Kerala Medical Value Travel Vision 2030

Kerala has consistently led India in healthcare, holding the top spot in NITI Aayog’s Health Index for four consecutive years (2017-2020). This reflects its robust health system, emphasising universal health coverage, comprehensive primary care, and effective disease control. The state boasts the highest life expectancy in India, averaging around 75 years, with women living up to 78 years, comparable to developed nations. Significant improvements in maternal and child health are evident, with the dropping Maternal Mortality Ratio and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).

Kerala Healthcare Delivery System comprises of Traditional Medicine System Sector along with Allopathy which plays an important role in creating an integrated health system. AYUSH system Kerala is mostly dominated by Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy. The Traditional Medicine System, dominated by Ayurveda plays a pivotal role in Kerala's healthcare landscape. In modern times, when Ayurveda and naturopathy are gaining popularity across the western countries, Kerala is emerging as a leader and a hub for medical tourism due to presence of state's rich biodiversity, coupled with centuries-old practices followed in Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems.

This paper outlines key areas of focus for developing Kerala as a global destination for medical value travel with an integrated healthcare system approach of modern medicine and traditional medicine, leveraging public-private sector partnerships, grass root level innovative practices, and interventions that have contributed to its success of become an ultimate destination for MVT by 2030.