India is steadily emerging as a global centre for medical and wellness tourism, combining cutting-edge healthcare with centuries-old healing traditions.
According to the Press Information Bureau, rising global healthcare costs, long waiting periods, and increasing lifestyle diseases are pushing patients worldwide to seek treatment abroad, placing India firmly on the global medical travel map.
The global Medical Value Travel (MVT) market, valued at around USD 115.6 billion in 2022, is projected to nearly double to USD 286.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 10.8%. Within this expanding landscape, India’s medical tourism sector is expected to grow to USD 16.2 billion by the end of the decade.
India’s strength lies in its integrated approach. The government’s flagship “Heal in India” initiative seeks to position the country as a destination that offers both advanced medical treatment and preventive wellness.
Medical tourism in India focuses on complex procedures such as cardiac surgery, organ transplants, cancer treatment and neurological care. At the same time, wellness tourism draws on traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy and other AYUSH practices, catering to global demand for all-inclusive health.
This dual framework has helped India secure a strong global standing. As per the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21, India ranks 10th among 46 destinations worldwide and is among the top five wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Official data cited by the Press Information Bureau highlights the sector’s growing momentum: India recorded 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, of these, 507,244 visitors came specifically for medical treatment. Medical tourism now accounts for around 5.5% of total foreign arrivals. Neighbouring countries dominate the inflow. Bangladesh alone accounted for over 3.25 lakh medical tourists in 2025, followed by Iraq, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Oman and Kenya.
The broader tourism sector is also rebounding strongly. In FY24, travel and tourism contributed 5.22% to India’s GDP and supported approximately 8.46 crore jobs—around 13.3% of total employment.
India’s competitive edge, as outlined by the Press Information Bureau, rests on three pillars: scale, quality and cost. The country has over 69,000 hospitals, including more than 43,000 private facilities, supported by a workforce of about 1.2 million registered doctors. English as the primary language of medical education further enhances accessibility for international patients.
Quality assurance has also improved significantly. More than 1,299 hospitals are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), adhering to over 600 safety parameters. Several institutions also hold international accreditations, placing them among globally recognised healthcare providers.
India’s cost advantage remains a major draw. Complex surgeries and treatments are often available at a fraction of the cost in Western countries, without compromising on quality, making it particularly attractive for patients from developing and middle-income nations.
India’s traditional systems of medicine the AYUSH sector comprising Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, offers preventive and holistic healthcare solutions that are gaining global acceptance.
To facilitate this, the government introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa in 2023, allowing foreign nationals to travel specifically for traditional treatments. Insurance coverage has also expanded, with around 27 insurers offering over 140 products covering AYUSH therapies.
Global outreach efforts, including international summits and collaborations, are further strengthening India’s position as a wellness destination. Events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and large-scale initiatives linked to yoga and Ayurveda have enhanced visibility.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has laid out an ambitious roadmap to cement India’s status as a global healthcare hub. Key proposals include the creation of five Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with states and the private sector. These hubs will integrate advanced medical facilities with AYUSH centres, research institutions and rehabilitation services.
In addition, three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda are planned to boost research and education in traditional medicine. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is also being upgraded to strengthen global collaboration.
Institutionally, the National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board continues to coordinate efforts across ministries, states and industry stakeholders, ensuring a cohesive policy framework.
The government is also focusing on simplifying the patient journey. E-medical visas are now available to nationals from 172 countries, along with dedicated e-AYUSH visa categories. A revamped Medical Value Travel portal is being developed as a one-stop digital platform, enabling patients to explore treatment options, book services, and access post-treatment care. Plans are also underway to set up dedicated facilitation centres at major airports to assist international patients.
