The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has introduced a novel visa category called the Ayush (AY) visa, aimed at foreign nationals seeking treatment through Ayush systems and Indian traditional medicine. This initiative aligns with India's ambition to become a prominent medical tourism destination and was initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit in 2022.

The Ayush visa category has been incorporated into the Visa Manual, signifying a new chapter, Chapter 11A, dedicated to Indian systems of medicine. The introduction of this visa underscores efforts to bolster medical value travel and enhance the global recognition of India's traditional healing practices. The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare are collaborating on the "Heal in India" initiative, which involves the creation of a comprehensive portal to promote India as a premier medical tourism destination.

Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the positive impact of this development on medical tourism growth and the fulfillment of Prime Minister Modi's vision. The Ministry of Ayush is actively promoting traditional medicine both domestically and internationally and has partnered with the India Tourism Development Corporation to amplify the appeal of Ayurveda and other traditional therapies in India's medical tourism offerings.

The Ayush-based healthcare and wellness sector in India is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated $70 billion by 2025. The Ayush visa category plays a crucial role in this growth trajectory, contributing to India's broader efforts to establish itself as a global hub for traditional medical treatments.