New Delhi: A recent report by Ministry of Commerce and Industry says an average Pakistani spends Rs187,000 (Dh10,697) on treatment in India. Those from Bangladesh spend Rs134,000 on an average, followed by those from Commonwealth countries (Rs125,000), Russia (Rs104,000) and Iraq (Rs98,554).
A medical visa is granted by Indian External Affairs Ministry (EAM) to those Pakistani nationals who seek medical treatment in recognised and specialised hospitals and treatment centers across the country. Up to two attendants who are blood relatives of the patient are allowed to accompany him under separate Medical Attendant visas. This visa is not applicable for surrogacy.
According to EAM notification issued in May, only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan’s foreign affairs adviser could enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India. The condition of getting a recommendation from Pakistan’s foreign affairs adviser was being seen as making it more difficult for Pakistanis to come to India.
It was believed that India’s decision to impose conditions on medical visas for Pakistani nationals came in the backdrop of growing tension in Indo-Pak ties due to the retired Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav’s arrest, and regular skirmishes at the border.
However, India relaxed the medical visa conditions for Pakistanis on Tuesday by stating that visa applicants would no longer require to procure a letter of recommendation from their country’s foreign affairs adviser.
