To promote India as a destination for traditional medical treatments, the union ministry of home affairs has unveiled a new category of visa, called the Ayush (AY) visa.
Key points
- It is specifically designed for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine.
- This visa aims to cater to those interested in Ayurveda, Yoga, and other traditional forms of therapeutic care and wellness.
- A new chapter i.e. chapter 11A – Ayush Visa has been incorporated after Chapter 11 – Medical visa of the Visa Manual, which deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine and accordingly necessary amendments has been made in various chapters of the Visa Manual, 2019.
- The idea for the Ayush visa was initially announced by Prime Minister Modi at the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) held in April 2022.
- This visa initiative is a crucial part of the “Heal in India” campaign, aimed at positioning India as a top destination for medical value travel.
- The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare are working together to develop a comprehensive “Heal in India” portal to promote India’s medical tourism globally.
