New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Tuesday that India stands on the brink of a significant opportunity in the medical tourism sector. The government is considering the implementation of visa-on-arrival for patients seeking medical treatment from countries such as the United States and several European nations.

During his speech at the CII Annual Health Summit, the minister expressed, "The proposal for visa on arrival is a promising idea. For various nations, we currently allow visa on arrival and e-visas, which can be explored for the United States and most European countries where we have established trust and where extensive investigations are unnecessary."

He mentioned that while some countries offer medical treatment as part of their social welfare programs, they often face long waiting periods.

However, Goyal emphasized that India should prioritize making healthcare accessible for its own citizens, noting that the country's health facilities must not solely concentrate on an international clientele. "It is essential that the 1.4 billion Indians have access to affordable and quality healthcare first," he remarked.

He encouraged healthcare professionals to collaborate on strategies to boost the output of nurses, aiming for an increase of 100,000 nurses annually to meet the global demand, as there is already a shortage of nurses and caregivers.

Additionally, Goyal highlighted the importance of hospitals maintaining a balance between foreign patients and local residents. He raised the question of whether hospitals would be willing to participate in the Ayushman Bharat initiative and assist the underprivileged as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR), or if they would allocate a portion of their higher earnings from international patients to serve the less fortunate.

The minister expressed hope that the health summit would yield a concrete action plan to reinforce the healthcare ecosystem, especially regarding infrastructure and capacity development.

He also pointed out the significant growth in medical institutions since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration took office in 2014, with the number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) increasing from seven to 23. Similarly, the number of medical colleges has nearly doubled from 387 to 706.

Goyal mentioned that India will be establishing a substantial number of medical seats by 2029, allowing for a significant increase in the output of new doctors and optimizing the utilization of medical infrastructure.

At another event in the national capital, Goyal reiterated that India will not compromise the interests of farmers, dairy producers, and workers in trade agreements.

He also indicated that India is exploring new markets, such as Russia, to boost its fisheries sector, which has been challenged by high tariffs in the United States.

"We are striving for a favorable trade agreement. India is committed to protecting the interests of farmers, dairy providers, and workers... We aim to create a fair, equitable, and balanced trade arrangement," he stated at the Udyog Samagam 2025, a conference involving industry and commerce ministers from various states.