Oman Issues Guidelines for Travelling to India for Medical Purposes

The Consulate of Oman in Mumbai, India has issued guidelines for Omani citizens travelling to India for medical treatment so that these citizens can avoid violations of laws and fines. 

The guidelines for Omani citizens travelling to India for medical treatment are:

• The patients and the people accompanying them need to obtain medical visas licensed by the Indian Embassy in Muscat. 
• The medical visa can be extended from the Immigration Department in India given that there are reasons for continuing treatment from the approved hospitals. 

On the other hand, the Indian tourist visa is not extendable in any situation and the person has to leave India before the expiry of the visa to avoid travel bans or monetary penalties. 

• Omani patients travelling to India are advised to directly contact accredited hospitals and specialists, instead of connecting through an intermediary. 
• Doctors should directly send recent medical reports to the patient in English and not through an intermediary.
• Most importantly, the Omani patients must obtain a letter of invitation from the hospital, which states the latter's consent to receive the patient, an initial determination of the treatment plan, expected duration, and estimated costs. 

The Consulate has warned Omani citizens against contacting intermediaries not licensed by the Ministry of Health and people promoting hospitals and treatments through social media.

Omani patients have also been warned against transferring money to intermediaries.

They are also advised to keep medical prescriptions with them while travelling and to check the expiry dates of medicines. 

In case of emergencies or death, only the escort of the patient must communicate directly with the consulate, which will then carry out the necessary procedures. 

For more information, the following institutions can be contacted: 

• Consulate phone: +912222876037
• Citizens Affairs Phone: +919152299992
• Health Affairs Phone: +919820155552