The tourism ministry is working out the rating system in consultation with its health counterpart and the private sector. It has also roped in the Confederation of Indian Industry for help. Incentives are also being offered to the private sector to help boost medical and cruise tourism.

In the last three years, India has attracted nearly 60,000 overseas patients, including non-resident Indians (NRIs), who have come to the country for various treatments like dental care, hip and knee replacements and bypass surgery. At present, there are about 20 patients from Tanzania who are undergoing medical treatment in India, said Chowdhury.

Building on the 23 per cent growth in foreign tourist arrivals in 2003, India is witnessing a 26 per cent rise in international arrivals and 41 per cent rise in foreign exchange earnings this year.

• Government data indicates that India had received 2.62 million foreign visitors during January-October against 2.12 million in the year-ago period.
• Foreign exchange earnings through tourism have also risen from $2.8 billion during the ten-month period in 2003 to $3.85 billion in the corresponding period this year.