India is considering introducing a new visa-on-arrival scheme for foreign patients from locations such as the US and Europe.

The idea was addressed by Piyush Goyal, the country’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, at a health summit held by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The aim of the scheme would be to simplify the visa process for medical travellers, and support the country’s growing medical tourism industry.

It is hoped that by offering visas on arrival, the government could reduce the barriers for international patients to access India’s world-class medical services.

Goyal stated that while the scheme would be focused on attracting medical travellers from countries with established trade and medical ties, such as the US and parts of Europe.

The Medical Travel Company, the BAPIO Training Academy, and Marengo Asia Hospitals recently agreed to promote India as a medical tourist destination for UK citizens.