India to Dispatch Healthcare Workers Abroad Under 'Heal by India' Scheme

The NHA will provide technical support for this scheme, while the ABDM's registry will serve as the data repository for healthcare personnel.

India is set to embark on an ambitious initiative to send its healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel, abroad to assist in medical treatments.

According to officials familiar with the matter, this is part of the "Heal by India" scheme, which is expected to be launched shortly.

The National Health Authority (NHA) will provide technical support for this scheme, while the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission's (ABDM) registry will serve as the data repository for healthcare personnel. The ABDM registry currently lists 165,726 healthcare professionals, including 76,173 doctors.

Comprehensive Database of Healthcare Professionals

One of the officials, speaking anonymously, explained that "Heal by India" will serve as a centralized database.

This database will include details of recruiting agencies registered with the Ministry of External Affairs and those licensed by the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE), along with verified healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, AYUSH practitioners, allied health professionals, and pharmacists.

"This initiative will ensure accessibility, transparency, and trust for all stakeholders involved. Developed by the NHA, the platform will leverage the registry of verified healthcare professionals to facilitate the process," the official stated.

India's Soft Power Projection in Healthcare

India has long been recognized as the "pharmacy of the world" due to its significant contributions to global pharmaceutical supplies.

The "Heal by India" initiative aims to extend this reputation by showcasing India's healthcare expertise and contributing to global healthcare needs as part of its soft power strategy.

"The portal for this initiative is ready, and we are currently working on the formal launch of the 'Heal in India' platform in coordination with the health ministry," added the second official.

Related Initiatives to Attract Medical Tourism

In conjunction with the "Heal by India" scheme, the Indian government is also developing initiatives to attract foreign patients to India for medical treatments. A dedicated digital portal for Medical Value Travel (MVT) is in the works to facilitate this process.

In 2021, over 300,000 foreign patients visited India for medical treatments, reflecting the country's growing reputation as a global hub for affordable and quality healthcare services.

The Medical Tourism Association ranked India 10th out of 46 destinations in the Medical Tourism Index for 2020-2021.

Integration with Global Healthcare Strategies

India presented the "Heal in India," "Heal by India," and "Heal from India" strategies after the first Health Working Group Meeting of the G20 India Presidency in January 2023.

Dr V K Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog, highlighted these strategies in his keynote address on medical value travel.

The "Heal in India" initiative aims to leverage India's healthcare services for international patients. The "Heal by India" scheme focuses on sending Indian healthcare workers abroad, while the "Heal from India" strategy seeks to capitalize on the country's strengths in the telemedicine sector.

These initiatives underscore India's commitment to enhancing its role in global healthcare and showcasing its capacity to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare services worldwide.