India launches national strategy to boost medical and wellness tourism

India’s “Heal in India” strategy is a big leap toward becoming the world’s go-to destination for healing. Let me unpack some of the most compelling insights from this national initiative.

India’s Healthcare Renaissance
- The strategy integrates cutting-edge clinical care with centuries-old wellness traditions like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma, aiming to elevate India as a global healing capital.
- By 2035, India’s medical tourism market is projected to skyrocket to $58.2 billion, from $18.2 billion in 2025—a growth rate of 12.3% CAGR.

Care That Reflects Culture
- The approach isn’t just transactional treatment—it’s transformational healing, emphasizing compassion, personalized care, and cultural sensitivity.
- Tier 1 cities already offer world-class hospitals; the plan is to expand services to Tier 2 & 3 cities through wellness clusters and SEZ-style hubs.

Ayurveda as a Brand
- India’s rich traditional medicine systems are being rebranded globally. Ayurveda is at the forefront, supported by government-backed initiatives and increased global interest.
- Regions like Kerala, Rishikesh, and Goa are envisioned as wellness hot zones blending hospitality with holistic health.

Strategic Pillars & Action Plans
<1>Initiative
Heal in India Missions
Global Branding Campaigns
Infrastructure Development
Digital Health Innovation
Training & Capacity Building

<1>Purpose
Coordinate stakeholders at national & state levels
Use embassies, expos & digital media to attract foreign patients
Enable PPP models to build medical hubs in smaller cities
Leverage AI, ABDM, and health-tech for smoother experiences
Prepare multilingual facilitators and providers

India in the Global Arena
- Competing with heavyweights like Thailand, Turkey, and Malaysia, India’s strength lies in its affordability, clinical excellence, and integrative wellness.
- Already, over 2 million international patients from 75 countries flock to India annually. In 2024, 463,000+ medical visas were issued—a post-Covid boom!

This isn’t just a government strategy—it’s a cultural movement transforming how the world thinks about recovery and rejuvenation.