India has gained global recognition for its expanding medical tourism sector, thanks to its focus on high-end surgical procedures such as cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and orthopaedic treatments. According to the January 2025 Tourism Watch Quarterly Report by the World Bank Group, government initiatives like the e-Medical Visa and the ‘Heal in India’ campaign have significantly contributed to the country’s appeal as a healthcare destination. In 2023 alone, India welcomed 476,000 international patients—placing it among the top medical tourism destinations worldwide.
To capitalize on the sector’s growth, the World Bank’s Jobs Accelerator program is collaborating with the Tamil Nadu government to enhance both its healthcare and tourism industries. Plans are underway to create a dedicated institution that will promote medical tourism, encourage collaboration between public and private players, support international marketing efforts, and improve access to global health insurance networks.
The report highlights medical tourism as a key economic opportunity for middle-income nations, given its potential to create employment and attract foreign currency. Patients who travel for medical care tend to spend significantly more than regular tourists, often traveling with family members, thereby increasing the overall economic impact. Additionally, investment in medical tourism often leads to improved local healthcare services and boosts a country’s global competitiveness in the health sector.
From 2013 to 2023, the demand for medical travel has more than doubled, while international spending on health-related tourism rose by 70%. Countries like India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico have successfully positioned themselves in this growing market by offering specialized and affordable healthcare services, the report concludes.
