India’s medical tourism sector continues to attract global attention, with 1,31,856 foreign tourists visiting the country for medical purposes in the first four months of 2025. This figure represents approximately 4.1% of the total Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the same period, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The top source countries for medical tourists over the past five years remain diverse, reflecting India’s growing reputation as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare. While the development and promotion of tourist destinations, including medical tourism, is primarily the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territories, the Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts through various schemes and promotional initiatives.
The medical tourism ecosystem in India is a vast network that brings together hospitals, service facilitators, hotels, airlines, regulatory agencies, and government bodies. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with public associations, trade bodies, and private sector hospitals, has been working to strengthen this ecosystem under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative. Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been a key driver in building capacity and improving service standards for international patients.
To ease travel for medical purposes, the Government of India currently offers e-medical visa and e-medical attendant visa facilities to citizens of 171 countries. This policy move has significantly reduced procedural hurdles and encouraged more patients to choose India as their preferred treatment destination.
Gujarat’s Push for Wellness and Medical Tourism
Among the states, Gujarat has emerged as an active promoter of wellness and healthcare tourism. The state collaborates with regional wellness retreats, extending marketing and promotional support through initiatives such as registering wellness centres on the official tourism website, participating in wellness-focused events and exhibitions, and organising familiarisation (FAM) trips for industry stakeholders. Social media platforms of the Tourism Department are also leveraged to promote these wellness facilities.
Gujarat’s medical outreach extends beyond domestic tourism promotion and contributes to India’s health diplomacy. Key initiatives include showcasing the state’s healthcare infrastructure on the global stage, offering training programs for paramedical staff to improve service quality, and actively participating in international health and wellness exhibitions, conferences, and seminars.
Minister Shekhawat emphasised that these combined efforts both at the central and state levels are positioning India as a global leader in medical and wellness tourism. With competitive treatment costs, skilled medical professionals, and streamlined visa facilities, India continues to strengthen its place as a preferred destination for those seeking world-class healthcare combined with traditional wellness experiences.
