More than 18.11 lakh foreign nationals visited India on medical tourism-related visas between 2023 and 2025, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighting the country's growing reputation as a global destination for affordable healthcare and wellness services.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said medical tourism is a rapidly expanding sector with significant global potential and is being supported through coordinated efforts by various ministries, industry bodies and private healthcare providers.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 18,11,950 foreign nationals travelled to India on medical tourism-related visas between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025.
The figure includes 17,51,088 Medical Visa and e-Medical Visa holders, 56,908 Medical Attendant and e-Medical Attendant visa holders, 3,375 AYUSH Visa and e-AYUSH Visa holders, and 579 AYUSH Attendant Visa holders.
The government said the Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for promoting medical and wellness tourism, while the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare supports the sector through consultations and coordination with stakeholders, including NATHEALTH, FICCI, and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC).
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To make medical travel more convenient, India has expanded several visa-related facilities. The validity of the e-Medical Visa has been extended from 60 days to one year, while the number of permitted entries has been increased from three to multiple entries. The e-Medical Visa facility is now available to nationals of 176 countries.
The government also said emergency visa services are available through Indian Missions and Posts abroad. Medical and AYUSH visas are processed on a priority basis in emergency cases, subject to prescribed conditions. Indian embassies and consulates have also set up helpline numbers to assist patients seeking urgent medical travel.
In addition, the Centre has introduced dedicated e-AYUSH (M3) and e-AYUSH Attendant (M4) visa categories under the e-Visa regime to facilitate travel for traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
The government said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening India's position as a preferred global hub for medical and wellness tourism by improving access, simplifying visa procedures and enhancing support services for international patients.
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