Over 18.11 lakh foreign nationals visited India for medical tourism during 2023-25: Govt

India welcomed more than 1.81 million foreign nationals for medical tourism between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025, the government informed the Lok Sabha. This figure highlights the country's growing prominence as a destination for medical and wellness travel.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, described the medical tourism sector as "a rapidly growing sector having immense global potential." The government is supporting this growth through coordinated initiatives involving various ministries, trade bodies, and private hospitals. Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicates that the total number included 1,751,088 individuals on Medical Visas (including E variants) and 56,908 on Medical Attendant Visas (including E variants), alongside smaller numbers on AYUSH and AYUSH Attendant Visas.

To further facilitate medical travel, the Ministry of Home Affairs has enhanced the e-Medical visa. Its validity has been extended from 60 days to one year, with the number of permitted entries increased from three to multiple entries. This e-Visa facility is now available to nationals of 176 countries. Dedicated e-AYUSH visa categories have also been introduced to support traditional Indian wellness treatments.

The government also ensures expedited processing for emergency medical visas through Indian Missions abroad. Indian Embassies and Consulates provide helpline numbers for such cases, underscoring a commitment to making medical travel to India accessible and efficient. The Ministry of Tourism leads the promotion of medical and wellness tourism, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare coordinating stakeholder efforts.

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the medical tourism sector is a rapidly growing sector having immense global potential