India is a fast growing sector in Medical Tourism. As per Confederation of Indian Industries ( CII ), The Medical Tourism sector in India, was estimated to be worth US Dollars 03 billion. It is projected to grow to US Dollars 07–08 billion by 2020. India is now a global health destination, with medical tourism growing by 30 per cent each year. According to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the primary reason that attracts medical value travel to India is cost-effectiveness, and treatment from accredited facilities at par with developed countries at much lower cost. As per the market report -2015, India was one of the lowest cost and highest quality of all medical tourism destinations, it offers wide variety of procedures at about one-tenth the cost of similar procedures in the United States. Foreign patients travelling to India to seek medical treatment in 2012, 2013 and 2014 numbered 171,021, 236,898, and 184,298 respectively. According to a Confederation of Indian Industries ( CII ) - Grant report released in October 2015, Patients from Bangladesh and Afghanistan accounted for 34% of foreign patients. Russia and the Commonwealth Of Independent States (CIS ) accounted for 30% share of foreign medical tourist arrivals. Other major sources of patients include Africa and the Middle East. In 2015, India became the top destination for Russians seeking medical treatment.

A Medical Visa is issued by the Government of India to every medical tourist. You can get a Medical Visa, if you would like to seek medical treatment only in recognized specialized hospitals / treatment center in India. Up to two attendants, who are relatives or friends, are allowed to accompany the patient, under separate Medical Attendant Visa.

The initial duration of the visa is valid up to a year or the period of the treatment, which ever is less. This visa can be extended further for a year by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the State Government if the patient shows the medical certificate or if the same is advised by recognized/reputed/specialized medical institutions of India. If extension is required after this also the Ministry of Affairs has the power to do this on recommendation of Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the State Government, assisted by correct medical papers. The same procedure will be applicable for the attendant who is travelling under Medical Attendant Visa with the patient.

The following procedures and the conditions for which one can apply for a medical visa to India:

• The Indian Posts/Mission can examine the medical papers in a careful manner to feel satisfied to look for the genuine reasons for which the medical treatment visa is being applied.
• The Mission may also be satisfied that the applicant (patient) has sought initial medical assistance in the country of his residence or country of origin and has been asked to seek special medical treatment. If any foreign national is interested in treatment through Indian system of Medicines, that is also possible.
• This kind of visa must be granted for getting medical assistance only at reputed/specialized/recognized hospitals in India. Though the following list is not complete but these can be some of the diseases such as ophthalmic disorders, renal disorders, neuro -surgery, joint replacement, plastic surgery, organ transplant and so on. The main idea is that the mission must be satisfied that the foreign national is in a serious need of medical treatment in India.

Following are some important medical guidelines to be kept in mind by every visitor in order to avoid any kind of problem in medical treatment or process:

• First of all, you must make sure that the hospital in India that you are visiting is licensed or not. It has recognition from a Joint Commission International, a commission or any international healthcare auditing agency. The quality and the cost of the patient care are two other important considerations.
• Then, try to gather all the important details about the doctors at the hospital before you select them. Look up for their qualifications, credential, and achievements. Internet makes things easier
• Another important thing is that the patient should be well aware about the treatment and procedure that you are seeking, so that your expectations from the surgery are realistic. You must also have knowledge about physical therapy, period of recovery, and post-surgery care.
• Do not forget to meet your doctor before the procedures start. Before anything, thorough personal examination and tests of the patients are done by most of the hospitals, before performing any medical process. There is also a possibility that the doctor might not consider you fit for the treatment and might also suggest another treatment after the diagnosis.
• Make a file or a folder of all the necessary documents along with their photocopy. Keep the originals at a safe place.
• Make another file of all the medical reports, and health records such as health history, X-Rays, photograph, scans, MRI's immunization records, etc., that are related to the medical process.
• Make sure you have your Visa and Passport, along with other things like travelers' check, credit cards, debit cards, and yes, some local currency too.
• Carrying your driver's license, which is valid till the time of your travel is also necessary.