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In a significant move to bolster India’s stature as a global hub for medical value travel, the Ministry of Ayush has partnered with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to advance the promotion of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine for international health seekers.
Strengthening India’s Medical Value Travel
As part of this collaboration, two major Medical Value Travel (MVT) Summits have been organized by the Ministry of Ayush in the past year. The Western zone summit took place in Mumbai on September 30, 2024, followed by the Southern zone summit in Chennai on May 26, 2025. These summits have fostered close cooperation between state governments, industry leaders, and top healthcare providers, focusing on expanding Ayush-based medical value travel across regions.
Introduction of Ayush Visas
Recognizing the growing international interest in traditional Indian healthcare, the government introduced a separate category of Ayush Visa on July 27, 2023. This visa allows foreigners (excluding Pakistani nationals) and their attendants to travel to India for treatment under Ayush systems, reflecting a commitment to easing international access for medical travelers.
Streamlining the Patient Experience
To ensure a transparent and secure process for international patients, the Ministry of Home Affairs governs the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal. The portal (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel) enables registered hospitals and wellness centres to issue invitation and extension letters for Medical, Medical Attendant, and Ayush Attendant visas. Facilities across India can register via unique credentials provided by the Ministry, streamlining patient entry and care coordination.
Major Initiatives for Workforce Development
With growing domestic and international demand for Ayush services, the Ministry of Ayush has launched several schemes for workforce capacity building:
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‘Ayurgyan’ Central Sector Scheme (since 2021-22): Supports capacity building and continuous medical education, encouraging Ayush professionals to bridge clinical and technical knowledge gaps.
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Promotion of International Cooperation (IC) Scheme: Boosts Ayush product exports and facilitates global awareness, research, and academic cooperation, including the establishment of Ayush Academic Chairs abroad.
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Research and Training Initiatives through CCRAS:
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SPARK: Fosters Ayurveda research aptitude among undergraduates.
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PG Star: Encourages quality research among postgraduates.
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Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Supports advanced academic research.
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PRAYATNA: Enhances scientific writing skills in Ayurveda research.
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ARMS Training: Improves foundational knowledge in research methodology and statistics.
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Additionally, the Ministry’s initiatives include national-level master training programs on Standard Treatment Guidelines and specialized training for drug regulatory authorities, further elevating quality and safety standards in Ayush product manufacturing and application.
Continuous Professional Upgrading
National Ayush institutes and research councils regularly hold workshops, seminars, and practical training, ensuring that Ayush professionals stay at the forefront of medical knowledge and best practices.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information provided by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (PIB Delhi), and incorporates details from an official statement by the Union Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Ayush. The material is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or visa-related advice. For the latest updates and individual eligibility, readers are advised to consult official government resources or the Ministry of Ayush directly.
