Medical Tourism in India and Covid 19
It is fair to say that 2020 has been a tough
year so far. And for many, A Tragic Year!
Since the first case of the COVID-19 was reported, there has been a wave of
anxiety around the globe. Anywhere you turn, someone’s either talking about the
virus, reading about it, or stockpiling masks and sanitizers for it!
 |
| The most contagious virus! |
IndiCure understands that such uncertain outbreaks
can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, especially when it comes to travelling to
a different country for medical purposes. Ensuring that our medical tourists
stay safe, healthy, and informed about the novel coronavirus is at the top of
our agenda.
With that in mind, IndiCure has pulled
together all the important information regarding the current travel
restrictions in India. IndiCure also encourages everyone to make informed
decisions about traveling before, during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Make sure to thoroughly check your home travel restrictions too.
The Government of India has suspended all
tourist and non-urgent medical visas to India till 15th April 2020
in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19.
As
of March 17, 2020:
Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia to India is
prohibited with immediate effect. No flight shall take off from these countries
to India after 1500 hours Indian Standard Time (IST).
In
addition to the Visa restrictions already in place, the following travel
restriction shall also come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020
1. All
passengers coming from European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), European
Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland),
Turkey, and the United Kingdom have been prohibited from entering India from
any of the Land/Air/Seaport ICPs. This restriction shall come into effect from
1200 hrs GMT on March 18, 2020 at the port of the first departure, and shall
remain till March 31, 2020 and is a temporary measure.
The
earlier visa restrictions, as mentioned below, shall also remain in force
1. All
existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to
Diplomats, Official passport holders, those in UN / International
organizations, those on Employment, Project visas and those who are operating
aircrew of scheduled commercial airlines, and who had not yet entered India,
stand suspended w.e.f. 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 till April 15, 2020.
2. Visas
of all foreign nationals already in India remain valid. They may contact the
nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/ conversion etc. of their
visa or grant of any consular service.
3. The
validity of OCI card of foreigners presently in India shall remain.
4. Visa
free travel facility granted to OCI card holders who are not in India
presently, has been kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020. This has come into
effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any
foreigner for onward journey to India
5. Any
foreign national (including OCI cardholder) who intends to travel to India for
compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for the fresh visa.
6. International
traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration
Checkposts that have been notified by MHA vide O.M. No.25022/12/2017-Imm dated
March 14, 2020.
Mandatory
compliance of Travel Advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, Govt. of India
1. Passengers
travelling from / having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of
entering India will need a certificate of having tested negative from COVID-19
from the designated laboratories authorised by the Health Authority of these
countries. This is enforcement since 0000 hrs. of March 10, 2020 and is a
temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
2. All
incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited
China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain, and Germany after Feb.
15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come
into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure.
3. All
passengers coming from UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait will be placed under
compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days which shall come into
effect from 1200 hrs GMT on March 18, 2020 at the port of the first departure.
4. Indian
nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China,
Italy, Iran, the Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain and Germany.
5. Incoming
travellers including Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel
and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days
on their arrival in India.
6. Indian
nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travel to China, Italy,
Iran, the Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain & Germany.
7. All
incoming international passengers returning to India should self-monitor their
health and follow required do’s and don’ts as detailed by the Government.
8. International
traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with
robust screening facilities. These have been notified separately by the
Ministry of Home Affairs.
9. All
international passengers entering India are required to furnish duly filled
self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone
no. and address in India) (as annexed) to Health Officials and Immigration
officials and undergo Universal Health Screening at the designated health
counters at all Points of Entry.
For more information:
Who should we trust for travel advice?
IndiCure advises checking with your local
government travel advisory for the latest advice before you plan to travel
anywhere in the world. If your local government sets a ‘Do Not Travel’
advisory, we would recommend you to cancel your planned trip or reroute the
itineraries to avoid the destinations concerned. Listening to rumors, misleading
information, or stumbling down a terrifying social media rabbit hole is not
advisable.
If I decide to travel in an emergency, what
can I do to avoid getting sick?
The WHO has released some basic protective
measures for personal hygiene, social distancing, and cough/sneeze etiquette. The
most important recommendations include:
§ Clean hands with soap & water or alcohol-based hand rub
§ Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or
flexed elbow
§ Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
§ Thoroughly cook meat and eggs
§ No unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals
For More Information: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
In
the meantime, share your pictures/photos
Meanwhile, you can share your picture s of the
target areas/medical reports so that we can prepare your treatment and help you
with the customized cost of your surgery.
As always, your safety is our priority and we
encourage you to take this time now and do your research so you are prepared
well in advance. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us
at any time.
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