The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, inaugurated in Mumbai, has pushed India at the center of global medical tourism. The summit, mainly focused on “Global Synergy in Ayush: Expanding Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel, highlighted the India’s expertise in traditional healing practices and its rising influence in the healthcare tourism sector.

India’s Leadership in Health Tourism

Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in his opening speech, talked about the India’s leadership role in health tourism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. He focused on how India’s holistic approach to healthcare, which integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, has positioned the country as a global leader in wellness tourism. The country’s rich heritage in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (collectively known as Ayush) attracts thousands of international visitors annually.

Jadhav also stated that under the government’s initiatives, Ayush practices have gained significant recognition and are now integrated into major medical institutions like AIIMS and defense hospitals. The summit was a platform for showcasing how these traditional healing systems are now becoming an essential part of India’s healthcare framework.

Expansion and Growth of the Ayush Sector

The summit has given an insight on the tremendous growth of the Ayush sector. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, shared insights into the sector’s rapid expansion, revealing that the market size of the Ayush industry grew from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1 million in 2020, and reached $24 million in 2023. This growth reflects the escalating global demand for Ayush treatments and products.

Kotecha also spoke about the expansion of Ayush practices in international markets, noting that many countries are now recognizing the efficacy of traditional Indian medicine, which has contributed to the immense traction of India as a wellness destination.

Promoting Medical Value Travel

One of the key focuses of the summit was to highlight the importance of promoting Medical Value Travel (MVT) to attract international patients seeking Ayush treatments. Shri Jadhav emphasized that medical tourism can significantly contribute to India’s economy and create new opportunities for local businesses. He stressed that the collaboration between various stakeholders—government bodies, tourism departments, wellness centers, and insurance providers—will be essential for promoting Ayush-based medical tourism.

Furthermore, the government’s efforts to make these treatments more accessible were discussed, including the upcoming launch of the Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center, which will provide affordable traditional therapies to the public. The initiative, alongside the “Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan – Ghar Ghar Tak Ayurved” campaign, aims to reach one crore households and spread awareness about the benefits of Ayurveda.

Future for Ayush-Based Medical Tourism

The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 is a moment to talk about India’s journey toward becoming the leader in health and wellness tourism at a global level. By promoting Ayush treatments and integrating them with modern healthcare, India has the potential to meet the escalating global demand for natural and holistic healing.

With government initiatives aimed at improving access to Ayush treatments, combined with the growing recognition of these therapies internationally, India is well on its way to becoming a leading destination for Medical Value Travel. The future of Ayush and wellness tourism looks bright as more people worldwide seek natural and effective healthcare solutions.

Through such summits and collaborative efforts, India is reinforcing its position as a global hub for medical tourism and health and wellness travel.