MoT plans to extend MDA scheme to cover JCI and NABH to boost Medical Tourism

Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is planning to extend its Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme to cover Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABH) certified hospitals. A policy announcement of this effect is likely soon. The MDA scheme offsets overseas marketing costs for travel companies earning foreign exchange. By introducing the MDA scheme, hospitals will be made eligible for financial assistance including publicity through printed material, travel and stay expenses for sales-cum-study tours and participation fees for trade fairs and exhibitions, subject to an upper ceiling.

“The MDA scheme for Medical Tourism is under active consideration and will be applicable only to accredited hospitals. It should be finalised within a week,” informed Dr Prabhakar Dubey, Director, Ministry of Tourism. There are about 60 accredited hospitals in India, of which the big groups have independently facilitated tie-ups with US-based insurance companies such as Bluecross Blueshield and Anthem Wellpoint but smaller players have relied on agents due to high costs.