Heal in India: Catalysing medical and wellness tourism for a healthier global future

"Heal in India: Catalysing medical and wellness tourism for a healthier global future” is a comprehensive thought leadership report developed by KPMG in India in collaboration with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). This report outlines a strategic roadmap to position India as a premier global destination for medical tourism and wellness tourism, leveraging the country’s unique strengths in both modern healthcare and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).

India’s healthcare ecosystem is rapidly evolving, offering a compelling blend of clinical excellence, cost-effective treatments, and holistic wellness experiences. The report highlights how the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, a sub-brand of the Incredible India campaign, is designed to integrate these strengths into a seamless, patient-centric journey for international medical travelers. With over 1,700 NABH-accredited hospitals, 63 JCI-accredited institutions, and a growing network of AYUSH wellness centers, India is well-positioned to meet the rising global demand for affordable, high-quality healthcare.

Key highlights of the report include:

Clinical excellence at affordable cost

Treatments in India cost up to 90 per cent less than in western countries. For example, complex surgeries like heart bypass are available at a fraction of global prices, making high-quality care widely accessible
Holistic wellness ecosystem

India integrates Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, and Naturopathy with modern medicine. With the wellness sector growing rapidly and the national vision targeting 100 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2047, medical and wellness travel is set to expand significantly
Accredited clinical infrastructure

India hosts a large number of nationally and internationally accredited hospitals, significantly enhancing the accessibility of high-quality medical care across major cities
E-medical visa and air connectivity

The AYUSH visa introduced in 2023 supports wellness travel. Improved air connectivity, with 50 international terminals reaching Tier-II and Tier-III cities, is expanding the reach of medical tourism beyond metro areas
Post-treatment care and telemedicine

Hospitals offer telemedicine and rehabilitation services. For example, India’s free e-Sanjeevani platform has delivered over 276 million consultations, helping bridge gaps in healthcare access
Patient rights and safety protocols

Patients are protected by strong legal frameworks ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and access to records. Medical data is safeguarded under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, along with supporting healthcare regulations
Digital integration

India is advancing through platforms like e-Sanjeevani and the upcoming ‘Heal in India’ portal, linking hospital records, visa systems, and multilingual support for a seamless patient experience
Infrastructure expansion through special economic zones

The Government of India is developing special economic zones and tourism hubs for medical and wellness travel. These zones aim to integrate advanced healthcare technologies with high-quality services, supported by incentives and streamlined regulations

Case studies from Kerala, Delhi NCR, and Maharashtra illustrate successful models of integrated care, showcasing how regional strengths can be leveraged to attract international patients. Kerala, for instance, is emerging as a global wellness hub with its Ayurvedic heritage, while Delhi NCR leads in organ transplants and advanced tertiary care. Maharashtra is focusing on multispecialty hospital chains and wellness integration to boost inbound medical tourism.

In conclusion, the “Heal in India” report serves as a strategic blueprint for transforming India into a trusted, inclusive, and digitally empowered destination for medical and wellness tourism. It aligns with national goals of economic growth, healthcare innovation, and global outreach, making India not just a place for treatment, but a sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation.