New Delhi, May 2: India is rapidly positioning itself as a leading global destination for medical and wellness tourism, driven by a combination of advanced healthcare infrastructure, traditional healing systems, and strong government support, according to a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau on Saturday.
The country’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) sector is witnessing robust growth amid rising global healthcare costs, long waiting times in developed nations, and increasing demand for holistic treatment options. By integrating modern medicine with traditional practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and other AYUSH systems, India is carving out a unique niche in the global healthcare landscape.
Globally, the medical tourism market was valued at approximately USD 115.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 286.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.8 percent. Against this backdrop, India’s medical tourism market is estimated to reach USD 8.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to nearly double to USD 16.2 billion by 2030.
The government’s flagship “Heal in India” initiative is central to this expansion, aiming to position the country as a premier destination for both curative and preventive healthcare. The MVT ecosystem in India rests on two key pillars: medical tourism, which focuses on advanced clinical treatments such as cardiac surgery, organ transplants, and cancer care; and wellness tourism, which emphasizes preventive health through traditional systems like Yoga and Naturopathy.
According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21, India ranks 10th among 46 global medical tourism destinations, 12th among the world’s top wellness tourism markets, and 5th in the Asia-Pacific region for wellness tourism.
The sector’s contribution to the broader economy is also significant. Ministry of Tourism estimates indicate that travel and tourism contributed 5.22 percent to India’s GDP in FY24 and supported around 8.46 crore jobs, accounting for 13.3 percent of total employment. In 2025, India recorded 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals, of which over 507,000 visitors came specifically for medical treatment—constituting about 5.5 percent of total arrivals.
Neighbouring and developing countries form the bulk of India’s medical tourists. Bangladesh accounted for the highest number of such visitors in 2025, followed by Iraq, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Oman, and Kenya. Patients typically seek specialised services including orthopaedic procedures, neurological interventions, fertility treatments, and AYUSH-based therapies.
India’s growing appeal lies in its combination of quality healthcare, skilled professionals, and cost-effectiveness. The country has over 69,000 hospitals and around 1.2 million registered doctors, meeting the World Health Organization’s recommended doctor-population ratio. English as the primary language of medical education further facilitates communication with international patients.
Quality assurance mechanisms have also strengthened India’s global credibility. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers has accredited more than 1,299 hospitals based on stringent safety and care standards, while several institutions also hold international certifications such as Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
Major medical tourism hubs are concentrated in metropolitan centres including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, which together host a large number of accredited hospitals and specialised facilities.
A key driver of growth in recent years has been the promotion of AYUSH-based wellness tourism. India’s traditional systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—are increasingly attracting global attention for preventive and holistic healthcare. To facilitate access, the government introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa in July 2023, allowing foreign nationals to travel specifically for such treatments.
Policy measures have also expanded insurance coverage for AYUSH therapies, with around 27 insurance companies now offering over 140 products covering these treatments. Meanwhile, international engagement through summits, collaborations, and global platforms is helping enhance India’s visibility as a wellness destination.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has further reinforced this momentum by proposing the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with state governments and private players. These hubs are envisioned as integrated complexes combining treatment, education, and research, along with dedicated AYUSH centres and rehabilitation facilities.
Additional initiatives include the setting up of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and the expansion of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar to boost research and global collaboration.
To ensure sustained growth, the government has also outlined a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. This includes strengthening institutional frameworks such as the National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board, enhancing quality assurance through accreditation, and investing in skill development for healthcare and tourism personnel.
Digital transformation is playing a crucial role in improving patient experience. The revamped Medical Value Travel portal aims to provide end-to-end services—from treatment discovery and booking to post-operative care—while expanded e-visa facilities now cover nationals from 172 countries. Plans are also underway to establish dedicated facilitation centres and lounges at major airports.
Experts believe that India’s integrated approach—combining modern medical excellence with traditional wellness practices—positions it uniquely in the global healthcare ecosystem. With sustained policy support, expanding infrastructure, and growing international demand, the country is poised to emerge as a key player in the future of global medical and wellness tourism.
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