India’s Medical Tourism Boom Fuels Unprecedented Foreign Arrivals in Early 2025
New Delhi, August 22, 2025 – India has solidified its status as a global healthcare powerhouse, with a remarkable surge in medical tourism driving 1,31,856 foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) for medical purposes from January to April 2025, accounting for 4.1% of total FTAs, according to the Ministry of Tourism. This unprecedented influx, reported by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Rajya Sabha address, underscores India’s growing appeal as a cost-effective, high-quality medical destination, with significant implications for Indo-Thai wellness collaborations.
The first four months of 2025 saw a diverse range of international patients flocking to India’s world-class hospitals, particularly in cities like Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, for treatments ranging from cardiac surgeries to advanced oncology procedures. Bangladesh led the charge with the highest number of medical tourists, followed by Iraq, Somalia, Oman, and Uzbekistan, reflecting a shift from traditional leisure tourism to specialized healthcare travel. The data marks a sharp rise from 2024’s total of 6,44,387 medical FTAs, a leap from the pandemic low of 1,82,945 in 2020, as per the Bureau of Immigration.
India’s edge lies in its blend of cutting-edge medical technology, internationally accredited facilities, and costs that are often a fraction of those in Western nations. For instance, a heart bypass surgery costing $144,000 in the U.S. is available for $5,200 in India, while a knee replacement, priced at $50,000 in the U.S., costs just $6,200 here. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has accredited nearly 1,600 facilities, including those offering AYUSH and dental care, enhancing India’s reputation for quality.
The government’s “Heal in India” initiative has been a game-changer, streamlining e-Medical Visas for citizens of 171 countries and promoting integrated wellness tourism. States like Gujarat are amplifying this momentum by registering wellness retreats and leveraging social media to attract global visitors. “India is not just a medical destination; it’s a holistic healing hub,” said Dr. Priya Menon, a healthcare consultant in Mumbai, noting the growing popularity of Ayurveda and yoga alongside conventional treatments.
For Thailand, a regional leader in medical tourism, India’s rise presents opportunities for collaboration. Joint ventures in wellness tourism, combining Thai massage therapies with Indian Ayurvedic practices, are gaining traction. “We’re seeing Thai hospitals and Indian wellness centers exploring partnerships to create cross-border healthcare packages,” said Arjun Sharma, director of a Delhi-based medical tourism agency.
The economic impact is significant, with the sector valued at $8.7 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $13 billion by 2026. This growth is spurring job creation and infrastructure development, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Ahmedabad, which are emerging as new medical hubs. However, challenges remain, including the need for seamless end-to-end care to compete with rivals like Thailand and Singapore.
As India continues to attract patients from across Asia, Africa, and beyond, the surge in medical tourism is not only boosting foreign exchange earnings but also fostering cultural and diplomatic ties, particularly with Thailand, as both nations redefine global healthcare travel.