The Role of Government Initiatives in Promoting Medical Tourism in India

02 April,2025

India has quickly emerged as a medical tourism hub, attracting thousands of foreign patients every year. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the market for medical tourism in India was worth USD 5-6 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to USD 13 billion by 2026. 

The Indian government has played a crucial role in nurturing this development through focused policies, efficient visa procedures, and investment in healthcare infrastructure. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "India has become the 'pharmacy of the world' and is also emerging as a preferred destination for medical treatment." These focused efforts have not only enhanced India's image in the international healthcare industry but also significantly boosted economic development.

This blog discusses the various government initiatives that have made India a popular destination for medical tourism.

Understanding Medical Tourism

Medical tourism involves travelling across international borders to seek medical care, usually for cost benefits, better healthcare facilities, or reduced waiting times. India has become a medical tourism destination because of its well-equipped hospitals, exceptionally skilled physicians, and affordability compared with countries in the West. Cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, and organ transplantation are some of the most popular speciality treatments.

Government Initiatives Driving Medical Tourism in India

The government of India has undertaken various measures to enhance its position as an international medical tourism destination. These actions aim to make medical care in India more accessible, affordable, and high-quality for foreign patients. From the ease of obtaining medical visas to investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, all these actions have significantly contributed to the growth of medical tourism in India.

1. Medical Visa and E-Visa Facilities

The government of India has facilitated the visa procedure for medical tourists by issuing Medical Visas (M-Visas) and e-medical Visas. These visas allow foreign patients and their companions to come to the country for easy treatment. The advantages of visas are that they enable multiple entries, long duration of stay, and convenient renewal. Further, the Ayush Visa has also been issued separately for those who want traditional modes of treatment like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).

2. Ayushman Bharat and Public-Private Partnerships

The Ayushman Bharat program, a government flagship program, has transformed the health sector. Although its main focus is to offer access to healthcare to economically weaker sections, its improvement in infrastructure has indirectly benefited international patients. Numerous private hospitals that are part of the program have improved their facilities to international standards, enhancing foreign patient inflow.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have also enhanced the healthcare ecosystem by promoting investment in hospital facilities, medical research, and training, making India a destination of choice for medical tourists.

3. National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board

The Indian government established the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board to provide a systematic framework for medical tourism. The board works with healthcare centres, travel agencies, and hospitality services to improve the experience for medical tourists. It plays an important role in policy-making, global branding, and promoting India's medical tourism potential.

4. Promotion of AYUSH and Traditional Medicine

India's rich heritage in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has become internationally renowned. The government encourages these treatments through the Ministry of AYUSH, which not only regulates quality control and certification but also conducts global awareness drives. Opening AYUSH hospitals and wellness centres within India has given international patients access to alternative and holistic healthcare options.

5. Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure and Digital Health Initiatives

Substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure has turned India into a medical tourism giant. Efforts to build world-class hospitals with cutting-edge medical equipment have enhanced the nation's capacity to accommodate foreign patients. Programs like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) have subsequently digitised patient data handling, telemedicine, and remote consultations, facilitating easy access for foreign patients to consult for initial medical advice prior to journeying to India.

6. Cost Competitiveness and Quality Assurance

The state, in collaboration with healthcare centres, makes the healthcare services offered in India remain affordable without impacting quality. Agencies like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Joint Commission International (JCI) accredit the hospitals that match international standards. This increases Indian hospitals' credibility and makes sure that international patients are confident of the quality.

7. Medical Tourism Promotion Through International Outreach

India actively participates in international healthcare summits, trade expos, and fairs to promote its medical capability. Government-sponsored campaigns like "Incredible India" and "Heal in India" market medical tourism by advertising India's state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and wellness tourism. These efforts have boosted India's position in the international medical tourism sector.

8. Facilitation Centers and Helplines for Medical Tourists

To make the experience of medical tourists even better, the Indian government has established specific facilitation centres and helplines to support patients. These centres offer important information regarding hospitals, treatment processes, visa help, lodging, and language assistance. Furthermore, multilingual helplines assist in answering questions and complaints, making the medical experience for foreign patients smooth and hassle-free.

Benefits of Medical Tourism in India

India is fast becoming a world leader in medical tourism, with thousands of foreign patients availing of quality, affordable treatment annually. Among the most significant benefits of medical tourism is the income it brings, which is being utilised to enhance healthcare infrastructure. With a consistent flow of foreign patients, hospitals are witnessing growth and expansion. 

Medical tourism has been attracting patients from around the globe to India, resulting in an increasing demand for healthcare professionals. To accommodate foreign patients, more specialists, nurses, and multilingual administrative staff are needed. Additionally, support industries such as interpretation services, hospitality, and medical logistics are witnessing job growth, making medical tourism a catalyst for overall economic growth.

As more than 6,00,000 foreign patients visit India each year, the government's efforts to boost medical tourism are critical. Initiatives like exempting 36 life-saving medicines from basic customs duty make high-end treatment more affordable, further cementing India's position as a world-class global health destination.

Yet, improvement is still possible. While current policies acknowledge the importance of public-private partnerships, additional organised support needs to be extended to fill existing gaps. Minimising financial loads on private healthcare providers, such as reducing GST rates, could further drive India's rise as a medical tourism leader.

MediJourney: Your Partner in Medical Tourism

For international patients seeking seamless medical travel, MediJourney is a leading platform that connects patients with top hospitals, doctors, and wellness centres in India. MediJourney offers end-to-end medical tourism assistance, including:

• Hospital and Doctor Selection: Partnering with India’s top healthcare providers to offer tailored treatment plans.
• Visa and Travel Assistance: Helping patients obtain medical visas, book flights, and arrange accommodations.
• Language and Interpretation Services: Providing multilingual support to ensure clear communication with healthcare professionals.
• Post-Treatment Care Coordination: Ensuring smooth follow-ups and digital consultations after treatment.

Conclusion

The Indian government's proactive approach to medical tourism has made India the world leader in healthcare services. Through strategic efforts such as simplified medical visas, infrastructure investment, AYUSH promotion, and global marketing, India is still drawing patients from around the globe. 

Yet, overcoming regulatory measures, language issues, and infrastructure growth will further strengthen India's status as a medical tourism hub. With sustained government backing and cooperation with private healthcare operators, the future of medical tourism in India looks bright, providing quality, low-cost, and inclusive healthcare solutions to foreign patients.