Indian government’s decision to provide immediate medical visa to SAARC countries’ patients not only boost medical value travel, but also curb red tape on medical tourism. In spite of India attracting lots of foreign patients because of its clinical and medical excellence, several strict rules and protocols have diverted patients to other countries like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the latest SAARC Summit that medical visas will be given on immediate basis to people of these countries came up with positive applause.

Substantial number of patients from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan come to India for treatment because these countries lack tertiary care. India’s well equipped medical facilities spread over a number of hospitals will now be easily accessible to patients of these countries. Reduction of red tape on medical tourism will help in the growth of medical sector in India.