India is planning to restart e-Tourist visas alongside scheduled international flights soon to cement the countrys' standing as a crucial medical tourism destination, Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said today.

Speaking in a video conference at the inaugural ceremony of the third India Tourism Mart, organised by the Federation of Associations in India Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), he noted the advancements in India's healthcare facilities which has led to the spike of medical tourism in India.

Harsh Vardhan said that over the last few years, India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, and "advancements in our vast and vibrant healthcare industry have made it comparable with the best in the world."

"Our education system that has been producing world-class doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff is well recognised across the globe. Often called the pharmacy of the world, India is also one of the largest manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and supplies a large portion of vaccines across the globe," he said.

"All these strengths and capabilities have contributed to India emerging as a crucial place as far as medical tourism is concerned," he said and added that "to encourage it further, we have already started issuing medical visas and are planning to soon restart e-Tourist visas as well as scheduled international flights."