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New Delhi, April 29, 2025:
The longstanding tradition of Pakistani patients traveling to India for advanced medical treatment is facing an unprecedented halt following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Security concerns and escalating diplomatic tensions have already led to a dramatic drop in medical visas for Pakistani nationals over the past decade, and experts warn that the latest incident could bring medical tourism from Pakistan to a complete stop.
Sharp Decline in Medical Visas
According to official data, the number of medical visas issued to Pakistani citizens plummeted from 1,678 in 2016 to just over 200 in 2024. The downward trend began in 2017 after the diplomatic standoff over Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was convicted by Pakistan on espionage charges. The situation deteriorated further after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which brought the two countries to the brink of military confrontation.
Between 2019 and 2024, only 1,228 medical visas were granted to Pakistani nationals, with the numbers dwindling each year: 554 in 2019, 97 in 2020, 96 in 2021, 145 in 2022, 111 in 2023, and 225 in 2024.
Latest Restrictions Following Pahalgam Attack
In response to the latest terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced that medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will now be valid only until April 29, 2025. This move is widely seen as a direct consequence of the deteriorating security environment and the tit-for-tat measures being adopted by both countries.
Impact on Patients and Hospitals
For years, India has been a preferred destination for Pakistani patients seeking advanced surgeries-such as liver transplants and treatment for birth defects-due to the lack of such facilities in Pakistan and the prohibitive costs in Western countries. However, the number of Pakistani patients seeking treatment in Indian hospitals has dropped sharply.
“Until 8-9 years ago, many patients from Pakistan came to us for liver transplantation every month. However, their numbers have dwindled over time. We have transplanted just two patients from there in the past year-the last one seven months ago,” said Dr. Arvinder Soin, chairman and chief surgeon at Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation.
A source at Fortis Healthcare confirmed the trend, noting that recent Pakistani visitors have mostly been embassy officials seeking routine care. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi reported having no Pakistani patients under treatment at present.
Future of Medical Tourism Remains Uncertain
Healthcare industry experts believe that, given the current climate, medical tourism from Pakistan to India is unlikely to recover in the foreseeable future. The new visa restrictions and ongoing tensions are expected to further discourage cross-border medical travel.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by the Times of India as of April 29, 2025. The situation remains fluid, and policies or circumstances may change. Readers are advised to consult official government sources or healthcare providers for the most current information.
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