India's Rise in Medical Tourism

Medical Value Travel (MVT) in India: Key Highlights

Overview

• India is emerging as a major hub for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating advanced medical infrastructure with traditional health systems like AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
• The global MVT market was valued at approximately $115.6 billion in 2022, projected to reach $286.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.8%.

Government Initiatives

• Heal in India Initiative: Aims to position India as a leading destination for integrated and holistic healthcare.
• AYUSH Visa: Launched on July 27, 2023, facilitates international patients seeking treatment under recognized AYUSH systems.
• National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTPB): Established to promote and facilitate medical tourism in India.

Economic Contribution

• Travel and tourism contributed 5.22% to GDP in FY 2024, supporting approximately 8.46 crore jobs (13.3% of total employment).
• By 2025, the medical tourism market is expected to be worth around $8.7 billion, with projections of $16.2 billion by 2030.

Medical Tourism Statistics (2025 Projections)

• Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA): Estimated at 9.15 million.
• Medical Purpose Arrivals: Expected 507,244 foreign citizens traveling specifically for medical treatment.
• Medical tourism represents about 5.5% of total FTAs.
• Leading source countries for medical tourists include Bangladesh, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Oman, and Kenya.

Health Infrastructure

• India has 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private and 25,778 public) and 1.2 million registered doctors.
• The country achieved the WHO-recommended doctor-to-population ratio.
• Over 1,299 hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).

Quality Assurance

• NABH accreditation ensures high-quality patient care and safety standards, with over 600 safety parameters in use.
• Many Indian hospitals are also accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring adherence to global healthcare standards.

Competitive Advantages

• India offers high-quality medical treatment at significantly lower costs compared to developed countries, increasing its attractiveness for international patients.
• A strong pool of trained medical professionals and advanced technology supports this competitive edge.

Wellness Tourism

• Wellness tourism includes yoga, Ayurveda, and other traditional practices, contributing to India's health tourism strategy.
• India ranks 12th among the world’s top wellness tourism markets.

Strategic Initiatives in the 2026-27 Budget

• Introduction of five regional medical centers in partnership with state governments and private sectors, designed to provide integrated healthcare services.
• Establishment of three new All India Institute of Ayurveda to enhance education, research, and clinical services in Ayurveda.
• Upgrading the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Center in Jamnagar for global collaboration on traditional medicine systems.

Digital Transformation

• The government is enhancing digital infrastructure for MVT, including e-medical visas and a one-stop MVT portal for patients.
• Airport concierge services planned to assist international patients upon arrival.

Conclusion

• India’s MVT ecosystem is evolving into a global health service model, combining modern medicine with traditional practices, supported by strong government policies, digital initiatives, and international standards. This positions India as a competitive player in the global health and wellness tourism market.