India Ranks 10th in Global Medical Tourism
India ranks 10th globally among 46 destinations in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) 2020–2021, as determined by the Medical Tourism Association. This ranking highlights India’s increasing prominence in the global medical tourism sector, where it stands out for offering cost-effective healthcare, advanced medical facilities, and a blend of traditional wellness therapies. India’s rise in the global medical tourism index showcases its appeal to medical travelers seeking quality treatments at competitive prices.
Low-Cost Healthcare Services
India offers surgeries at significantly lower prices than in Western countries. Moreover, patients enjoy 60–90% savings on the cost of surgeries such as cosmetic, fertility, cardiology, and oncology. Consequently, as a result, in comparison, and therefore, many choose India as their medical tourism destination.
Advanced Medical Infrastructure
The nation has a strong health sector with more than 1,600 hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and 52 JCI-accredited hospitals, with high levels of medical care.
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Integration of Traditional and Modern Medicine
India alone integrates modern medical sciences with old systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy. Moreover, this unique blend attracts international patients. As a result, they approach the path to good health and wellness in an integrated way. In addition, therefore, and furthermore, India’s holistic care system enhances recovery and overall well-being.
Government Initiatives to Promote Medical Tourism
The Indian Government has launched the ‘Heal in India’ mission and prepared a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism to market the nation as a medical tourism destination. They have as part of their scheme conceptualized the development of a specialized Medical Value Travel (MVT) portal and enabling streamlined visa processes for medical tourists.
Increase in Inflow of Foreign Patients
India experienced a sharp increase in the number of medical tourist arrivals, with numbers rising from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 3.04 lakh in 2021. The number of medical tourists coming to India is projected to be 7.3 million in 2024, demonstrating strong growth in the sector.
Economic Impact and Future Projections
Valuers estimated the Indian healthcare tourism sector at approximately ₹87,000 crore in 2024 and project it to grow to ₹4,25,000 crore by 2034, with a growth rate of 17.2% CAGR. India ranks 10th globally in the medical tourism index, and its geographic extent, along with its cost advantage and broad range of medical care services, make it a prime destination for international medical tourists. Increased investment in health infrastructure and political support will further strengthen India’s position in international medical tourism.
