Complete Guide to GAMCA Medical in India (2025 Edition)

The GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association, also known as “Wafid”) medical examination is a mandatory requirement for expatriates—especially Indians—intending to work or live in GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. This guide covers appointment booking, cost breakdown, required documents, test procedures, result validation, common reasons for rejection, and tips to ensure a smooth process.

What Is GAMCA (Wafid)?

GAMCA, recently rebranded as Wafid, is the Gulf Cooperation Council’s centralized medical screening platform for immigrant workers. Its purpose is to ensure applicants are free from infectious or serious health conditions before granting visas :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Who Needs a GAMCA Medical?

All expatriates from India (and other approved countries) applying for work, family, student, or residence visas across the GCC must undergo the GAMCA medical test :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Step-by-Step: Booking Your GAMCA Appointment

1. Visit the official Wafid/GAMCA India website.
2. Register with your passport details and select a GCC country.
3. Pick a city in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, etc.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
4. Pay the registration fee (~₹1,160 to ₹1,300 depending on the center) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
5. Receive your appointment slip (valid for ~30 days) via email. Retakes require new bookings after expiry :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
6. Visit the assigned center on time with documents and slip.

Fees Breakdown in India

Total cost = GAMCA registration + center fee.

• GAMCA registration: ₹1,160–₹1,300 (≈ USD 10 + FX charges) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Medical centre fee: Approx ₹5,000–₹7,500 depending on GCC country and city :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Example ranges per GCC destination (centre fee + ₹1,500 service):

• Saudi Arabia: ₹5,500 + ₹1,500
• UAE/Kuwait/Oman/Bahrain/Qatar: ₹5,000 + ₹1,500 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Required Documents

• Original & copy of passport (≥6 months validity) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Passport-size photos (white background; blue for Oman) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Appointment slip/PDF
• Visa reference number or MOFA number (where applicable)
• COVID‑19 vaccination certificate (if required locally) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Tests Included in GAMCA Medical

• Physical exam (height, weight, BP, fitness)
• Blood screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, Malaria, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Urine analysis.
• Chest X‑ray for tuberculosis and lung health :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Vision & hearing check.
• Beta pregnancy test for women.

Result Timeline & Validity

Results usually take 24–72 hours, with express options in certain centers :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Report stays valid for up to 60–90 days depending on the GCC authority (60 days per some sources; 90 days per others) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

How to Check Results Online

1. Visit the GAMCA/Wafid website.
2. Click “Check Medical Status”.
3. Enter your passport number/slip details.
4. Status will show as “FIT” or “UNFIT” :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Common Reasons for “Unfit”

• Infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B/C, active TB, malaria, leprosy :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Chronic conditions: uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, severe asthma, COPD, epilepsy :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Physical limitations impacting job safety.
• Mental health issues: schizophrenia, severe depression impairing function :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Substance addiction or positive drug/alcohol screening :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

If You Receive “UNFIT”

You will receive an official certificate stating your condition. Certain failures (e.g., infection detected) require you to reapply after 3–6 months once treated :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}. Some centers allow second opinions at different places.

Practical Tips & Precautions

• Book early—slots fill rapidly.
• Avoid alcohol/drugs 48 h prior.
• Sleep well, eat light, stay hydrated :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Fast only if instructed.
• Arrive with all paperwork and payment.

Avoiding Frauds & Extra Charges

Several Reddit reports highlight misuse in some centres:

“They tell some people that there is some fault in your chest x‑ray so u have to do CT scan…” :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

Some rogue labs request unnecessary retests or extra unofficial payments without receipts :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}. Recommended practices:

• Choose reputable or well-reviewed centers.
• Document official fees only; collect receipts.
• If pressured, test at another approved center.
• Persist or report via Wafid support or GCC health authorities.
• In Hyderabad, several expats reported labs insisting on minor infection treatments upfront—be cautious :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

Approved Centres by City (India)

Major approved cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Goa, Mangalore, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, and more :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Industry‑Specific Medical Requirements

GAMCA maintains a standardized examination. However, certain high‑risk jobs (e.g., involving heights, hazardous materials) may require extra medical tests imposed by the employer or local regulators—not by GAMCA itself :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I change the centre after booking? No, unless slip expires (~30 days). Then rebook and choose a different city :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• What if I lose my slip/report? Contact GAMCA (Wafid) support for a replacement :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• How many retests are allowed? Depends on condition—e.g., infections may require a 3–6 month wait; chronic conditions depend on medical advice :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Are express results available? Yes, some centers offer 24‑hour express service (fees vary) :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.

The GAMCA/Wafid medical screening process in India encompasses online registration, appointment booking, comprehensive health evaluations, and secure result reporting. Estimated cost: ₹6,500–₹8,800. Results are valid for 60–90 days and downloadable via the official portal. To avoid unnecessary stress, book early, choose reputable centers, and follow test‑day protocols closely. If issues arise, don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or official support channels.