Government to establish regional medical hubs to boost medical tourism
The Union Budget aims at positioning India as a global hub for Medical Value Tourism (MVT) and strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem with a focus on quality, research, employment generation and global outreach.
Welcoming the move, Shaaz Mehmood, Founder, Medijourn Solutions Private Limited, says, “I commend Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the Union Budget 2026–27 for recognising the strategic importance of medical tourism in India’s healthcare growth story. The announcement of five regional medical tourism hubs is a strong and timely step that will enhance India’s position as a global medical value travel destination. By integrating modern healthcare with AYUSH systems, diagnostics and rehabilitation, the budget lays the foundation for a more coordinated and patient-centric ecosystem. The emphasis on private sector participation and strengthening healthcare capacity will improve service delivery and scalability. While further policy support over time can accelerate global patient inflows, the budget clearly demonstrates a forward-looking approach to building a competitive and resilient medical tourism ecosystem that contributes to economic growth.”
India’s MVT sector has grown steadily over the years, and cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru are already well-positioned to scale as global healthcare destinations. With the right execution and private-sector partnership, this initiative can significantly strengthen India’s leadership in global medical tourism.
Regional Medical Hubs for Medical Value Tourism
To promote India as a preferred destination for medical tourism services, the Government has proposed to support States in establishing five Regional Medical Hubs, in partnership with the private sector. These hubs will function as integrated healthcare complexes, combining medical services, education and research facilities under one umbrella.
The proposed Medical Hubs will house AYUSH Centres, Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres, and advanced infrastructure for diagnostics, post-treatment care and rehabilitation. Besides enhancing patient experience for international and domestic visitors, these hubs are expected to generate diverse employment opportunities for healthcare professionals, including doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
The growing international demand for AYUSH products is also benefitting farmers cultivating medicinal plants and youth engaged in processing and value addition.
Key Budget Announcements for AYUSH
To further strengthen the AYUSH sector and meet global demand, the following initiatives have been proposed:
Setting up of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to expand quality education, clinical care and research.
Upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories to ensure higher standards of quality, certification and availability of skilled manpower.
Upgradation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Jamnagar, to bolster evidence-based research, training and global awareness in traditional medicine systems.
These initiatives reaffirm the Government’s commitment to integrating traditional wisdom with modern healthcare frameworks, enhancing India’s soft power, and establishing the country as a trusted global destination for holistic and evidence-based healthcare.
