PM Modi announces Ayush Visa for medical travellers to India

Dhaka: India will soon launch a new visa category for foreigners visiting the nation for traditional medical treatments such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha, said the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian prime minister said this after launching the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar in his home state Gujarat on April 20.

"Wellness centres based on Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha can be very popular," said Prime Minister Modi.

"Very soon, India is going to introduce a special (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) visa category. This will facilitate people travelling to India for AYUSH therapy," he added.

WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus was also present on the occasion.

Modi announced the government would develop a network of AYUSH parks in an effort to encourage promotion, research and manufacturing of AYUSH products across the nation.

He mentioned the Ayurveda success story of the daughter of former Prime Minister of Kenya Raila Odinga – Rosemary Odinga – who regained her eyesight after Ayush treatment.

Rosemary Odinga was present at the ceremony in the audience and the Prime Minister introduced her to the gathering followed by applause.

Modi said, India has witnessed an "unprecedented" growth in the production of AYUSH medicines, supplements and cosmetics. In 2014, AYUSH sector was less than USD 3 billion and currently it has increased to over USD 18 billion.