India, which is one of the most sought after medical tourism destinations in the world, has patients from over 60 counties getting treated in various hospitals across the country. Reasons varying from lower treatment cost to shorter waiting period for surgeries are cited as reasons for India becoming a hot destination for the health tourists, mainly from the West.

The guidelines, which has made medical visas more stringent, has touched upon all aspects of visa issuance, including the conditions for applying for a medical visa, nature of the illness that could be treated in the country, mode of the treatment, validity and extension of visa and visa to family members.

As per the new regulations, Indian Posts abroad will have to scrutinise the medical documents “very carefully’’ and “satisfy themselves’’ about the purpose for which a medical visa is being sought. It also insists that an applicant seeks preliminary medical advice from his country of origin/residence for specialised medical treatment.

Regarding the treatment to be availed by the tourists in the country, the guidelines insist that the visa should be issued only for those seeking medical assistance in reputed/recognised specialised hospitals in the country.

The regulations have also put forward a list of ailments, which should be given priority while granting the visa. It includes serious ailments like neuro surgery, ophthalmic disorders, heart related problems, renal disorders, organ transplantation, congenital disorders, gene therapy, radio therapy, plastic surgery, joint replacement, etc.

On the validity of visa, the guidelines says that the initial period of visa may be up to a period of one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. It can be extended up to one year by state governments on production of medical certificate or on advice from the reputed specialised hospitals in the country.

Regarding granting visas to attendant or family members, the new regulations insist that visa may be allowed only to the spouse, children or those with blood relations with the patients.

“Not more than two attendants may be allowed at a time and the foreigners will have to get themselves registered with the local authorities well within 14 days of their arrival.”