India Aims to Become the Leading Hub for Medical Tourism by 2035

India’s Vision for Healthcare Tourism

India aspires to solidify its position as a premier destination for medical and wellness tourism by the year 2035. This vast undertaking is captured in a newly unveiled report by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) in collaboration with KPMG. The report, presented at the Heal in India 2025 Summit, details an extensive roadmap targeting improvements in areas like infrastructure, trust-building, policy enhancements, and global outreach. This initiative has garnered support from notable industry figures, fostering a sense of collective ambition.

Key Components of the Initiative

• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing healthcare facilities and services to meet international standards.
• Building Trust: Cultivating patient confidence through quality care and transparency.
• Policy Support: Streamlining regulations to facilitate a smoother experience for medical tourists.
• Global Outreach: Promoting India as a global hub for medical treatments.

A Growing Market

Currently, India welcomes over two million medical tourists from across the globe each year, with 463,000 medical visas issued in 2024 alone. The potential for growth in this sector is immense, with market projections suggesting a jump from USD 18.2 billion in 2025 to an impressive USD 58.2 billion by 2035. This surge is propelled by India’s reputation for high-quality medical care at competitive prices, alongside its rich traditions of holistic therapies such as Ayurveda and Yoga.

Strengths of Indian Medical Tourism

1. Affordability: Treatment costs are significantly lower than in many developed countries.
2. Diversity: A wide range of services, from advanced surgeries to wellness therapies.
3. Expertise: Highly skilled medical professionals and state-of-the-art technology.

The Role of Key Stakeholders

During the Heal in India 2025 Summit, Suman Billa, an Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the need to expand beyond major cities. The goal is to foster inclusive healthcare that extends to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, thereby making healthcare accessible to a wider audience. This inclusivity is not only crucial for enhancing the patient experience but also for boosting local economies.

Involvement of Industry Leaders

Industry leaders are rallying behind this vision, highlighting the potential of medical tourism not just as a means of treatment but as a pathway to overall wellbeing. Representatives from various sectors reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts across healthcare, tourism, and hospitality sectors to achieve this ambitious goal.

Future Opportunities and Challenges

The report co-author, Someswara Koundinya, calls for a digital transformation to enhance India’s global outreach. He suggests building multilingual capacities and offering incentives for private investments, which could further establish India as a prominent healthcare hub.

As India positions itself at the forefront of global medical excellence, it is setting the stage for a renaissance in health and wellness tourism, with numerous implications for travel. This rising demand for transfers and taxi services catering specifically to medical tourists is an avenue that platforms like LocalsRide.com can capitalize on, ensuring travelers can enjoy seamless transportation solutions while accessing world-class healthcare.

Conclusion: Embracing the Shift

India’s vision of tripling its medical tourism revenue by 2035 signals a new chapter in the intersection of healthcare and travel. The initiative seeks to create a trusted ecosystem where international visitors can benefit from top-notch medical services combined with rich cultural experiences.

While reviews and feedback are enlightening, nothing compares to the personal experience of seeking medical care abroad. The convenience and affordability offered by platforms like LocalsRide.com empower potential travelers to make informed decisions without the burden of excessive costs or unforeseen disappointments. With an array of choices including the ability to choose specific vehicles and viewing detailed service ratings, LocalsRide ensures transparency in every booking.

For your next trip focusing on health and wellness, consider the unique offers from LocalsRide, providing hassle-free transport solutions aligned with global healthcare trends. Book your Ride with LocalsRide.com today and explore what the future of medical tourism holds!