A Unified Medical Tourism Policy: Unlocking India’s Potential

Calls for Action at the Heal India Medical and Wellness Tourism Summit

During the “Heal India Medical and Wellness Tourism Summit 2025,” experts emphasized the urgent need for a streamlined approach to promote medical tourism in India. The fragmented landscape currently encompasses six ministries, creating a lack of cohesion. Dr. Sunil Khetarpal, the Director of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), articulated that a unified national policy is crucial for providing a standardized experience for international patients.

Need for Standardized Quality in Medical Tourism

Dr. Khetarpal highlighted the necessity for policy frameworks akin to the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). This would align Indian standards with global benchmarks, such as Germany’s TIMO standard, which is followed by 14 countries. The requirement for such frameworks underscores the urgency to elevate the quality of medical tourism services.

Understanding Patient Priorities

Dr. Atul Kochhar, CEO, echoed similar sentiments, noting that medical travelers increasingly prioritize quality treatment, successful outcomes, and memorable experiences. To advance India’s positioning as a trusted healthcare destination, a rise in patient care standards for all origins is essential.

The Urgency of Patient-Centric Systems

Prof. M. Bajpai, Vice President of the National Board of Examinations and Former Dean (Academic) at AIIMS, pointed to the pivotal need for patient-centered systems. Regardless of their background, timely and accessible emergency care must remain a priority. Implementing a unified electronic medical record system is critical to ensuring seamless care and transparency.

Strategies for Outreach and Collaboration

Efforts to engage neighboring South Asian nations through collaborative hospital partnerships and telemedicine networks are also critical. Such outreach initiatives would provide trusted entry points into India’s healthcare system, making it more accessible for international patients.

Aligning Traditional and Alternative Medicine

Madhusudan Chauhan, CEO of Jiva Ayurveda and Board Director of Ayushexcil, stressed the necessity to define AYUSH’s (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) role in medical tourism clearly. He acknowledged that, in order to stay competitive, therapies need to be substantiated with quantifiable outcomes aligning with current demands for evidence-based care.

Spotlight on India’s Skilled Healthcare Professionals

Aakash Healthcare’s Managing Director, Dr. Aashish Chowdhary, commended the skill and resilience of Indian doctors, asserting that they consistently deliver outstanding results, even when managing complex cases like revision surgeries.

Global Perspectives on Medical Tourism

The summit also featured international viewpoints. H.E. Mr. Aruńkoemar Hardien, Ambassador of Suriname, discussed the merits of public-private partnerships and investments in the medical sector. Similarly, Lalatiana Accouche, the High Commissioner of the Seychelles, expressed interest in forming collaborations with Indian healthcare providers, noting the volume of tourists attracted to Seychelles.

Growing Popularity of Indian Medical Tourism

Dr. Mohammed Hashim Hasoun Al-Jefery, Health Attaché of the Embassy of Iraq, noted India’s rising popularity among Iraqi patients, indicating that India has become a sought-after destination for medical procedures.

Emerging Wellness Destinations in India

The summit highlighted wellness centers like Atmantan Wellness Centre, which have set benchmarks in integrative healing, attracting both domestic and international guests. Their personalized Ayurveda, yoga, and detox programs showcase India’s growing stature as a wellness destination, complemented by esteemed institutes like Hind Institute of Medical Sciences and SUT Pattom that are recognized for their multispecialty services and commitment to clinical excellence.

In conclusion, the insights shared at the Heal India Summit reinforce the importance of establishing a unified policy framework. By fostering collaboration with neighboring countries, emphasizing quality care, and aligning traditional and modern therapeutic practices, India is positioned to enhance its appeal in the global medical tourism market.

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