LEAD NEWS : 1,31,856 FOREIGN TOURISTS HAVE ARRIVED IN INDIA FOR MEDICAL TOURISM FROM JANUARY TO APRIL 2025 SAYS GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKAWAT

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 7 AUGUST 2025

The total number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes in India during 2025 (up to April) is 1,31,856, which constitutes approximately 4.1% of the total FTAs during this period.

The top source countries accounting for medical tourist in India  in the last five years  are Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Oman, Uzbekistan.

Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including medical tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements the efforts of States/UTs by developing and promoting various tourism products of the country, including medical tourism through various schemes and initiatives.

As conveyed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the ecosystem for medical tourism includes a host of service providers, facilitators, hospitals, commercial agencies such as hotels and airlines, regulatory agencies and Government. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare takes appropriate measures for building capacity through Public Private Partnership for promoting ‘Heal in India’ including hospitals, public association and trade bodies etc.

Further, to facilitate the visit of foreign nationals to come to India for medical treatment, the Government of India has extended e-medical visa/e- medical attendant visa facility to nationals of 171 countries.

As informed by the State Government, Gujarat collaborates with regional wellness retreats by extending marketing and promotional support through the following initiatives:

• Registration of Gujarat-based wellness retreats on the official Tourism Department website.
• Participation in wellness-focused events, seminars, and exhibitions.
• Organising familiarisation (FAM) trips for industry stakeholders to wellness retreat centres.
• Promotion of wellness centres through the Tourism Department’s social media platforms.

Furthermore, Gujarat’s medical outreach contributes to India’s health diplomacy by actively promoting medical tourism through the following measures:

• Showcasing Gujarat’s healthcare infrastructure and medical expertise at the global level.
• Providing training to paramedical staff to enhance service quality for international patients.
• Participating in and hosting global health and wellness events, exhibitions, conferences, and seminars.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.