India Should Capitalise On Global Trust To Emerge As The Hub For Medical Tourism

Treatment costs in India are about one-fourth of those in the U.S., without compromising on quality. If strategically strengthened, patients will increasingly choose India over competitors like Thailand, Singapore, China, and Japan, which are also vying for medical tourists

Recently, Britain’s King Charles visited India on a private trip with his wife Queen Camilla. During their three-day stay, they stayed at a modern holistic health centre near Bengaluru, where they participated in yoga and meditation sessions, and yoga therapy. This illustrates that everyone from the global elite, ordinary patients to royalty is realising the benefits of seeking treatment from India’s modern doctors and traditional healing methods to maintain good health and youthfulness.

In recent years, India has become a preferred destination for patients seeking treatment for heart diseases, bone disorders, kidney and liver transplants, dental care, cancer and even conditions deemed incurable.

Patients are coming not only from South Asian countries but also from Africa, Central Asia, Gulf nations and even the western in the millions every year.

Alongside affordable and successful modern medical treatments, traditional Indian healing methods such as ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, dietetics, and millet-based therapies are gaining popularity among foreign patients. For instance, the daughter of Kenya's former prime minister, Raila Odinga, regained her vision after receiving treatment at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital in Ernakulam. This success led to a significant rise in patients from East Africa seeking ayurvedic treatments in India.

During my frequent travels to Dehradun, I often encounter foreign tourists—men and women of all ages and professions—on flights and trains. Many of them are headed to ashrams or health centres in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun for stays ranging from two weeks to three months. Their length of stay and the cost—often equivalent to or exceeding luxury five-star hotel rates—depend on the severity of their condition and the treatment required.

In addition to traditional treatments, modern hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh are drawing a large number of international patients seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance. Plastic surgeons report seeing dozens of foreign patients each month for treatments such as burn injury repair, hair transplants, and skin-tightening procedures. This trend represents a golden opportunity for India to attract more foreign patients.

Medical tourism not only earns valuable foreign exchange but also supports local economies, as patients often arrive with caretakers, who stay in hotels for weeks or months together. Indian expatriates are also increasingly returning home for affordable and high-quality medical care.

The country’s edge lies in offering top-tier pre-and post-surgical care at a fraction of the cost of similar services in Europe or the U.S. Cosmetic surgeons in India treat patients seeking procedures like fat reduction and skin tightening, as aging and environmental factors accelerate skin issues. With growing awareness of beauty treatments, both men and women are increasingly opting for cosmetic and surgical solutions.

Globally, millions of cosmetic surgeries are performed annually, with the U.S. being a leader in this sector. While initially popular among women, plastic surgery is now equally common among men. Broadly, plastic surgery can be divided into two categories: cosmetic surgery, which enhances appearance, and reconstructive surgery, which repairs damage from injuries, illnesses or birth defects.

Boasting of highly qualified medical professionals, advanced equipment, and cost-effective treatments, India is well-positioned to take a giant leap in medical tourism. Treatment costs in India are about one-fourth of those in the U.S., without compromising on quality. If strategically strengthened, patients will increasingly choose India over competitors like Thailand, Singapore, China, and Japan, which are also vying for medical tourists.

Medical tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry globally. To secure a larger share, India must develop internationally accredited hospitals and clinics, provide specialized care in fields like cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and transplantation and embrace telemedicine and digital healthcare services.

The country’s millet-based therapies also offer a unique edge. Padma Shri awardee Dr. Khadar Vali claims that millet can cure even the most severe illnesses within six weeks to six months without any medication. Such unique approaches, along with robust policy support from the government, can further elevate India’s medical tourism potential.

Marketing campaigns, patient-centric packages, visa facilitation, language translation services, and accommodation arrangements can make India a more attractive destination for international patients.

The figures speak for themselves—14 lakh foreign patients came for treatment in 2022. To meet the ambitious target of attracting one crore international patients annually by 2030, world-class healthcare services and bolstering specific areas of expertise must be ensured.

With proper planning and execution, India can establish itself as a global hub for medical tourism.

(The writer is a former MP, senior editor and columnist)