India records over 1.3 lakh medical tourists in 2025

New Delhi, Aug 7: India received 1,31,856 foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes during the first four months of 2025, constituting about 4.1% of total FTAs during this period, according to information shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Minister informed the House that the Government is actively working to position India as a leading hub for medical and wellness tourism, under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, with efforts spanning infrastructure development, visa facilitation, and promotional outreach.

While state governments and Union Territories are primarily responsible for developing and promoting medical tourism at the local level, the Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts through various schemes aimed at enhancing India’s visibility as a global healthcare destination.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which coordinates the broader medical tourism ecosystem, continues to strengthen the sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) involving hospitals, industry associations, and trade bodies. The ecosystem also includes facilitators, hotels, airlines, and regulatory bodies.

To facilitate easier access for international patients, the Government of India has extended e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa facilities to nationals of 171 countries, significantly easing travel for medical purposes.