India Aims to Be Global Medical Hub by 2035 | Heal in India Report

‘Heal in India’ Vision Unveiled to Position India as the World Leader in Medical & Wellness Tourism

New Delhi, July 19, 2025 – India took a decisive step toward establishing itself as a global medical and wellness tourism powerhouse with the launch of the landmark report “Heal in India: Catalysing Medical and Wellness Tourism for a Healthier Global Future”. Released jointly by the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and KPMG in India, the report outlines an ambitious strategy to transform the country into the most trusted destination for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by 2035.

National Strategy Anchored in Modern Medicine and Traditional Healing

Presented during the Heal in India 2025 Medical & Wellness Tourism Summit, the report details a unified vision blending India’s cutting-edge clinical infrastructure with its ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma.

Organized by FHRAI, the summit’s theme, “Unlocking the Potential of Medical & Wellness Tourism,” brought together policymakers, healthcare leaders, wellness experts, and hospitality stakeholders under one roof.

Inaugural Address by Shri Suman Billa, IAS

Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, delivered the keynote address.

“India must build a global movement for medical and wellness tourism,” Mr. Billa stated. “This sector is a vital pillar in achieving a $3 trillion tourism economy. But beyond growth, we must earn global trust by combining competence with compassion and care.”

He emphasized the need to expand world-class healthcare services beyond Tier 1 cities to smaller towns and clusters. “We must ensure all stakeholders—from hospitals to hotels—are integrated into a safe, trusted, and patient-centric ecosystem.”

Ayurveda’s Global Role Highlighted by Dr. Manoj Nesari

Dr. Manoj Nesari, Chief Medical Officer (Ayurveda), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, underlined India’s immense potential in traditional medicine.

“Ayurveda isn’t just heritage—it’s a global wellness brand in the making,” he said, noting the government’s ongoing push to integrate Yoga and Ayurveda as mainstream wellness offerings worldwide.

Hospitality Sector Pledges Support

Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, FHRAI, opened the summit with a compelling statement:

“Heal in India is more than healthcare—it’s nation branding. As custodians of hospitality, we aim to integrate care with culture and comfort with credibility.”

Mr. Rahool Macarius, Market MD for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, echoed this sentiment during his vote of thanks, asserting the industry’s readiness to deliver culturally sensitive service excellence to international patients.

Report Insights: India’s Rising Medical Tourism Trajectory

Mr. Someswara Koundinya, Director, KPMG India (Tourism & Sports Practice), presented the report as a “call to action,” highlighting:

• India’s cost advantage amidst rising global healthcare costs and long waiting periods in Western nations.

• Integration of modern medical excellence with traditional wellness practices.

• Use of digital platforms and AI (ABDM, health tech) to enhance patient experiences.

“With the right policies and global outreach, India can lead not just in curing illness but in promoting holistic well-being,” Mr. Koundinya said.

Global Footprint: Where India Stands

• India currently attracts 2+ million medical tourists from over 75 countries annually.

• In 2024 alone, over 463,000 medical visas were issued.

• India competes with Thailand, Turkey, South Korea, and Malaysia—but stands out due to affordability, traditional healing, and digital innovation.

Key Data Highlights from the Report

2024 Medical Visa Issuance:

463,725 visas issued — major inflows from Bangladesh, GCC nations, Africa, and even US/UK/Canada.

Strategic Roadmap: Heal in India Mission Recommendations

1. Launch Central & State-Level “Heal in India” Missions for better coordination.

2. Create region-specific healthcare clusters:

   • Kerala for Ayurveda

   • Delhi NCR for Advanced Care

   • Maharashtra for Multispecialty Excellence

3. Capacity Building:

   • Train global-standard facilitators

   • Multilingual support in hospitality and healthcare

4. Tier II/III Infrastructure Expansion:

   • SEZ-style hubs through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

5. Global Outreach & Branding:

   • Promote India as a healing destination through embassies, expos, and digital campaigns.

6. Encourage Investment:

   • FDI reforms, tax incentives, health-tech innovation grants

India’s Unique Edge: From Treatment to Transformation

Esteemed panelists like Prof. Minu Bajpai (National Board of Examinations) and Dr. Blossom Kochhar (Integrative Healing Expert) emphasized that India’s appeal lies not just in treating diseases—but in offering transformational healing experiences.

Conclusion: India’s Healthcare Diplomacy Enters a New Era

The Heal in India initiative signals a shift from transactional treatment to transformational healthcare—with India poised to emerge as the Healing Capital of the World. With integrated care, global best practices, and deep-rooted traditions, India’s blueprint is now clear: to heal the world, the Indian way.