Unified Policy Crucial for Advancing Medical Tourism in India

Experts from the medical sector call for a singular platform to enhance medical tourism in India. Dr. Sunil Khetarpal, Director of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), states: “A unified national policy is essential to provide a standardized experience for international patients. India’s medical tourism sector is highly fragmented, with six ministries and multiple sectors involved.”

A unified national policy is essential to provide a standardized experience for international patients. India’s medical tourism sector is highly fragmented, with six ministries and multiple sectors involved.

Dr. Khetarpal elaborated during the ‘Transforming Medical Tourism: Policies, Standards, and the Power of Innovation’ session at the “Heal in India - Medical and Wellness Tourism Summit 2025” organized by FHRAI, stressing the necessity for policy frameworks akin to NABH and aligning with international standards such as the German TIMO model, applicable across 14 nations.

Dr. Atul Kochhar, CEO, emphasized that medical tourists prioritize quality treatment, successful outcomes, and memorable experiences. He stated, “To truly capitalize on medical tourism, we must elevate standards for all patients, regardless of their origin, establishing India as a trusted healthcare destination.”

To truly capitalize on medical tourism, we must elevate standards for all patients, regardless of their origin, establishing India as a trusted healthcare destination.

Prof. M. Bajpai, Vice President of the National Board of Examinations, noted the vital need for patient-centered systems. He highlighted that timely and accessible emergency care should be prioritized. He also advocated for a unified electronic medical record system to ensure seamless care and transparency and emphasized strategic outreach to SAARC countries through partnerships and telemedicine.

Madhusudan Chauhan, CEO of Jiva Ayurveda, elucidated the need to define the role of AYUSH in medical tourism clearly, stressing that therapies must be supported by measurable outcomes to meet global demands for evidence-based care.

Dr. Aashish Chowdhary, Managing Director of Aakash Healthcare, commended Indian doctors for their skills and resilience: “Despite challenges, our medical professionals consistently achieve outstanding results, expertly managing complex cases, including revision surgeries.”

Despite challenges, our medical professionals consistently achieve outstanding results, expertly managing complex cases, including revision surgeries.

The summit featured international insights, including discussions by H.E. Mr. Aruńkoemar Hardien from Suriname’s Embassy and Lalatiana Accouche from Seychelles, who expressed interest in collaboration with Indian healthcare providers.

Dr. Mohammed Hashim Hasoun Al-Jefery from Iraq noted India’s increasing popularity among Iraqi patients, alongside contributions from centers like Atmantan Wellness Centre offering personalized wellness programs. The successful organization of the summit is attributed to partners such as Atmantan Wellness Centre, Shekhar Hospital, and Sree Uthradam Thirunal (SUT) Hospital.