In a landmark decision which will enable foreigners to avail medical facilities in hassle free manner, the Union Home Ministry on Friday announced such people visiting India can avail treatment anywhere in the country without obtaining a medical visa. The rule will not be applicable in case of organ transplant for which medical visa is prerequisite.

The ministry said in a statement that indoor treatment may now be taken on primary (original) visa for pre-existing diseases, which the foreigner may have been suffering from even before his or her entry into India and for ailments that were in his or her knowledge.

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The decision has been taken as some foreigners who are already in India on valid visas, were facing difficulties in availing medical treatment in the event of their falling sick during their stay.

They were being advised by some hospitals or medical centres to get their visas converted into medical visas before getting admitted, the statement said.

The Home Ministry said a foreigner suffering from a minor medical condition, which needs only OPD consultation or treatment, may take treatment at any hospital or treatment centre on his or her primary visa.

“Now, the government of India has further liberalised the medical visa regime and permitted foreigners to get the indoor treatment on their primary (original) visa even for pre-existing diseases (except in cases of organ transplant), which the foreigner may have been suffering from even before his or her entry into India,” it said

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