India’s medical tourism industry, a key player in global healthcare services, is currently facing a significant challenge due to the recent visa restrictions imposed on Bangladeshi citizens. Bangladesh has long been one of the largest sources of foreign patients seeking medical treatment in India, and the new visa ban has led to a sharp decline in the number of patients traveling for healthcare services. This setback has been acknowledged by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, a leading healthcare provider in India, which emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to revive and strengthen the medical tourism sector.
Impact of the Visa Ban on Indian Medical Tourism
Medical tourism is a billion-dollar industry in India, drawing patients from across the globe, particularly from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The visa restrictions on Bangladeshi nationals have had a considerable impact on this sector, as a significant portion of medical tourists in India come from Bangladesh.
Apollo Hospitals’ joint managing director, Sangita Reddy, expressed concerns over this development at the 12th edition of the International Health Dialogue 2025. She highlighted the importance of facilitating easier patient entry into India, citing how other countries like Thailand, Turkey, the Philippines, and Singapore offer visa-on-arrival facilities for medical tourists. India, she suggested, must take similar steps to maintain its competitive edge in the industry.
“Heal in India” Initiative: A Push for Medical Tourism
The Indian government has been working on several initiatives to strengthen its position as a global healthcare hub. One such effort is the “Heal in India” initiative, which aims to promote medical and traditional healthcare services to international patients.
Apollo Hospitals has announced its intent to collaborate with the government on this initiative, aligning its strategies with India’s broader vision of becoming a world leader in medical tourism. The initiative focuses on offering high-quality healthcare services, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting Ayurveda and traditional medicine as part of the country’s holistic approach to wellness.
India attracts medical tourists from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and several African and Asian nations. However, the loss of Bangladeshi patients, who form a large part of this inflow, poses a serious concern for hospitals that cater to international medical travelers.
Need for Liberalized Visa Policies for Medical Tourists
Sangita Reddy and other healthcare leaders have urged the Indian government to simplify visa procedures for foreign patients. The recommendations include:
- Visa-on-Arrival for Medical Tourists: Implementing a streamlined entry process, similar to Thailand and Turkey, would ease travel restrictions for patients.
- Faster Processing of Medical Visas: Reducing bureaucracy and ensuring quicker approvals for medical visas.
- Extended Stay for Treatment and Recovery: Patients often require prolonged post-surgical care, and a longer visa duration would facilitate this.
- Specialized Medical Visa Support Centers: Establishing dedicated facilities to assist international patients with travel and medical arrangements.
Financial and Infrastructure Developments in Healthcare
Despite the challenges posed by the visa restrictions, India continues to advance its healthcare infrastructure. Apollo Hospitals recently announced plans to expand its network by adding 3,000 beds over the next five years with an investment of ₹6,000 crore.
Union Minister JP Nadda, who was present at the International Health Dialogue 2025, highlighted that India’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure has significantly declined from 64.2% to 39.4% over the past decade. This demonstrates India’s progress in making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Reforming Medical Education to Meet Future Demands
Alongside medical tourism concerns, Apollo Hospitals’ executive vice chairperson, Preetha Reddy, emphasized the need for reforms in medical education. One of the major challenges in India’s healthcare system is the limited number of postgraduate seats for medical students.
To address this issue, Apollo Hospitals is working with various stakeholders to develop training modules aimed at upskilling undergraduate doctors. This effort will ensure a larger pool of highly skilled clinicians, thereby improving healthcare services both for domestic and international patients.
Why Bangladeshis Choose India for Medical Treatment
India has been a preferred destination for Bangladeshi patients due to several key factors:
- Affordable and High-Quality Treatment: Compared to Western countries, India offers world-class healthcare at significantly lower costs.
- Availability of Specialized Doctors: Indian hospitals have highly experienced specialists in fields like cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics.
- Advanced Medical Technology: India is home to state-of-the-art medical facilities and cutting-edge technology, making it an attractive choice for patients.
- Cultural and Linguistic Similarities: The shared cultural and linguistic ties between India and Bangladesh make communication and adaptation easier for patients.
Challenges Ahead for the Indian Medical Tourism Industry
With Bangladesh imposing visa restrictions, the Indian medical tourism industry must look for ways to mitigate the losses. Some of the immediate concerns include:
- Decline in Revenue: A lower influx of Bangladeshi patients could impact hospitals financially, affecting investments in infrastructure and services.
- Increased Competition from Other Countries: Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Turkey may attract patients who would have otherwise chosen India.
- Regulatory Challenges: Lengthy visa procedures and bureaucratic red tape could further deter international patients from choosing India.
The Way Forward: Policy Changes and Industry Adaptation
To overcome these hurdles, India must adopt a multi-pronged strategy:
- Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Bangladesh: Diplomatic discussions should focus on revising visa policies to facilitate medical travel.
- Expanding Outreach to Other Countries: Diversifying the sources of medical tourists by targeting markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- Enhancing Medical Infrastructure: Continued investments in hospital expansions and advanced medical technology will maintain India’s competitive edge.
- Integrating Traditional Medicine: Promoting Ayurveda, yoga, and holistic wellness as part of India’s healthcare offerings.
The visa ban on Bangladeshi nationals has undoubtedly affected India’s medical tourism sector, but it also presents an opportunity for reforms and expansion. By implementing strategic policy changes, simplifying visa procedures, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, India can continue to be a leading destination for medical treatment worldwide.
Apollo Hospitals’ proactive approach in collaborating with the government’s “Heal in India” initiative signals hope for the industry. As India navigates these challenges, it must remain committed to innovation, patient-centric policies, and global partnerships to maintain its position as a medical tourism hub.
