Daily Current Affairs : 11-December-2024

In 2023, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) introduced the Ayush Visa. This initiative aims to promote Medical Value Travel (MVT) for foreign nationals who seek treatment in India’s traditional medical systems, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy. The visa makes it easier for international patients to visit India and receive holistic healthcare.

Key Features of the Ayush Visa

The Ayush Visa program has four sub-categories to accommodate different types of medical and wellness needs:

  • Ayush Visa (AY-1): For foreigners seeking treatment in traditional Indian medicine systems.
  • Ayush Attendant Visa (AY-2): For attendants accompanying foreign patients seeking treatment.
  • e-Ayush Visa: An electronic visa for those coming for Ayush treatment, offering a hassle-free application process.
  • e-Ayush Attendant Visa: For attendants of patients applying for the e-Ayush Visa.
Purpose of the Ayush Visa

The primary goal of the Ayush Visa is to provide foreigners with an opportunity to receive treatments based on India’s traditional medicine systems. These treatments can include:

  • Therapeutic Care: Targeted treatments for specific health issues using traditional methods.
  • Wellness and Preventive Care: Holistic therapies focused on overall well-being and preventive health.

Patients can receive these treatments at accredited hospitals and wellness centers, ensuring they meet high standards of care.

Accreditation of Treatment Facilities

To ensure the quality and safety of treatment, the Ayush Visa allows patients to seek care only at accredited facilities. These include:

  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited centers.
  • National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) accredited hospitals.

These accredited centers provide services in the traditional Indian medical systems and are closely monitored by government authorities.

Medical Value Travel Initiatives

India has several initiatives designed to enhance the medical value travel experience:

  • Advantage Healthcare India Portal: This portal acts as a one-stop solution for international patients, helping them find medical and wellness treatment options across India.
  • Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024: Scheduled for September 2024 in Mumbai, this summit will bring together global experts to discuss how traditional Indian medicine can be integrated with modern healthcare systems.
Important Points
  • Ayush Visa Introduction (2023): Initiative by the Ministry of AYUSH to promote Medical Value Travel (MVT) for foreigners seeking traditional Indian treatments.
  • Four Sub-Categories of Ayush Visa:
    • Ayush Visa (AY-1): For foreign patients seeking treatment.
    • Ayush Attendant Visa (AY-2): For attendants accompanying patients.
    • e-Ayush Visa: Electronic visa for easy application.
    • e-Ayush Attendant Visa: For attendants of e-Ayush Visa holders.
  • Purpose: To offer foreigners access to therapeutic and wellness treatments using India’s traditional medical systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy).
  • Accredited Treatment Facilities:
    • Only accredited hospitals and wellness centers can offer treatments.
    • Accreditation by government authorities or bodies like NABH, NCH, and NCISM.
  • Key Medical Value Travel Initiatives:
    • Advantage Healthcare India Portal: A platform to help international patients find medical and wellness treatments in India.
    • Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024: A summit in Mumbai to discuss integrating traditional Indian medicine with modern healthcare.
  • Goal: To establish India as a global destination for holistic health and wellness tourism through traditional medicine.
Why In News

Recently, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) introduced the Ayush Visa, an initiative aimed at promoting medical value travel (MVT) for foreigners seeking treatment in India’s traditional medicine systems. This move is part of India’s broader efforts to position itself as a global hub for holistic healthcare, combining ancient healing practices with modern medical advancements.

MCQs about Ayush Visa
  1. What is the primary purpose of the Ayush Visa introduced by the Ministry of AYUSH?
    A. To promote international tourism in India
    B. To allow foreigners to seek treatment in India’s traditional medicine systems
    C. To encourage foreigners to study traditional Indian medicine
    D. To provide scholarships for international students in India
    Correct Answer: B. To allow foreigners to seek treatment in India’s traditional medicine systems
    Explanation: The Ayush Visa aims to promote Medical Value Travel (MVT) by allowing foreigners to receive treatment using India’s traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy.
  2. Which of the following is NOT one of the sub-categories of the Ayush Visa?
    A. Ayush Visa (AY-1)
    B. Ayush Attendant Visa (AY-2)
    C. e-Ayush Visa
    D. Medical Ayush Visa
    Correct Answer: D. Medical Ayush Visa
    Explanation: The Ayush Visa program consists of four sub-categories: Ayush Visa (AY-1), Ayush Attendant Visa (AY-2), e-Ayush Visa, and e-Ayush Attendant Visa. There is no sub-category called “Medical Ayush Visa.”
  3. Which organization is responsible for accrediting hospitals that offer Ayush treatments?
    A. World Health Organization (WHO)
    B. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
    C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
    D. Indian Medical Association (IMA)
    Correct Answer: B. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
    Explanation: Treatment facilities offering Ayush services must be accredited by bodies like the NABH, National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) to ensure quality and safety.
  4. What event is scheduled for September 2024 to promote Ayush Medical Value Travel?
    A. Ayush Global Health Conference
    B. Ayush Wellness Summit
    C. Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024
    D. International Ayurveda Expo
    Correct Answer: C. Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024
    Explanation: The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, scheduled in Mumbai, aims to discuss how traditional Indian medicine can be integrated with modern healthcare practices for a global synergy in health and wellness.

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