Government Set to Launch Digital Platform for Medical Value Travel: Minister
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Synopsis
The Central government is set to launch a comprehensive online portal to elevate India's status as a global healthcare destination. This initiative aims to integrate various healthcare services and improve patient experiences while expanding healthcare access beyond major cities.
Key Takeaways
- Central government developing a healthcare portal.
- Portal will unify hospitals and travel services.
- Goal is to enhance patient experience.
- Healthcare expansion to tier-2 and tier-3 regions.
- Need for transparency in visa facilitation.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) The Central government is developing a detailed online portal designed to enhance the nation's status as a premier global healthcare hub, according to Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, on Friday.
The minister indicated that this new digital platform will unify hospitals, facilitators, travel agencies, hotels, translators, and various support services in one centralized location.
"The objective is to improve the overall patient journey, from medical treatment to travel arrangements and aftercare," he stated during his speech at the FICCI’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) conference.
The government's plan also aims to expand the healthcare infrastructure beyond major urban areas into tier-2 and tier-3 regions.
Moreover, the government is seeking to bolster partnerships with private entities to enhance services throughout the entire medical value travel experience.
In his address, NITI Aayog member Prof Vinod K. Paul highlighted the significance of deregulating the sector.
He also called on industry stakeholders to propose ways to lessen compliance burdens for healthcare providers.
"Visa facilitation is crucial for the advancement of medical value travel, underscoring the necessity for transparency and trust between nations," he remarked.
Regarding telemedicine, Paul discussed the legal challenges associated with offering remote consultations to patients in foreign countries.
He encouraged India to take a proactive stance in resolving these issues, given its considerable expertise in telemedicine.
India's MVT market was valued at $7.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $14.31 billion by 2029.
The nation currently commands 18 percent of the global market share, placing it 10th in the world according to the MVT index.
The government's forthcoming digital portal is anticipated to significantly enhance India’s healthcare offerings for international patients and to promote the country’s diverse medical services on a global scale.
Meanwhile, MVT, also known as medical tourism, entails patients traveling abroad to access healthcare services.
This rising trend is driven by the quest for high-quality medical care at more competitive prices, shorter waiting periods, and specialized treatments that may not be available in their home countries.
