Piyush Goyal sets 10-million target for medical value tourism

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has set a target of 10 million medical tourists per year for India, during the opening of the Sanjeevani 2026 event at Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 in New Delhi. Goyal highlighted the need for improved participation from hospitals, trained caregivers, and seamless patient journeys in order to expand India's healthcare services globally.

He outlined a five-point action plan to strengthen India's medical value tourism ecosystem, positioning the country as a global healthcare gateway. Firstly, Goyal emphasized the importance of training and certifying caregivers to provide healthcare to international standards. Secondly, he called for more hospitals to join the 'Heal in India' gateway and publish transparent treatment packages.

Thirdly, he stressed the need for a seamless patient journey, encouraging insurers and health-tech companies to develop products and platforms that facilitate timely reimbursements and cashless payments. Teleconsultation and telemedicine could also play a significant role in the medical value tourism journey. Fourthly, Goyal proposed exhibitions and presentations in various countries around the world, as well as facilitators and tie-ups with global hospitals.

He stated that patients should only be treated at NABH-accredited, verified, and panelled hospitals. Lastly, he suggested that states should focus on quality in hospitals and wellness centers, expand their networks, and make high-quality facilities visible globally. Goyal also suggested creating a pool of interpreters for international patients speaking different languages, which would improve communication and build patient confidence.

He emphasized that healthcare standards should remain uniform for both Indian and foreign patients, and not discriminate based on socioeconomic status. India's clinical excellence, advanced technologies, and lower healthcare costs compared to developed countries make it an attractive destination for medical tourists. Over the past seven years, around 3.5 million patients have benefited from India's medical value tourism ecosystem, and Goyal aims to serve 10 million patients annually.

According to Goyal, India's pharmaceutical industry, medtech sector, diagnostics, and traditional systems of medicine can collectively contribute to the sector's growth. He urged stakeholders to prioritize quality, professional integrity, and ethical practices in healthcare certification and expansion.