India recently introduced a Ayush e-visaan innovative initiative designed to make it easier for foreign nationals to access traditional Indian medicines. The aim of this digital visa is to promote medical tourism while allowing patients to benefit from ancestral treatments such asAyurveda, the Yoga, there Naturopathy, l'Unani, the Siddha and theHomeopathy. Thanks to this system, travellers can explore the riches of these medical practices, recognised for their benefits to physical and spiritual well-being.
In an initiative to promote medical tourism and to strengthen the recognition of traditional medical practices, India recently introduced the e-Ayush Visa. This electronic visa, specially designed for foreigners, enables patients to benefit from treatments based on ancient medical systems such as ayurveda, yoga and homeopathy. The initiative is a gateway to India's rich medical heritage, attracting an international clientele to its traditional treatment methods.
Medical tourism in India
The growing demand for alternative medical treatments has led to a boom in the medical tourism in India, a country renowned for its traditional health practices. Thanks to the e-Ayush Visa, international patients have easier access to care focused on physical and spiritual well-being. The terms and conditions of this visa are simple and accessible, enabling many people to rediscover traditional Indian medicine.
Traditional medicine systems
India is the cradle of various healing philosophies that have proved their effectiveness over the centuries. Ayurveda, for example, is one of the oldest medical systems, focusing on maintaining the body's natural balance.energy balance of the body. In addition, yoga and naturopathy offer natural healing methods, providing not only physical care but also a path towards spiritual development.
The system Unaniwhich combines Greek and Arabic philosophies, and Siddha, which originated in southern India, also enrich this diversity. Finally, although homeopathy was developed in Germany, it is widely practised in India thanks to its adoption by many doctors and patients. These different approaches add to the range of treatments available to patients wishing to discover the wealth of traditional Indian medicines.
How to obtain an e-Ayush Visa
To facilitate access to these forms of medicine, the e-Ayush Visa can be applied for online via the Indian government portal, already used by millions of tourists. To obtain this visa, applicants must provide several documents: a copy of their passport, a recent passport photo and a letter from an accredited Ayush health establishment. This letter must contain crucial details such as the patient's name, the health problem for which treatment is being sought, the proposed treatment protocol and the planned length of stay.
The cost of this electronic visa is USD 80 (around €70), and it opens the door to a stay of up to 60 days in India, with a maximum of three entries into the country for the patient and accompanying person. This measure strengthens the accessibility of traditional healthcare while promoting India's cultural and medical wealth.
Heal in India: a government initiative
In 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Heal in India programme, which includes the Ayush visa, with the aim of making India a key destination in the global medical tourism market. This initiative has been reinforced by a partnership between the Ministries of Ayush and Health, which have created a one-stop shop to help patients seeking traditional treatments. The objectives are twofold: to promote traditional Indian medicinal practices while ensuring the quality of care provided to foreign patients.
To maximise the impact of this initiative, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the India Tourism Development Corporation and the Ministry of Tourism to promote synergy between tourism and traditional medicine. This testifies to the authorities' desire to make the country a preferred destination for those seeking an alternative to conventional medical practices.
Increased visibility of traditional medicines
The launch of the e-Ayush Visa marks an important step in the worldwide recognition of traditional medicines Indian hospitals. This is not only an opportunity for patients to benefit from treatment tailored to their needs, but also a way for India to showcase its cultural and medical heritage. This visa is a real showcase of expertise and contributes to an enriching cultural exchange between India and the rest of the world.
Comparison of e-Ayush Visa Options in India
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of visa | e-Ayush Visa - for patients |
| Length of stay | Up to 60 days with a maximum of 3 entries |
| Cost | 80 USD (around €70) |
| Documents required | Copy of passport, passport photo, letter from accredited hospital |
| Companion | e-Ayush Attendant Visa for an accompanying person |
| Medical systems covered | Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy |
| Promotional platform | Heal in India for medical tourism |
An agency service 