Visa-on-arrival for US, EU medical tourists under consideration: Piyush Goyal, ETTravelWorld

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India could soon consider extending visa-on-arrival facilities to medical tourists from the US and most European Union countries, as part of efforts to position the country as a global hub for medical and wellness travel.

Speaking at the CII Health Summit, Goyal said the government was open to suggestions from the medical fraternity on rationalising tariffs on medical equipment.

“The idea about a visa on arrival is a good idea. We will pursue that… For many countries, we already allow visa on arrival or e-visas. Both can be considered for countries like the United States and most of the European nations, where we have a fair amount of comfort,” Goyal said. The minister noted that the global medical travel market is valued at about $800 billion, and could grow to $1 trillion when wellness and fitness services are included.

“India can be at the centre of this ecosystem, combining advanced medical expertise, cost competitiveness, and traditional wellness offerings,” he added.

Quality Push Through QCOs

At a separate event, Udyog Samagam 2025, Goyal said Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are being implemented to ensure superior-quality products for consumers and promote a culture of quality manufacturing.

Citing the success of QCOs on toys and plywood, he said such measures have strengthened domestic industries while curbing substandard imports, saving foreign exchange and jobs.

“Consumer safety and high quality go hand in hand,” he said, urging states to disburse promised incentives on time and simplify labour, environment and shop laws to attract more investments.

Call for Indian Rating Agency

At the CareEdge Global – The Dialogue, Goyal said India must build a credible, world-class credit rating agency as it pursues Viksit Bharat 2047.

He noted that global agencies have been slow to upgrade India despite strong fundamentals and often overstate minor economic shifts.

Goyal said his team has been asked to accord greater weight to domestic ratings in official assessments.