Doctors and healthcare industry leaders have lauded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision for medical tourism, as outlined in her Budget announcement on Saturday. “Medical Tourism and Heal in India will be promoted in partnership with the private sector along with capacity building and easier visa norms,” the Finance Minister said in her speech.
Hyderabad, one of India’s top medical tourism hubs, is expected to benefit significantly from this initiative. The Hindu spoke to doctors from leading private hospitals that attract thousands of international patients each year.
“Indian hospitals offer high-quality care with excellent outcomes at one-tenth of global prices,” said Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals. “What we need is better flight connectivity and more efficient visa processing. The government’s recognition of medical tourism’s potential and its proactive approach are commendable. This initiative could lead to a substantial increase in patient volumes. India also has advantages in human resources and pharmaceutical costs. For every dollar earned in direct medical treatment, approximately two dollars are generated through ancillary services.”
She highlighted key challenges, including visa delays, contrasting them with competitive medical-tourism countries like Thailand and Turkey, which offer visa-on-arrival and have direct flights to over 300 cities. “For example, Kenya has a direct flight to Mumbai but not to any other Indian city. We need daily direct flights connecting key destinations like Hyderabad and Chennai,” she added. She also noted that the initiative aligns with the Telangana Chief Minister’s vision of developing another medical city near Hyderabad airport.
Dr. Prashant Garg, Executive Chair of LV Prasad Eye Institute, underscored India’s growing reputation in global healthcare. “Our health system is on par with developed countries. The biggest challenge remains visa delays. Neighbouring countries will benefit immensely from this boost, strengthening India’s position as a medical hub. Hyderabad, with its cosmopolitan nature and diverse medical specialties, will reap immense benefits.”
Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director of the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), highlighted the current dominance of private agencies acting as intermediaries in medical tourism. “These middlemen derive significant monetary gains. With the government stepping in to facilitate the process, the reliance on private players will diminish, making medical tourism more accessible and transparent.”
“The success of Heal in India will depend on policies prioritising patient safety, transparent pricing, streamlined visa processes and internationally recognised accreditation. It is also crucial to ensure that this focus on medical tourism does not compromise access to quality healthcare for Indian citizens, particularly in areas such as fertility treatments, paediatric surgery and chronic paediatric conditions. A balanced approach that underscored excellence, accessibility and ethical practices can set a global benchmark for patient-centric healthcare,” said Dr. Krishna Prasad Rao Vunnam, Founder of Ankura Hospitals for Women and Children.
Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMS Hospitals, noted that the introduction of visa-on-arrival for medical tourists will further bolster India’s position as a global healthcare leader, benefiting both patients and the industry.
Applauding the Finance Minister’s budget, Dr. Gayatri Kamineni, Chief Operating Officer of Kamineni Hospitals, remarked, “The Budget propels India to the forefront of global medical tourism through the Heal in India initiative. A collaborative effort with the private sector will not only boost our economy but also provide world-class healthcare services to international patients. The emphasis on capacity building, streamlined visa norms and ease of travel will unlock immense potential, creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals, hospitals and allied industries, ultimately driving employment and economic growth.”
Published – February 01, 2025 09:01 pm IST
