India has emerged as a major player in the Medical Tourism industry, attracting millions of people from all over the world for affordable surgical treatments. The country’s rapidly growing medical tourism industry has put Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kochi on the global map, and in 2023, Medical Value Travel (MVT) is expected to see a significant boost.
In the 2020-21 Medical Tourism Index (MTI), India ranks 10th out of 46 destinations globally, and in the top 20 wellness tourism markets, it ranks 12th worldwide and 5th in the APAC region. What sets India apart in the medical value travel market is the unique position it holds in holistic healthcare, thanks to complementary treatments in Ayurveda. The country’s healthcare system is known for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for those seeking world-class clinical treatments, energy, and rejuvenation.
By Mohammed Irshad

In a recent interview with Business World, Sunil Talati, Chairman of the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), highlighted that India’s healthcare system offers a holistic approach to wellness and health, in addition to affordable mainstream healthcare, good infrastructure, and ease of communication, making it a unique destination for Medical Value Tourism (MVT). With an 18% share of the global medical tourism market, the outlook for 2023 is to become one of the leading choices for MVT, he added.
Reports suggest that the Indian economy could add USD 9 billion by 2026 by leveraging traditional medicine, Ayurvedic therapy, yoga, and wellness, combined with exercise that focuses on the curative aspects of healthcare. Globally, the MVT market is projected to grow from USD 13.98 billion in 2021 to USD 53.51 billion in 2028, with a CAGR of 21.1% during the forecast period 2021-2028. These projections indicate the potential for India’s MVT market to help catapult the country’s economy in the coming years.

The Contribution of Industry Players to Medical Tourism (MVT)
Business World reported that industry players in the medical tourism sector are adopting various strategies to increase the value and quality of their services to remain competitive. These strategies include investing in state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, expanding their expertise in specific medical specialties, forming close partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organisations, and incorporating technology and precision medicine.
Rajeev Taneja, Founder, and CEO of Global Care, emphasized that the Indian government, industry players, and other stakeholders are actively promoting medical tourism in India. The provision of the Ayush Visa by the government has enabled overseas patients to access medical and wellness treatments in India, including Ayurveda, naturopathy, Unani, homeopathy, and other forms of wellness.
Taneja added that organizations are working together to develop a brand for India as a wellness destination, strengthen the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism, enable digitalization through online medical tourism portals, enhance accessibility, and improve governance and institutional frameworks.

Govt’s Efforts to Attract Medical Tourists
India is making significant strides towards becoming a premier destination for medical tourism, with the government taking an active role in promoting the country’s healthcare services to a global audience. One initiative that’s gaining traction is the “Heal In India” campaign, launched by the health ministry to position India as a leader in healthcare and boost medical tourism.
Under this campaign, the government is working towards providing international patients with an end-to-end medical journey in India through a digital portal called Medical Value Travel. This portal will offer global visibility to Indian healthcare facilities and professionals, while also helping international patients access quality healthcare services in the country.
To further promote the initiative, the government is also planning to standardize processes and treatment packages for foreign nationals, so that patients are not overcharged for the same procedure in different hospitals across the country. Additionally, there will be a certified central grievance redressal mechanism for international patients, addressing a gap that has long existed in the Indian healthcare system.
As part of the “Heal In India” campaign, the government is also exploring ways to create a dedicated logo that represents the initiative’s foundation and reflects its mandate to a global audience. While over a thousand logo designs have already been received from the public, the focus is on creating an artistic arrangement in the national tricolor that can promote the campaign worldwide.
India is a sought-after destination among overseas patients, thanks to the country’s highly trained doctors, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and affordable treatment costs. Patients from abroad come for cancer treatment, organ transplant surgeries, plastic surgery, and more. With the government’s commitment to promoting medical tourism, India is poised to become a leading destination for healthcare services in the years to come.
India has recognized the significance and potential of medical tourism in the global market. The sector is seeing an emerging public-private partnership, driven by several incentive schemes for healthcare providers and promotion at international events. This, along with cost benefits and localized resource advantages, is positioning India as a high-potential hub in the medical tourism market.

Discovering India’s Top Medical Tourism Destinations
From the bustling city of Mumbai to the tranquil shores of Chennai, India offers a wealth of options for medical tourists seeking top-notch care. Chennai, known as the “health capital of India,” boasts a high standard of medical care and attracts thousands of foreign patients annually for procedures ranging from hip replacements to alternative therapies. Mumbai, with its rapidly expanding medical tourism industry, is home to a variety of super-specialty hospitals, renowned research, and diagnostic centers, as well as popular Ayurvedic and cosmetic surgery centers.
New Delhi, the nation’s capital, offers excellent private hospitals with specialized packages for foreign patients seeking general surgery, heart care, neurosurgery, and eye surgery. Ahmedabad, a rising star in medical tourism, offers top-notch facilities and amenities, while Bangalore, with its abundance of highly skilled medical professionals and Western-trained doctors, provides quick access to medical care and advanced treatments. These cities are leading the way in India’s growing medical tourism industry, offering unparalleled care and treatment options to visitors from around the world.
India’s unique blend of traditional and modern healthcare, combined with its rich culture and natural beauty, makes it an irresistible destination for those seeking to improve their health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to try ancient Ayurvedic treatments or cutting-edge medical procedures, India has something to offer. Plus, with its diverse and colorful cities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and warm and welcoming people, India offers a healing experience unlike any other.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to India, where you can experience the power of holistic healthcare in a truly magical setting. Imagine indulging in delicious and healthy cuisine, practicing yoga in serene surroundings, and discovering the secrets of Ayurveda from expert practitioners. Whether you choose to explore the bustling markets of Delhi or relax on a pristine beach in Goa, India is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and transformed.