Government to set up regional medical hubs to boost medical value tourism

The Union Budget 2026-27 has unveiled a major push to position India as a global hub for Medical Value Tourism (MVT) . The Government plans to establish five Regional Medical Hubs, integrating healthcare services, research, and education while promoting India’s traditional medicine systems through AYUSH.

Medical Value Tourism refers to travelling abroad to receive affordable, high-quality medical care , often combined with wellness, rehabilitation, and holistic therapies. India has emerged as a preferred destination due to its skilled medical professionals, modern hospitals, competitive treatment costs, and traditional systems like Ayurveda and Yoga . Several foreigners visit India specifically for low-cost, good-quality healthcare , whether it is advanced surgeries, specialised treatments, or preventive wellness programmes.

A significant share of India’s medical tourism is also driven by Ayurveda-based therapies and wellness care. In states like Kerala, nearly 60–70 per cent of international health tourists opt for Ayurvedic treatments, detox programmes, and holistic healing, highlighting the growing global appeal of India’s traditional medicine alongside modern healthcare.

These hubs are designed as all-in-one healthcare complexes , offering treatment for both domestic and international patients. They will combine modern medicine with traditional therapies, along with wellness, rehabilitation, and post-treatment care. Each hub will also have facilitation centres to help international patients with appointments, travel, insurance, and accommodation, making medical visits smooth and convenient.

In addition to patient care, the hubs will support education and research , training doctors, AYUSH practitioners, and allied health professionals, while strengthening India’s medical workforce. They are also expected to generate employment and boost the local economy through healthcare, tourism, and allied industries.

The Budget highlights the growing global demand for AYUSH products, benefiting farmers and youth engaged in cultivation and processing of medicinal plants. To strengthen the sector, the Government proposes three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories, and enhancement of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Jamnagar .

By combining modern healthcare with India’s traditional wellness systems, these measures aim to enhance patient experience, attract international visitors, and establish India as a trusted destination for holistic, evidence-based healthcare .