India aims for 10 million medical tourists via new five-point plan

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has introduced a five-point action plan to strengthen India’s medical value tourism ecosystem. Speaking at the Sanjeevani 2026 inauguration during the India Health Global Expo 2026, Goyal stated that the country should aim to target 10 million tourists annually seeking high-quality medical services.

The proposed plan focuses on several key pillars:

First, developing a skilled workforce through training and certification to meet international healthcare standards. Second, encouraging more hospitals to join the ‘Heal in India’ gateway by offering transparent and ethical treatment packages.

Third, urging insurers and health-tech companies to create seamless platforms for patient journeys, including easier reimbursement and cashless payments. Fourth, expanding the use of teleconsultation and telemedicine. Finally, the plan emphasizes global outreach and ensuring that only hospitals verified and empanelled by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) are permitted to treat international patients to maintain global credibility.