“Medical Value Travel (MVT) plays a crucial role in eliminating healthcare disparities across the globe and through the 1^st Health Working Group meeting, G20 India Presidency aims to provide an impetus to create pathways to bridge this gap.” This was stated by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog on the closing day of the three day meeting of the Health Working Group of G20 India, at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 20th January 2023.

Dr Paul stated that there is a great opportunity for utilizing traditional medical practices like Ayurveda in Medical Value Travel sector which is witnessing a combined annual growth rate of over 23%” At the same time, he also elaborated on the need to build a resilient and sustainable MVT framework

The need for effective governance and policy framework was underscored, including setting up of dedicated board and agency for Medical Value Travel. He stressed on the need for developing standards and accreditation for healthcare facilities and Medical Travel Facilitators and called for enabling digitization in the Medical Value Travel segment. 

He said that Government of India will be launching “Heal in India” initiative to leverage its healthcare services for international patients, and to send out healthcare workforce to other countries. He also emphasised on the huge strength of India in telemedicine sector which could pave the way for “Heal from India” initiative.