A strong push from the centre to promote India's emerging medical and wellness tourism Sector

India's medical tourism sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.1% between 2020 and 2027.

- Ankit Singh

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, medical and wellness tourism is emerging as a major growth driver, supported by India's cost advantage, skilled healthcare professionals, and robust infrastructure. Medical tourist arrivals increased from around 1.12 lakh in 2009 to over 6 lakh during 2022-24, significantly outpacing overall inbound tourism growth. The segment now accounts for nearly 6.5% of foreign tourist arrivals, with the market valued at an estimated US$ 8.7 billion in 2025 and projected to reach US$ 16.2 billion by 2030.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced a major initiative to position India as a global hub for medical tourism through the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country. Presenting the Union Budget, she said the Centre would support states in developing these hubs in partnership with the private sector. Envisioned as integrated healthcare complexes, the hubs will combine medical services, education, and research under one umbrella.

The proposed hubs will include AYUSH centres, Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres, and supporting infrastructure for diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation. Sitharaman noted that the initiative would generate significant employment opportunities for doctors and allied health professionals. She also announced the establishment of a new national-level mental health institute and the expansion of emergency care services nationwide.