India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in Medical Value Travel (MVT), attracting patients from around the world with an unmatched value proposition—world-class healthcare at a fraction of the global cost. Backed by strong fundamentals, the country’s medical tourism industry is projected to soar to USD 14.31 billion by 2029.
Fuelling this momentum is a strategic blend of strengths. India boasts state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, a pool of internationally trained doctors, and an extensive network of over 1,400 NABH-accredited and 60 JCI-accredited hospitals. From complex cardiac surgeries and cancer treatments to life-saving organ transplants, India delivers excellence at 65% to 90% lower costs compared to Western nations.
Further accelerating this growth is the government’s proactive ‘Heal in India’ initiative. Through targeted reforms—such as the introduction of e-medical visas for citizens of 167 countries and a single-window digital portal—the patient journey has become faster, more efficient, and strikingly transparent.
Yet, India’s edge lies in more than just affordability or scale. It offers a unique fusion of traditional and modern medicine. By seamlessly integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic healing practices into its healthcare ecosystem, India delivers not only clinical treatment but also therapeutic restoration. This approach transforms the patient experience from transactional to transformational.
In redefining global healthcare access, India is making high-quality medical care truly borderless. It leads with vision, scale, and compassion—three forces that are shaping the future of global wellness.
At the FICCI Medical Value Travel Conference, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, in an interaction with The Interview World, shared India’s rising global stature in MVT, outlined key government initiatives driving the sector’s growth, and offered a preview of the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga. Below are the key takeaways from his insights.
Q: How is India positioning itself as a global hub for medical value travel, and what key factors are driving its growth in this domain?
A: Today, India stands tall with one of the world’s fastest-growing networks of internationally recognized hospitals. Over 60 facilities hold the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) certification, while more than 1,400 are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). These globally benchmarked institutions form the backbone of India’s world-class healthcare system.
However, what truly distinguishes India is its seamless integration of cutting-edge modern medicine with the time-honoured wisdom of traditional healing systems. India is the cradle of Ayurveda, Yoga, naturopathy, and various holistic treatment practices. This rich heritage offers a distinctive healthcare philosophy—one that extends beyond cure to embrace recovery, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
With this unique foundation, India is now channelling efforts into rigorous scientific research to validate and expand the global credibility of these traditional systems. The country is not only preserving its ancient knowledge but also elevating it through modern science and innovation.
As a result, India continues to surge ahead in the Medical Value Travel (MVT) space. In 2024 alone, the sector generated $7.79 billion. Looking ahead, the market is projected to almost double, reaching $14.31 billion by 2029—a testament to India’s growing appeal as a global health and wellness destination.
Q: Where does India stand globally in terms of medical value travel, and what factors contribute to its international ranking?
A: India now commands an impressive 18% share of the global medical value travel market, securing its position as the 10th-ranked destination worldwide. To further strengthen this standing, the Ministry of Ayush regularly convenes the Medical Value Travel Summit, fostering collaboration and dialogue among global stakeholders. A recent edition of the summit held in Mumbai drew participation from across the world, where key players exchanged insights on a wide range of issues.
At the same time, India continues to celebrate and preserve its extraordinary cultural heritage. The Government remains steadfast in its vision to elevate the nation as a global tourism powerhouse. This vision extends beyond heritage and spiritual tourism. In recent years, India has also made decisive strides in promoting health and wellness tourism—cementing its reputation as a destination that heals, inspires, and enriches.
Q: What key initiatives has the Indian government undertaken to enhance medical value travel and position India as a leading destination for medical and wellness tourism?
A: India has introduced a series of initiatives to simplify visa processes, including e-medical visas and expedited approvals, ensuring that international patients can access immediate care. In the 2025-2026 Union Budget, the government recognized medical value travel as a key driver of development. Our Honourable Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has underscored that this initiative extends beyond mere treatment. She has repeatedly emphasized the “Heal in India” initiative, highlighting its broader significance in the nation’s healthcare vision.
Q: What key message would you like to convey to the global audience through this summit?
A: This summit aims to build trust, raise global awareness, and showcase India’s exceptional medical and welfare capabilities. To further enhance the experience for international health travellers, the government is developing the Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal. This comprehensive digital platform will integrate hospitals, facilities, travel agents, hotels, translators, and support services, streamlining the process for all stakeholders.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the international patients who have chosen India as their destination for holistic medical care. I also commend the active participation of private players in this space, who are offering cutting-edge healthcare, Ayush services, and top-notch hospitality and tourism experiences. Notably, FICCI has played a pivotal role in organizing the Medical Value Travel Conference, providing a forum to discuss and explore the diverse facets of this rapidly evolving sector.
Q: How do you plan to commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga, and what significance does this day hold for you?
A: We are preparing to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), following the successful observation of 10 IDYs globally. This year, we have launched a 100-day countdown to the event. Every 25 days, we will celebrate this occasion at different locations across India. So far, we have completed two celebrations in Delhi and Bhubaneswar. The third will take place in Nasik, while the venue for the fourth remains undecided. It may be held in Puducherry or another city in Southern India.
Yoga practitioners worldwide—whether they are Yoga Gurus, trainers, or service providers—are coming together to promote the 11th IDY. Our goal is to celebrate this event at over 100,000 locations, engaging millions in mass Yoga practices.
