The Consulate of the Sultanate of Oman in Mumbai has issued a list of guidelines for Omani citizens who are planning to travel to India for medical treatment. The guidelines are designed to help Omani citizens avoid any legal problems or financial penalties.
The consulate strongly urges individuals seeking treatment, as well as their accompanying parties, to strictly adhere to the announced instructions. One crucial requirement is obtaining a medical visa from the office authorized by the Indian Embassy in Muscat.
تجنبًا للاستغلال والمخالفة والغرامة المالية تحث القنصلية المواطنين الكرام الراغبين للسفر إلى جمهورية الهند لتلقي العلاج والمرافقين لهم ضرورة إتباع الإرشادات الهامة المشار اليها أدناه: pic.twitter.com/LNLtzmfMIF
— قنصلية سلطنة عُمان مومباي | OMAN CONSULATE MUMBAI (@OmanConBOM) June 16, 2023
Guidelines for Medical Travel to India
According to the newly issued guidelines, the following is a complete list of all the key Instructions issued by the Oman Consulate in Mumbai for its Omani Citizens Seeking Medical Treatment in India:
1. Obtaining a Medical Visa
It is mandatory for both the patient and their companion to obtain a medical visa through the officially licensed office of the Indian Embassy in Muscat. This visa is legally required for receiving treatment in India.
2. Extension of Medical Visa
The medical visa can be extended by the Department of Immigration in India, provided there are valid reasons for continuing treatment from approved hospitals.
3. Non-Extendable Tourist Visa
The Indian tourist visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. It is essential to depart India before the visa’s validity period expires to avoid travel bans and financial penalties.
4. Direct Communication with Accredited Hospitals and Doctors
It is advisable to directly communicate with accredited hospitals and specialized doctors either through their websites or by visiting them directly. Intermediaries should be avoided. Hospitals and doctors must ensure that intermediaries are not included in their records. Recent medical reports in English should be sent directly to the hospital for review.
5. Official Letter and Invitation from the Hospital
Ensure that an official letter and invitation from the hospital are obtained. These documents should state the hospital’s consent to receive the patient, provide an initial treatment plan, specify the expected duration of treatment, estimate costs, and be included in the medical visa application procedures.
6. Beware of Unlicensed Intermediaries
Caution should be exercised when dealing with unlicensed intermediaries such as medical coordination offices, taxi owners, translators, and medical treatment brokers. Such parties may charge a commission ranging from 30 to 40% of the treatment bill.
Additional Guidelines
7. Avoid Promotion on Social Media: Beware of individuals promoting hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities through social media and Internet websites.
8. Avoid Transferring Money to Unknown Persons: Do not transfer money to intermediaries or unknown individuals.
9. Carry Prescriptions and Check Medicine Expiry: Ensure that the patient carries the necessary prescriptions and checks the expiry dates of medications before departure.
10. Emergency Cases: In emergency cases or in the event of a death, only the escort should directly contact the consulate to initiate the necessary procedures.
The Consulate General in Mumbai wishes a safe and speedy recovery for all citizens. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the aforementioned guidelines and encourages constant communication and cooperation to ensure better and more effective services.
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