By MTT Editorial Team
India’s position as a global healthcare hub is getting stronger by the day. Between January and April 2025 alone, the country saw 1,31,856 foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) for medical treatment—making up 4.1% of all foreign visitors during this period. The figures, revealed by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, highlight a steady surge in medical travel to India.
Bangladesh Leads the Pack
For five years running, Bangladesh has been India’s top source of medical tourists, sending a remarkable 4,82,336 visitors in 2024. Other major contributors include Iraq (32,008), Somalia (11,717), Oman (10,431), and Uzbekistan (8,921). The growth has been nothing short of dramatic—rising from 1,82,945 medical arrivals in 2020 to 6,44,387 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
A Joint Effort to Strengthen the Sector
While state governments and Union Territories spearhead the promotion of medical tourism, the central government plays a vital supporting role through schemes and policy measures. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is pushing the ‘Heal in India’ campaign, designed to unite hospitals, facilitators, hotels, airlines, and regulatory bodies into a world-class medical tourism ecosystem through strong public–private partnerships.
Making Access Easier
India has further simplified the process for overseas patients by extending e-medical visas and e-medical attendant visas to citizens of 171 countries—cutting down barriers for those seeking treatment.
Gujarat: A State-Level Success Story
One standout example is Gujarat, which is actively positioning itself on the wellness tourism map. The state is registering wellness retreats on its official tourism portal, promoting them on social media, and supporting their participation in health-focused trade events. It is also arranging familiarization trips for industry stakeholders, showcasing its medical facilities abroad, and training paramedical professionals to raise service quality. From global exhibitions to high-profile wellness conferences, Gujarat is taking its healthcare expertise to the world stage.
With its expanding infrastructure, international connectivity, and reputation for high-quality, cost-effective care, India’s medical tourism sector is set for even greater growth in the years ahead—welcoming patients not just for treatment, but for an experience that blends healing with hospitality.