Medical Tourism Gets a Boost in India’s Budget 2025

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India has long been a preferred destination for medical travellers seeking high-quality treatment at competitive prices. With a well-established healthcare ecosystem, the country attracts patients worldwide for advanced procedures in cardiology, orthopaedics, oncology, and organ transplants.

The 2025 Union Budget underscores the significance of medical tourism, introducing strategic measures to strengthen its growth and further position India as a global healthcare hub.

Key Budgetary Highlights

Acknowledging the crucial role of healthcare in national progress, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹95,957.87 crore to enhance healthcare accessibility. A key focus is the “Heal in India” initiative, which expands medical value travel by fostering public-private partnerships. Alongside modern medical treatments, India’s traditional healing practices, including Ayurveda and Yoga, continue to draw international interest, reinforcing the country’s status as a comprehensive wellness destination.

Among the major announcements:

• Simplified medical visa policies to ease entry for international patients.

  
  

• Increased healthcare infrastructure funding to modernise hospitals and medical facilities.

  
  

• Tax incentives for institutions catering to medical tourists to encourage investment in patient care services.

  
  

• Establishment of 200 cancer daycare centres to improve accessibility to specialised treatments.

These measures are expected to significantly streamline patient experiences and enhance India’s reputation as a trusted healthcare provider.

The Impact on Medical Travellers

Recent reports indicate a consistent rise in medical tourism, with patient inflows growing by 33% in 2023. Experts project that over 700,000 international patients will seek treatment in India in 2024, a number set to increase further with the latest budgetary initiatives.

Easing visa restrictions and expediting approvals will make it more convenient for international patients to access life-saving treatments. Simultaneously, increased investment in hospital infrastructure and medical technology will improve the quality of care. The government’s emphasis on public-private collaboration is also expected to create a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem for foreign visitors.

Strengthening India’s Healthcare Industry

Positioning India as a global medical tourism leader will generate substantial economic benefits. The sector has witnessed robust growth, generating $7.4 billion between 2013 and 2023. Projections estimate that this figure could reach $43.5 billion by 2033, driven by increasing international patient footfall.

Enhanced funding for healthcare infrastructure will enable hospitals to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics and robotic-assisted surgeries. These advancements will improve patient outcomes and reinforce trust in India’s healthcare capabilities. Additionally, the growth of medical tourism will create new employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, hospitality, translation services, and logistics, benefiting the broader economy.

Advancing Medical Tourism: The Road Ahead

The 2025 Budget introduces pivotal measures to bolster medical tourism, yet further enhancements could accelerate its growth. Streamlined regulatory frameworks, reduced taxation on healthcare services, and structured policies to encourage private sector participation can contribute to a more sustainable and competitive medical tourism industry.

Conclusion

With its latest budget, India is taking significant strides toward cementing its position as a global healthcare powerhouse. By facilitating medical travel, improving healthcare infrastructure, and supporting innovation, the government is not only enhancing accessibility but also driving economic growth. As these policies take effect, India is poised to emerge as the most preferred destination worldwide for affordable, high-quality medical care.

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