Medical Tourism gets a boost
In the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman placed a clear spotlight on Medical Value Tourism (MVT), positioning it as a high-potential growth engine for India’s economy, employment generation and global healthcare leadership.
To strengthen India’s standing as a preferred global healthcare destination, the government announced a scheme to support States in establishing five Regional Medical Hubs, in partnership with the private sector. These hubs will function as integrated healthcare ecosystems, bringing together advanced medical services, education and research under one umbrella.
The role of AYUSH
Each hub will house AYUSH centres, Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres, and comprehensive infrastructure for diagnostics, post-treatment care and rehabilitation. Designed to deliver end-to-end healthcare experiences for international and domestic patients alike, the initiative is also expected to create diverse employment opportunities for doctors, allied health professionals and skilled healthcare workers.
The Budget further reinforced the role of AYUSH in India’s medical tourism proposition. Building on the global recognition of Yoga and the post-pandemic resurgence of Ayurveda, the government announced the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, alongside the upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to strengthen certification standards and skill availability.
Additionally, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar will be upgraded to enhance evidence-based research, training and global awareness, cementing India’s leadership in traditional medicine.
Together, these measures signal a focused, long-term approach to making India a global hub for integrated, credible and employment-rich medical tourism.
