Apollo Hospitals is calling for a liberal visa policy to strengthen India's position as a global medical tourism hub. With high-quality healthcare available at a fraction of global prices, the hospital chain believes that easing visa regulations could significantly boost the influx of international patients.

Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the need for enhanced e-visa services and faster medical tourism visa processing. "We need to improve the ease of entry for overseas patients. Countries like Thailand, Turkey, and Singapore already offer visas on arrival, making medical travel seamless. A streamlined visa process will help India compete better in this space," she said.

Apollo Hospitals is working closely with the government on the 'Heal in India' initiative to attract more patients. Executive Vice Chairperson Preetha Reddy highlighted the government's growing focus on medical tourism. "We now have world-class airports and infrastructure, but we need to enhance the visa process and overall patient experience upon arrival," she stated.

In addition to its policy advocacy, Apollo Hospitals is expanding its infrastructure and research collaborations. The company has announced an investment of INR 6,000 crore to add 3,000 beds across its network in the next five years. It is also partnering with IITs and other institutions to drive innovation in healthcare.

With these initiatives, Apollo Hospitals is positioning India as a top destination for medical travel while ensuring continuous growth and advancements in the healthcare sector.