New Delhi 29th April: In the wake of the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken a series of stringent diplomatic and security measures that could effectively end the long-standing stream of medical tourists from Pakistan.
The attack, which left 26 civilians dead and over 20 injured, has been blamed on Pakistan-backed terror groups. Though the Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility, Indian authorities have pointed to deeper cross-border connections, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Medical Visas Suspended
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on April 27 that all medical and regular visas issued to Pakistani nationals are now suspended. Patients already in India must exit the country by April 29, according to a circular issued to hospitals and travel agencies.
"Medical tourism from Pakistan has been one of the few channels of humanitarian exchange in recent years. This move effectively shuts that down," said a senior MEA official on condition of anonymity.
Data: What’s at Stake?
India has been a popular destination for Pakistani patients, particularly for cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and cancer treatment.
In 2023, nearly 20,000 Pakistani citizens received medical treatment in India.
Medical tourism from Pakistan contributes an estimated INR 200 crore ($24 million USD) annually to India's healthcare economy.
Top Indian hospitals including AIIMS, Fortis, and Medanta reported that 5–10% of their international patients in 2023 were from Pakistan.
The suspension will leave thousands of ailing Pakistani citizens in limbo, particularly those awaiting complex procedures scheduled for later this year.
Diplomatic Fallout
India has also expelled Pakistani diplomatic staff and military attachés, while the Attari-Wagah border—Pakistan's only land route to India—has been closed indefinitely. Flights between New Delhi and Lahore are suspended, with no indication of resumption.
"Trust has broken down completely after Pahalgam. Until we see firm action from Pakistan, especially on terror infrastructure, normalization is off the table," a senior Indian diplomat told reporters.
Industry Reaction
Private hospitals have expressed concern over the abrupt loss of patients and the reputational damage to India’s global medical tourism hub image.
"This will not only impact patients from Pakistan but may also send negative signals to other South Asian countries that view India as a safe medical destination," said Dr. Reena , Head of International Patient Services at Medanta.
Outlook
While security concerns remain paramount, experts suggest that unless a diplomatic thaw occurs, the medical tourism corridor—once a rare example of cross-border cooperation—may be permanently closed.
For now, the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack has created one more casualty: cross-border healing.
Agency/TOI/INPUTS
