Government to establish Regional Medical Hubs to boost Medical Value Tourism

The Indian government announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 that it will establish five Regional Medical Hubs across the country to position India as a global leader in medical value tourism. These hubs will integrate modern hospital infrastructure, AYUSH centres, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and research facilities, creating new healthcare jobs and boosting international patient inflow.

Key Highlights of the Initiative
Number of Hubs:
5 regional medical hubs across India.
Objective:
Promote India as a global destination for medical tourism and medical value services.
Facilities Included:
- Modern hospitals and diagnostic centres
- AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) centres
- Post-treatment care and rehabilitation services
- Research and educational facilities for allied health sciences
Partnership Model:
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) with support from state governments.
Budget Allocation:
The Health Ministry received ₹1.06 lakh crore in 2026–27, a 10% increase from the previous year, to support these initiatives.

Broader Healthcare Measures in Budget 2026–27
- Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to meet global demand for traditional medicine.
- Upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs to improve quality standards.
- Expansion of allied health training, including training for 150,000 caregivers.
- WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar to be upgraded.

Expected Impact
- Boost to Medical Value Tourism: India already attracts patients from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia for affordable, high-quality care. These hubs will strengthen India’s position against competitors like Thailand and Singapore.
- Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs in healthcare, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and allied services.
- Global Branding: Reinforces India’s image as a hub for both modern and traditional medicine.
- Regional Development: Each hub will act as a centre of excellence, improving local healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.

✅ In summary: India’s plan to establish five Regional Medical Hubs is a strategic move to expand medical value tourism, integrate modern and traditional healthcare, and create jobs. If implemented effectively, it could make India one of the top global destinations for medical tourism by 2030.