The Union Finance Budget, presented last week by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, included significant initiatives aimed at promoting health tourism. In line with this, the Kerala government is gearing up to launch a global campaign to showcase the state’s potential as a leading destination for health tourism.
While presenting the 2025-26 state budget in the assembly on Friday, Kerala’s Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal announced that ₹50 crore has been allocated for this campaign. “Kerala has the potential to emerge as the country’s health tourism hub. To capitalize on this, the state government will conduct an international campaign highlighting Kerala’s strengths in the sector,” he stated.
The Union government’s focus on medical tourism, including the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, aims to collaborate with the private sector, strengthen infrastructure, and simplify visa procedures, making it easier for foreign patients to seek treatment in India. This initiative presents an opportunity for Kerala to further develop its medical tourism industry.
The state’s new campaign could align with the Union government’s plans, creating a collaborative effort to maximize the sector’s growth.
Jose Pradeep, President of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), emphasized the benefits of the Union government’s budget proposals for Kerala, which is already a prominent player in medical tourism. “The central government should fulfill its commitments, and the state government must provide the necessary support to fully leverage the potential of medical tourism in Kerala,” he said.
