India’s medical tourism industry is poised for a remarkable expansion, projected to surge from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $58.2 billion by 2035, according to a new report released by KPMG in partnership with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Titled “Heal in India: Catalyzing Medical and Wellness Tourism for a Healthier Global Future,” the report was unveiled at the Heal in India 2025 Medical & Wellness Tourism Summit in New Delhi. It presents a strategic roadmap to position India as a premier destination for both medical and wellness tourism by integrating its world-class clinical infrastructure with its ancient healing systems including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).
The report highlights India’s global standing in the sector, currently ranked 10th on the Medical Tourism Index and 7th in wellness tourism. In 2024 alone, India issued over 463,000 medical visas, primarily to patients from Bangladesh, the GCC nations, and Africa. Nearly 2 million international patients from 75 countries travel to India annually, drawn by the country’s cost-effective treatments, which can be up to 90 percent cheaper than those in Western countries.
India’s healthcare appeal also lies in its holistic approach-seamlessly integrating modern medicine with wellness therapies. The country’s medical ecosystem is strengthened by its wide network of accredited institutions, including over 1,700 NABH-accredited hospitals and 63 JCI-accredited facilities. Additionally, the expansion of AYUSH wellness center’s, digital integration, telemedicine services, and supportive policies such as e-medical visas and improved connectivity to Tier II and III cities enhance its attractiveness.
The report also emphasizes the importance of leveraging regional strengths. For instance, Kerala is emerging as a global wellness destination rooted in its Ayurvedic tradition, Delhi NCR leads in advanced tertiary care and organ transplants, while Maharashtra is focusing on multispecialty hospital networks combined with wellness tourism. With a strong legal framework protecting patient rights and the development of medical SEZs and tourism hubs, India is strategically positioned to meet the growing global demand for high-quality, affordable healthcare and wellness experiences.
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