Govt focused on making India a global healthcare destination

Ms Teaotia  further emphasised on the need to focus on quality standards and accreditation of hospitals and laboratories to enhance confidence of visiting medical tourists in the Indian healthcare system.

Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are currently the market leaders in the global healthcare sector but "India is right up there and it is moving ahead" in terms of performance and market share over the years, she said. She said India is a great location for foreign patients "because this is a place where entire gamut of healthcare sector finds place".

Ms Teaotia said that growing population and increasing income have triggered the demand for quality healthcare services. Further she said that the cost of treatment in India is also very low compared to western countries.

"In India, you can get allopathy, ayurveda, yoga and nathuropathy," she added.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said that there is a need to market India as a top medical tourist destination.

Facility of electronic-tourist visas have been extended by India to as many as 130 counties and in the coming years it will be increased to 150 countries.

Meanwhile, a white paper released during the event suggested several steps to tap the potential of the sector.

It recommended simplified and relaxed medical visa regulations for patients; multiple entry medical visa; medical facilitation desk at Indian airports and faster immigration facilities for international patients at airports.

"Fiscal laws to be relaxed for genuine foreign patients, allowing them to transfer money to India in case of additional requirements and single consultative platforms to facilitate medical tourism," it added.