Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2024: Medical Tourism in Rajasthan

Introduction

Rajasthan, known for its rich culture and vibrant tourism, is now set to become a top destination for medical tourism in India. The new “Heal in Rajasthan policy 2024, introduced by the state government in August 2024, aims to make Rajasthan a leading place for medical tourism. It will use the state’s strong healthcare facilities and cultural appeal to attract visitors from around the world.

The policy focuses on promoting wellness, rejuvenation, and traditional medicine treatments. It aims to make cities like Jaipur popular choices for international patients looking for affordable and high-quality healthcare. This initiative is more than just a health plan; it’s also a chance for economic growth, creating new investment and job opportunities and boosting related industries like pharmaceuticals and hospitality.

Combining traditional Indian medicine, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and naturopathy, with modern medical technology, Rajasthan is set to become a standout in global healthcare. The “Heal in Rajasthan” policy showcases the state’s ability to blend its cultural heritage with modern facilities to offer a unique and attractive option for medical tourism.

What is Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2024?

The Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2024 is a new plan by the Rajasthan government for promoting the state as a medical value travel (MVT) destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. This policy aims to attract people from India and abroad who are looking for quality healthcare and wellness treatments, while also experiencing Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Rajasthan is focusing on enhancing its healthcare services to establish itself as a leading hub for medical value travel, combining modern medical care with its cultural heritage.

The Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2024 is a new plan by the Rajasthan government for promoting the state as a medical tourism hub for both domestic and foreign visitors. This policy aims to attract people from India and abroad who are seeking quality healthcare and wellness treatments, while also enjoying Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Rajasthan is focusing on enhancing its healthcare services to establish itself as a key destination for medical tourism, combining modern medical care with its cultural heritage.

India is quickly becoming a major destination for medical tourism, with around 2,500-3,000 international tourists arriving each day for affordable and quality healthcare. The country is also popular for Yoga and Wellness, especially with its focus on traditional therapies like those found in AYUSH.

As more people around the world seek holistic, affordable, and accessible medical care, Rajasthan stands out with its expanding healthcare facilities and rich cultural heritage. This makes the state a unique and attractive option for medical travelers.

Recognizing the potential of Medical Value Travel (MVT) to develop world-class healthcare services and boost tourism, the “Heal in Rajasthan” policy of 2024 is the first policy of its kind in the state, dedicated to promoting medical tourism.

This policy shows the State Government’s commitment to creating an environment that supports both medical excellence and cultural richness. It aims to provide a well-rounded experience for visitors while also boosting Rajasthan’s economy by encouraging more international and domestic travel.

This policy aligns with the broader vision of “Heal India.”

Key Features of the “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024

1. Medical Value Tourism (MVT) in Rajasthan

Medical Value Tourism (MVT) in Rajasthan is about combining healthcare with travel, offering visitors quality medical care alongside the rich cultural experiences the state is known for. Rajasthan, famous for its heritage and hospitality, is becoming a top choice for people seeking affordable and reliable medical treatments.

The state offers a range of services, from advanced medical procedures to traditional wellness therapies like Ayurveda and Yoga. With its growing healthcare infrastructure and unique cultural appeal, Rajasthan is positioning itself as a leading destination for those looking to heal and rejuvenate while enjoying a memorable travel experience.

1.1 Introduction to Medical Value Tourism (MVT)

Medical Value Travel (MVT) involves people traveling to different regions for medical care, aiming to maintain, improve, or restore their health. This concept is often referred to as medical tourism, but MVT is a broader term that also considers the overall economic impact on the countries that host these patients.

In India, MVT can be divided into three main areas:

1. Medical Treatments: This includes treatments for serious conditions like cancer, heart problems, kidney issues, and neurological disorders, as well as surgeries and transplants.
2. Wellness and Rejuvenation: Services like cosmetic surgery, stress relief therapies, and other treatments aimed at improving overall well-being.
3. Alternative Medicine: Practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, which are part of India’s traditional healing systems known as AYUSH.

People choose MVT for several reasons:

• Credibility: Trust in the quality of care, advanced medical technologies, and supportive government regulations that ensure patient safety and good outcomes.
• Cost: Affordable services, including treatment and recovery costs, along with insurance coverage.
• Convenience: Minimal waiting times, help with travel arrangements, visa support, and a good experience upon arrival, including comfortable accommodation, food, language support, and overall patient care.

It’s important to note that wellness tourism is different from medical tourism. Wellness tourism focuses on people who are generally healthy but want to maintain or enhance their well-being through activities that benefit their physical, mental, and spiritual health. These travelers seek to improve their well-being through leisure and lifestyle experiences.

1.2 Rajasthan as a Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Destination

Rajasthan has a strong and growing healthcare system with more than 8,000 hospitals in both the government and private sectors. Out of these, over 400 hospitals offer specialized and advanced medical services. The state also has 35 medical colleges and 16 dental colleges, which help create a skilled workforce of healthcare professionals.

Healthcare is a top priority in Rajasthan, with over ₹27,000 crore allocated in the state budget, showing a significant increase from the previous year. The Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya (MAA) health infrastructure mission has a budget of ₹15,000 crore over the next three years. This money will be used to improve advanced medical facilities, upgrade existing hospitals, and enhance AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) services.

Some key highlights include:

• SMS Hospital in Jaipur: The largest government hospital in Rajasthan, known for having the highest number of outpatient visits in Northern India.
• Ayushman Tower: A new 1,200-bed facility at SMS Medical College in Jaipur.
• Super-specialty facilities: Available at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS).
• Spinal injury centers: Located in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Kota.
• Medical Genetics Center: A specialized center for rare disease diagnosis and treatment at J.K. Lone Hospital in Jaipur.
• AYUSH facilities: New and upgraded facilities including an Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy Medical University in Ajmer, and a medical college in Mahwa–Dausa.

Through the MAA Yojana, Rajasthan has established a network of nearly 1,700 accredited hospitals, with about half of them being private. This scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family per year. In the 2023-24 financial year, private hospitals received around ₹1,800 crore in funding support from the state.

Major government hospitals include SMS Hospital, RUHS Hospital, the State Cancer Institute in Jaipur, and AIIMS Jodhpur. Notable private hospitals include Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, NIMS, and Fortis Hospital in Jaipur.

Rajasthan also has 90 Ayurvedic hospitals, 83 AYUSH hospitals, and 33 Yoga & Naturopathy treatment research centers. Important institutions include the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurveda University in Jodhpur.

The state’s hospitality sector is also well-developed, with over 900 hotels offering various options for medical tourists and their families. Rajasthan has an excellent road network, with more than 2.3 lakh kilometers of roads and over 7,000 kilometers of national highways. The state also has the second-largest rail network in India, covering 6,000 kilometers. Jaipur’s international airport offers direct flights to major cities in India and abroad, including Dubai, Muscat, and Singapore. Additionally, there are six other airports in Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kota, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.

Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and reputation as a top tourist destination make it a great choice for patients who want to combine medical treatment with leisure. This unique blend of healthcare and tourism makes Rajasthan an ideal destination for medical value travel.

2. Plan of Action

The Plan of Action outlines the key steps to achieve the goals of the “Heal in Rajasthan” policy. The plan includes a clear vision and mission focused on establishing Rajasthan as a top destination for medical value travel (MVT). It also defines specific objectives to enhance healthcare services, promote wellness tourism, and attract international patients.

The plan emphasizes the importance of well-structured implementation, including strong support for healthcare providers, streamlined operations for MVT, and the promotion of wellness tourism. By following these steps, the state aims to create a thriving ecosystem for medical tourism.

2.1 Vision

The “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 aims to position Rajasthan as a top destination for medical and wellness tourism. The vision is to offer a blend of high-quality, affordable healthcare with enriching wellness experiences that reflect the region’s cultural richness. By combining advanced medical treatments with Rajasthan’s unique heritage, the policy seeks to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking excellent care and holistic wellness options.

2.2 Mission

The mission of the “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 is centered around four key goals to create a strong system that will draw medical tourists from around the world:

1. Quality Assurance: The policy focuses on providing healthcare services that meet high national and international standards. The aim is to ensure that both domestic and international patients receive top-notch care at affordable prices.
2. Digital Presence: To expand its reach, the policy will boost Rajasthan’s medical tourism profile online. This will help patients and healthcare providers connect more easily and improve the overall experience.
3. Infrastructure Improvement: Investments will be made to enhance healthcare facilities, including updating equipment, improving digital systems, and maintaining these facilities to the highest standards.
4. Investment Appeal: The policy aims to make Rajasthan an attractive destination for investors by offering better value compared to other states. This will help attract more investment into the state’s healthcare and wellness sectors.

2.3 Objectives

The objectives of the “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 are clear and focused:

• Create Medical Tourism Centers: The policy aims to establish specialized centers across the state that cater to both domestic and international patients. These centers will offer a range of advanced medical treatments, from secondary to quaternary care.
• Develop Wellness Tourism Hubs: The policy will set up hubs that focus on traditional Indian therapies. This includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, all integrated with Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage to provide a comprehensive wellness experience.

2.4 Design Principles

To achieve its goals, the policy will follow several guiding principles:

• Collaboration: The policy encourages working closely with private healthcare providers, wellness centers, tourism services, and government bodies. This collaboration will help create a network that offers a complete and unique experience for medical tourists.
• Patient-Centric Approach: All services will be designed with the patient’s needs and comfort in mind. The focus will be on delivering high-quality care and a pleasant experience.
• One-Stop Service: The policy aims to offer a range of services through a single, easy-to-access system. This will allow medical tourists to customize their experience based on their specific needs.
• Quality and Compliance: All participating facilities will be required to meet high standards and undergo regular quality checks to ensure compliance.
• Cultural Integration: Rajasthan’s cultural heritage will be used to create unique healing experiences. This will help distinguish Rajasthan from other medical tourism destinations.
• Innovation: The policy will embrace new technologies and innovative ideas to improve care delivery, enhance patient experiences, and effectively market Rajasthan as a medical tourism destination.

2.5 Implementation

The “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 will be in effect for five years from the date of its official announcement. During this time, the Government of Rajasthan may update the policy as needed. The policy will work alongside existing state policies and guide future initiatives related to health and tourism in Rajasthan.

In case of any disputes or issues, the Apex Committee will make the final decisions based on the current policy. These decisions will be mandatory for all involved parties, ensuring that the policy is followed and implemented effectively.

3. Scope of the Policy

The “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 aims to boost medical and wellness tourism in the state by focusing on several key areas. It will improve and expand healthcare facilities, including hospitals and wellness centers. The policy also supports upgrading infrastructure with modern medical equipment and digital technology.

It ensures a smooth experience for medical tourists by offering help with travel and lodging. By making these improvements, the policy seeks to attract visitors from both within India and around the world, making Rajasthan a preferred destination for medical care and wellness treatments.

3.1 Supporting Providers to Strengthen their MVT Offerings

Key government hospitals and medical colleges will be picked for MVT and made better to provide excellent patient care.

To boost medical value tourism (MVT) in Rajasthan, the policy focuses on several key areas:

Upgrading Hospitals and Colleges: Major government hospitals and medical colleges will be selected as key MVT destinations and will be improved to offer a top-quality patient experience. This includes enhancing their facilities, such as adding special areas for MVT patients, creating private rooms with air conditioning, updating interiors, and equipping operating rooms with the latest technology.

• Helping Private Hospitals: The state will support private hospitals in assessing their MVT readiness. This support includes evaluating their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Private hospitals will be encouraged to upgrade their infrastructure, such as adding special wings for MVT patients and improving digital systems for billing and medical records.
• Encouraging New Hospitals: To attract investment, the state plans to develop two new Medicities. These new facilities will encourage the creation of new private hospitals.
• Enhancing Patient Experience: The state will work on improving the overall patient experience by offering services like language translation, a variety of food options to meet different tastes and religious needs, multi-faith prayer rooms, and better digital systems for billing and payments. The state will also support flexible payment options, including cashless transactions and support for foreign currencies.
• Training and Staffing: Special training will be provided for staff working with MVT patients, including cultural sensitivity training. Hospitals will be encouraged to hire and train staff specifically for their MVT departments.
• Meeting Quality Standards: The state will help hospitals achieve quality certifications like NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) or JCI (Joint Commission International). This support includes working with certified vendors to help hospitals meet these standards.
• Building the Brand: The “Heal in Rajasthan” brand will be promoted through consistent branding and marketing campaigns. A dedicated website will be created to offer detailed information about the services available in Rajasthan and serve as a central hub for patients, healthcare providers, and other partners.
• Using Digital Marketing: The state will use digital marketing strategies like search engine optimization and social media marketing to promote Rajasthan as a top destination for medical tourism.
• Participating in Events: Rajasthan will actively participate in national and international MVT events to showcase its offerings and attract medical tourists.
• Collaborative Workshops: Regular workshops will be held with key partners, including hospital networks, medical tourism facilitators, and hospitality providers, to continuously improve and expand the MVT ecosystem in Rajasthan.

3.2 Facilitation of MVT Operations in the State

A new department will be established in Rajasthan to manage all aspects of medical value tourism (MVT). This department will ensure high-quality standards and work on improving patient experiences.

The department will collaborate with private hospitals, leading doctors, and MVT facilitators to create special MVT packages for Rajasthan. It will also form partnerships with facilitators in target countries to enhance outreach.

To provide a smooth travel experience for patients, the department will coordinate with airlines, real estate firms, and translation services. It will act as the international business coordinator for government hospitals in the state that are designated MVT destinations. The department will set quality criteria and readiness standards for these facilities, ensuring they meet best practices like NABH and JCI.

The department will oversee regular audits of government hospitals to confirm they meet these standards. It will also develop training materials and resources to support the MVT ecosystem.

Additionally, the department will assist international tourists with medical visa documentation and smooth registration on arrival by working with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). It will monitor patient experiences during their stay, address any issues, and analyze feedback to identify areas for improvement.

The department will also explore partnership opportunities with national and international insurance providers to offer more comprehensive and affordable care packages.

3.3 Promotion of Wellness Tourism

The state will promote the “Rest and Recuperate” brand as part of the Rajasthan Tourism Policy, 2020. This brand aims to represent wellness and rejuvenation through AYUSH treatments, cultural experiences, relaxing baths and spas, and sightseeing.

Five NABH-certified AYUSH centers will be chosen to become “Rest and Recuperate” centers. These centers will receive a full upgrade to meet international standards for infrastructure and services.

Holistic Therapy Centers that offer treatments like physiotherapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and herbal therapies will be included as Tourism Units. The Department will promote these centers to attract tourists seeking wellness treatments.

The Department will also create and promote events focused on Spiritual, Medical, and Wellness Tourism to further enhance the state’s appeal as a wellness destination.

3.4 Systemic Support for Long Term MVT Expansion

Systemic Support for Long-Term MVT Expansion

To ensure long-term growth and success in medical value tourism (MVT), the state will implement a robust support system. A structured framework will be established with a steering committee to oversee progress and handle any issues that arise. This committee will ensure that checks and balances are in place to maintain effective governance.

Quality assurance will be a key focus, with support provided for accreditation. This will include guidance on the application process through training materials and videos, as well as regular quality audits to ensure high standards are consistently met.

The Government of Rajasthan will work closely with several key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, and Indian Embassies abroad. This collaboration aims to further expand and strengthen the MVT ecosystem.

Additionally, the MVT policy will be integrated into Rajasthan’s broader Tourism Policy to ensure alignment and support for long-term development.

Conclusion

The “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024 is a big step forward for both healthcare and tourism in Rajasthan. The state wants to become a top spot for medical tourism by combining great medical care with its rich culture. This new policy aims to attract visitors from around the world who are looking for affordable and high-quality medical treatments.

The policy includes plans to improve hospitals, help private medical facilities, and make the overall patient experience better. A new department will manage medical tourism, ensuring that all facilities meet high standards and work well with international partners.

For anyone thinking about coming to Rajasthan for medical care or wellness, this policy promises a good mix of top-notch treatment and cultural experiences. It’s also a great opportunity for investors and businesses interested in the growing field of medical tourism.

If you’re considering Rajasthan for your medical needs or investment, this policy shows a clear path forward and strong support. The future looks bright for medical tourism in Rajasthan, with plenty of potential for growth.

Heal in Rajasthan Policy FAQs

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this content is based on the “Heal in Rajasthan” Policy 2024, as outlined by the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the official sources:

• Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan
• Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2024 PDF

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the content. The “Heal in Rajasthan” policy and related details are subject to change. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes in the information provided here. Readers are encouraged to consult the official sources for the most current and accurate details.