Did Over 1.3 Lakh Foreign Tourists Visit India for Medical Reasons by April?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable surge, over 130,000 foreign tourists traveled to India for medical services by April, showcasing the country's growing reputation in wellness tourism. This trend highlights the increasing interest from nations such as Bangladesh and Iraq, alongside significant government initiatives aimed at further boosting this sector.
Key Takeaways
- Over 130,000 foreign tourists visited India for medical reasons by April.
- Medical tourism in India is valued at $9 billion.
- India is ranked number 10 in the Global Medical Tourism Index.
- The government has extended medical visa facilities to 171 countries.
- Initiatives like ‘Heal in India’ aim to boost this sector.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Over 130,000 foreign tourists traveled to India for medical reasons until April, as disclosed by the Centre in Parliament on Thursday.
In a written statement, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the initiatives undertaken to enhance India's standing in the global wellness tourism sector.
"The total count of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes in India during 2025 (up to April) is 131,856," remarked Shekhawat.
He noted that this figure represents roughly 4.1 percent of the total FTAs for this period.
Moreover, he revealed that the FTAs for medical purposes have been on the rise over the last five years, predominantly from countries like Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Oman, and Uzbekistan.
“From 180,000 in 2020, the FTAs for medical reasons surged to 640,000 in 2024,” Shekhawat stated. However, there was a slight decline in 2024 compared to 2023, with 2023 recording 650,000 foreign tourists.
“The medical tourism ecosystem includes various service providers, facilitators, hospitals, commercial entities such as hotels and airlines, regulatory bodies, and government institutions,” Shekhawat explained.
Earlier this year, the Union Budget introduced a ‘Heal in India’ initiative in collaboration with the private sector to promote medical tourism in the nation.
“The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is taking effective steps to enhance capacity through Public Private Partnerships for the promotion of ‘Heal in India’, involving hospitals, public associations, and trade organizations,” Shekhawat elaborated.
Additionally, to ease the process for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India, the government has extended the e-medical visa/e-medical attendant visa facility to citizens of 171 countries.
Visa procedures have been streamlined for patients pursuing treatment in India, aiming to boost the nation’s medical tourism sector.
Medical tourism in India is valued at approximately $9 billion, with India positioned at number 10 on the Global Medical Tourism Index.
The nation has experienced significant progress in medical tourism over the past year, particularly with the growing popularity of the AYUSH system (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
In 2023, the government implemented medical visa provisions to facilitate the entry of international tourists seeking health and wellness treatments in India.
This has led to notable growth in medical tourism, with around 123 regular Ayush visas and 221 e-Ayush visas granted to foreigners seeking treatment in India between July 2023 and December 2024, as reported by the Ministry.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of medical tourism in India’s economic growth and international reputation. The government's proactive measures, such as the 'Heal in India' campaign and simplified visa processes, are commendable steps towards enhancing our capabilities in this sector. This aligns with our commitment to providing quality healthcare on a global scale.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of foreign tourists visiting India for medical purposes?
As of April 2025, over 131,856 foreign tourists visited India for medical services.
Which countries contribute the most to medical tourism in India?
The primary contributors to medical tourism in India include Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Oman, and Uzbekistan.
What initiatives has the Indian government taken to promote medical tourism?
The Indian government has launched the ‘Heal in India’ initiative and simplified visa processes for foreign patients.
How much is medical tourism in India estimated to be worth?
The medical tourism sector in India is estimated to be around $9 billion.
What is India's position on the Global Medical Tourism Index?
India ranks at number 10 on the Global Medical Tourism Index.
