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2 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
EconomySocial IssuesSocial IssuesNEWS

India Aims to Become Global Hub for Medical Tourism, Biopharma

Government announces measures to promote India as a hub for medical tourism.

India Aims to Become Global Hub for Medical Tourism, Biopharma

Photo by National Cancer Institute

On 01 February 2026, the Union Finance Minister announced major steps to promote India as a manufacturing hub for biopharmaceutical and ayurveda drugs. The government aims to position India as a global hub for medical tourism by establishing five Regional Medical Hubs across the country. These hubs will integrate medical services, education, and research, including AYUSH centers and Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centers. The hubs are expected to generate employment opportunities for healthcare professionals. The move aligns with the government's push to expand healthcare infrastructure and promote medical value travel. Three new branches of the All India Institute of Ayurveda will be established, and Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories will be upgraded. The World Health Organization's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Gujarat's Jamnagar will be upgraded to bolster research and training in traditional medicines. The government aims to embed Ayush within India's mainstream health, education, research, and economic frameworks, transitioning it into a globally competitive sector.

Key Facts

1.

Five Regional Medical Hubs to be established

2.

Three new All India Institute of Ayurveda branches

3.

WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre to be upgraded

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Health, Government Policies and Interventions

2.

GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure

3.

Connects to the syllabus through healthcare infrastructure development and promotion of traditional medicine

4.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the role of government in promoting medical tourism

Visual Insights

Proposed Regional Medical Hubs in India

This map shows the planned locations of the five Regional Medical Hubs across India, aimed at promoting medical tourism and integrating AYUSH systems.

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📍Gujarat
More Information

Background

The concept of medical tourism has ancient roots, with historical examples of people traveling to seek specialized treatments or benefit from specific climates. In ancient Greece, people visited the Asclepeia, temples dedicated to healing, seeking cures and divine intervention. Similarly, the Romans built thermal baths, like the Baths of Caracalla, which attracted people seeking therapeutic benefits. In India, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga have long attracted visitors seeking holistic wellness. The evolution of medical tourism has been shaped by advancements in transportation, communication, and medical technology. The rise of modern medical tourism can be traced to the late 20th century, driven by factors such as cost differentials, long waiting lists in developed countries, and the availability of specialized treatments in emerging economies. India's focus on promoting medical tourism aligns with its rich heritage in traditional medicine and its growing capabilities in modern healthcare. The establishment of institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the promotion of AYUSH systems reflect the country's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions. Government policies and initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory framework and promoting quality standards in the medical tourism sector.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on streamlining visa processes for medical tourists and creating accreditation standards for healthcare facilities. The National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board has been established to promote India as a preferred destination for medical value travel. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilient healthcare infrastructure and the need for robust public health systems. Stakeholders in the medical tourism sector include healthcare providers, travel agencies, insurance companies, and government agencies. There are ongoing debates about the ethical considerations of medical tourism, such as ensuring equitable access to healthcare for local populations and addressing potential quality concerns. The NITI Aayog has been actively involved in formulating strategies to promote medical tourism and enhance the competitiveness of the Indian healthcare sector. The future outlook for medical tourism in India is positive, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years. The government aims to leverage India's strengths in traditional medicine and modern healthcare to attract a larger share of the global medical tourism market. Upcoming milestones include the establishment of new medical hubs and the upgrading of existing healthcare facilities. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and marketing limitations need to be addressed to realize the full potential of India's medical tourism sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about India's aim to become a global hub for medical tourism and biopharma, relevant for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that the government aims to establish five Regional Medical Hubs and three new All India Institute of Ayurveda branches. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to promote medical tourism and biopharmaceutical manufacturing in India.

Exam Tip

Focus on the number of hubs and institutes. These are common areas for factual questions in Prelims.

2. What is the concept of 'Regional Medical Hubs' and why is it important for India?

Regional Medical Hubs are centers that integrate medical services, education, and research, including AYUSH centers and Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centers. They are important for India as they aim to position the country as a global hub for medical tourism and generate employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.

3. What are the recent developments related to India's push for medical tourism and biopharma?

Recent developments include the announcement of establishing five Regional Medical Hubs and upgrading Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories. Three new branches of the All India Institute of Ayurveda will also be established. These are government initiatives to promote India as a preferred destination for medical value travel.

4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of India becoming a global hub for medical tourism?

Becoming a global hub can boost the economy and create jobs. However, it could also strain existing healthcare resources and potentially raise costs for local citizens. Balancing these factors is crucial.

5. How does the establishment of Regional Medical Hubs impact common citizens in India?

The establishment of Regional Medical Hubs can improve access to specialized medical care and create employment opportunities. However, the focus on medical tourism might also lead to increased competition for resources, potentially affecting the affordability and availability of healthcare for local populations.

6. What is the historical background of medical tourism, and how does India's current approach compare?

Medical tourism has ancient roots, with examples like the Asclepeia in ancient Greece and the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. India's current approach involves modernizing healthcare infrastructure and integrating traditional medicine systems like AYUSH, aiming to offer a comprehensive and competitive medical tourism package.

7. What is AYUSH, and how is it being integrated into the medical tourism initiative?

AYUSH refers to Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The government plans to integrate AYUSH centers into the Regional Medical Hubs, promoting traditional medicine alongside modern medical practices to attract a wider range of medical tourists.

8. According to the announcement, what key steps are being taken to promote biopharmaceutical manufacturing in India?

The Union Finance Minister announced major steps to promote India as a manufacturing hub for biopharmaceutical and ayurveda drugs. Upgrading Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories is also a part of this initiative.

9. What are some potential reforms needed to ensure the success of India's medical tourism initiative?

Reforms could include streamlining visa processes for medical tourists, ensuring quality standards and accreditation for healthcare facilities, and strengthening the regulatory framework for AYUSH products and services. Also, investment in infrastructure is needed.

10. What is the significance of February 1, 2026, in the context of India's medical tourism and biopharma goals?

February 1, 2026, is the date when the Union Finance Minister announced major steps to promote India as a manufacturing hub for biopharmaceutical and ayurveda drugs and to position India as a global hub for medical tourism.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent government initiatives to promote medical tourism in India: 1. The government aims to establish five Regional Medical Hubs across the country. 2. These hubs will exclusively focus on modern medicine, excluding AYUSH centers. 3. The World Health Organization's Global Traditional Medicine Centre is located in Gujarat's Jamnagar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Union Finance Minister announced the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country to promote medical tourism. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: These hubs will integrate medical services, education, and research, including AYUSH centers. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The World Health Organization's Global Traditional Medicine Centre is located in Gujarat's Jamnagar and will be upgraded to bolster research and training in traditional medicines.

2. Which of the following is the primary objective of establishing Regional Medical Hubs in India, as announced recently?

  • A.To promote space research and technology
  • B.To position India as a global hub for medical tourism
  • C.To increase defense production
  • D.To boost agricultural exports
Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of establishing Regional Medical Hubs is to position India as a global hub for medical tourism. These hubs will integrate medical services, education, and research, including AYUSH centers and Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centers, to attract international patients and boost the healthcare sector.

3. Consider the following statements regarding AYUSH systems in India: 1. AYUSH is an acronym that stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. 2. The government aims to embed AYUSH within India's mainstream health, education, research, and economic frameworks. 3. Three new branches of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will be established to promote AYUSH research. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The government aims to embed AYUSH within India's mainstream health, education, research, and economic frameworks, transitioning it into a globally competitive sector. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Three new branches of the All India Institute of *Ayurveda* (not Medical Sciences) will be established.

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