious ‘Heal in India’ initiative. This transformative endeavor, set to be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, promises to elevate India as a global hub for medical and wellness tourism. With meticulous planning by the Health Ministry, this initiative encompasses a myriad of measures aimed at ensuring a seamless experience for international patients seeking medical care in India.
Global Accessibility: Interpreters and Health Desks at 10 Airports
The cornerstone of ‘Heal in India’ lies in its commitment to eliminating barriers for international patients. To facilitate smooth navigation, language interpreters and dedicated health desks will be strategically placed at 10 major airports. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, serving as gateways to India for patients from 44 identified countries.
Simplified Visa Norms: Say goodbye to bureaucratic hassles! ‘Heal in India’ embraces simplified visa norms, ensuring that the journey to wellness begins with ease and efficiency.
International Outreach: The government’s meticulous selection of 44 countries, predominantly from Africa, Latin America, SAARC, and Gulf regions, underscores its commitment to enhancing India’s reputation as a preferred destination for medical purposes.
Technology Integration: Launching a Multi-Lingual Portal on August 15
As part of this revolutionary initiative, the Health Ministry, in collaboration with the National Health Authority, introduces a cutting-edge multi-lingual portal. This one-stop destination will provide international patients with comprehensive information and services, bridging the gap between medical travel facilitators and hospitals.
Transparent Pricing: The portal will display standardized package rates, categorizing hospitals based on modern and traditional systems of medicine. Transparency is the key, empowering patients with information on treatment costs and classifications.
End-to-End Patient Journey Facilitation: From the moment patients step into India to the completion of their treatment, the ‘Heal in India’ initiative ensures a seamless experience. Transportation, boarding, lodging, and medical queries – every aspect is meticulously addressed.
Projected Growth: The initiative aligns with projections that the medical tourism market, valued at $6 billion in 2020, is set to soar to $13 billion by 2026. ‘Heal in India’ positions the nation to capitalize on this exponential growth, fueled by a commitment to quality healthcare.
Infrastructure Augmentation: Bolstering the medical infrastructure, the Health Ministry plans to enhance facilities in 37 hospitals across 17 cities. From Delhi to Assam, these centers will be equipped to cater to the diverse needs of overseas patients seeking treatment and wellness therapies.
Unique Health ID and Grievance Redressal: Monitoring the patient journey is made efficient through a unique health ID under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission framework. The portal also incorporates a grievance redressal mechanism and a feedback submission option, ensuring continuous improvement and patient satisfaction.
As India unveils the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, it not only opens its doors to the world but also beckons patients to a future where healthcare transcends boundaries, setting a new paradigm for global medical tourism!
