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New Delhi, April 26, 2025: The Indian government is set to launch a comprehensive digital portal designed to solidify the nation’s position as a leading global destination for healthcare, Minister of State for Ayush and Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, announced on Friday.
Speaking at the FICCI’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) conference, Minister Jadhav outlined the vision for the new online platform. He stated that the portal aims to create a one-stop shop integrating various stakeholders, including hospitals, medical travel facilitators, travel agents, hotels, translators, and other essential support services.
“The goal is to enhance the overall patient experience, from treatment to travel arrangements and post-treatment care,” Jadhav explained, highlighting the platform’s focus on streamlining the journey for international patients seeking care in India.
This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen the MVT sector, also known as medical tourism. Plans include expanding the healthcare ecosystem beyond major metropolitan areas into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, making quality healthcare more accessible across the country. Furthermore, the government intends to bolster collaborations with private sector players to improve service delivery throughout the entire medical travel process.
During the conference, NITI Aayog member Prof Vinod K. Paul emphasized the need for deregulation within the sector and encouraged industry stakeholders to propose ways to lessen compliance burdens on healthcare facilities. “Visa facilitation plays a key role in the growth of medical value travel, highlighting the need for transparency and trust-building between countries,” Prof Paul remarked.
Addressing the rise of telemedicine, Prof Paul also pointed out the existing legal complexities involved in providing remote medical advice across international borders. He urged India, with its considerable expertise in telemedicine, to take a leading role in resolving these challenges.
Medical Value Travel refers to patients travelling internationally to access healthcare services, often driven by factors like high-quality care at lower costs, shorter waiting times, or the availability of specialized treatments not found in their home countries.
India’s MVT market is a significant contributor to the economy, valued at $7.69 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double to $14.31 billion by 2029. The country currently holds an 18 percent share of the global market and ranks 10th worldwide on the MVT index.
The upcoming digital portal is expected to be a crucial tool in further enhancing India’s healthcare offerings for international patients and promoting the diversity and quality of its medical services on a global scale.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding government plans and statements made at a conference as of April 25, 2025. Details regarding the portal’s specific features, launch timeline, and final implementation may evolve.
