India’s medical value travel (MVT) sector is projected to cross USD 13 billion by 2026, up from USD 6 billion in 2022, reflecting the country’s rising position in the global healthcare landscape, according to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture.
Addressing the 6th edition of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards, organised during Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) 2026, Shekhawat said the growth underscores India’s ability to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare supported by internationally accredited institutions and experienced medical professionals.
He added that medical value travel reflects India’s long-standing philosophy of healing with compassion and inclusivity. “Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India aims to strengthen its standing as a trusted global hub for healthcare and wellness,” he said. “Patients now choose India not only for cost benefits but for clinical excellence, timely access and integration of modern medicine with traditional wellness systems.”
Shekhawat noted that initiatives such as Heal in India, simplified visa procedures, and the development of medical and wellness hubs are central to the government’s approach to improving access and ensuring patient confidence.
Sudhanshu Pandey (Retd.), Election Commissioner for the Union Territories and Jury Chair of the Awards, said the next phase of sectoral growth will require institutional maturity and data transparency. “Sustained leadership in medical value travel will depend not only on clinical outcomes but also on documentation, compliance and systemic reliability,” he said.
Dr Raajiv Singhal, Chair of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee and MD & Group CEO of Marengo Asia Healthcare, said collaboration between government, hospitals and facilitators is critical for maintaining India’s competitive edge. Kabiir Khattar, Associate Vice President, EY, noted the importance of strengthening governance and compliance standards for long-term credibility.
The FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards 2026 recognised hospitals, AYUSH institutions, wellness providers and facilitators contributing to the sector’s development.
The event highlighted the shift in India’s healthcare travel from a cost-driven market to a structured global ecosystem focusing on quality, reliability and patient-centric care.
