New Delhi, May 2: India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for medical tourism, with the market projected to nearly double from $8.7 billion in 2025 to $16.2 billion by 2030, according to government estimates. The growth is part of the broader Medical Value Travel (MVT) ecosystem, which combines advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga.

Globally, the medical tourism market was valued at $115.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $286.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8 percent. Rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are pushing patients worldwide to seek treatment abroad, with India positioned as a preferred destination.

India’s rise in MVT is supported by strong policy initiatives, digital facilitation, and schemes such as the AYUSH Visa and proposed Regional Medical Hubs. These hubs will integrate medical, educational, and research facilities, including AYUSH centres and MVT facilitation centres, to strengthen the ecosystem.

The country’s medical tourism sector encompasses both curative interventions and wellness tourism. While hospitals provide advanced clinical treatments, AYUSH systems address preventive healthcare needs, catering to global demand for holistic wellness.

Data shows that India recorded 9.15 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, of which 507,244 came specifically for medical treatment - accounting for 5.5 percent of total arrivals. Bangladesh topped the list of source countries with over 325,000 medical tourists, followed by Iraq, Uzbekistan, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Oman, and Kenya.

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India’s credibility in healthcare is reinforced by internationally recognised accreditation standards. Hospitals and providers across the country are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), which ensures rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care.

According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21, India ranked 10th among 46 global medical tourism destinations and fifth among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Looking ahead, the Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed five Regional Medical Hubs to further boost India’s position in the global medical tourism market. With robust infrastructure, policy support, and integration of traditional wellness practices, India is poised to strengthen its role as a leading destination for medical value travel.