Medical Tourism in India – UGC NET Geography – Notes

• Medical tourism in India refers to the practice of international patients traveling to India to receive medical, surgical, and wellness-related healthcare services. India has emerged as one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism due to its advanced medical infrastructure, availability of skilled healthcare professionals, cost-effective treatment options, and a wide range of medical specialties. The growth of medical tourism in India is closely linked to the expansion of private healthcare facilities, technological advancements in medicine, and supportive government policies.

Historical Development of Medical Tourism in India

• The development of medical tourism in India began in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the liberalization of the Indian economy and the expansion of private corporate hospitals. Improved international connectivity, growth of information technology, and rising healthcare costs in developed countries contributed to the increasing inflow of foreign patients. Initially, medical tourists primarily sought alternative therapies such as Ayurveda and yoga, but over time, the focus shifted toward modern medical procedures including cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, oncology treatment, and organ transplantation.