Answer

India’s health-care sector, poised to reach $13 billion in medical tourism by 2026, reflects its transformation into a global medical hub. The Union Budget 2025-26 facilitates the initiatives further by emphasizing infrastructure, education, and international collaboration, paving the way for a more resilient and innovative healthcare ecosystem.

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India’s health-care transformation has evolved significantly from limited infrastructure to becoming a global medical hub 

• Expansion of medical infrastructure: India has significantly improved its health-care facilities since the 1980s, transitioning from limited infrastructure to advanced hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology.
  For example: The introduction of Proton therapy at Apollo Hospitals marked a leap in cancer treatment, attracting patients from countries like Australia and the UK.
• Increased medical education opportunities: The country now produces more health professionals, with plans to add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years, enhancing health-care delivery.
  For example: Between 2014 and 2024, India’s doctor-to-population ratio improved significantly from 1:1674 to 1:836 (NMC data), surpassing the WHO benchmark of 1:1,000. 
• Boost in public-private partnerships: Collaborations between public and private sectors have enabled efficient management of health-care resources and delivery of world-class care.
  For example: The partnership between Tata Memorial Centre and the government has led to the establishment of affordable, state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities.
• Global recognition for quality care: India has become a destination for international patients seeking affordable, high-quality medical treatment.
  For example: The ‘Heal in India’ initiative has streamlined visa processes and upgraded hospital infrastructure, making India a preferred destination for medical tourism.
• Affordable health solutions: India’s focus on cost-effective care has brought treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases within reach for patients globally.
  For example: The customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer and rare disease treatments, has significantly reduced health-care costs.

Positive impact of initiatives like ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’ in positioning India as a global leader in health care 

• Strengthened medical tourism: The ‘Heal in India’ initiative has attracted international patients by enhancing hospital infrastructure and simplifying medical visa processes, boosting India’s medical tourism sector.
  For example: The introduction of e-medical visas under ‘Heal in India’ has increased the number of foreign patients, contributing to India’s $6 billion medical tourism market.
• Global workforce deployment: ‘Heal by India’ addresses the shortage of global health professionals by training Indian doctors, nurses, and paramedics to work abroad, strengthening global health systems.
  For example: Indian nurses trained under this initiative now serve in countries like the UAE and the UK, addressing workforce gaps in their health-care systems.
• Improved health-care accessibility: Both initiatives ensure that India not only treats international patients but also strengthens its domestic health infrastructure to provide better access to specialized care.
  For example: The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centres under the Budget brings advanced cancer treatment closer to rural populations, improving early diagnosis and care.
• Showcasing technological advancements: These initiatives leverage India’s growing focus on Artificial Intelligence and digital health, demonstrating India’s ability to offer innovative health-care solutions worldwide.
  For example: AI-powered diagnostic tools developed at the National Centres of Excellence are being exported to countries like Kenya, enhancing patient outcomes globally.
• Economic and skill development: By fostering innovation and global collaboration, the initiatives generate employment, attract foreign investment, and enhance India’s soft power in the global health-care domain.
  For example: The influx of international patients has increased demand for skilled health-care workers, creating over 100,000 jobs in allied health services in FY24 alone.

Shortcomings in Positioning India as a Global Leader in Health Care

• Limited Quality Assurance in Medical Tourism: While ‘Heal in India’ attracts international patients, the lack of uniform quality assurance in smaller hospitals hampers India’s image as a consistent provider of world-class care.
  For example: Reports of inconsistent treatment outcomes and substandard facilities in tier-2 cities can deter medical tourists, despite the excellence of larger hospitals like AIIMS or Apollo.
• Inadequate Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Despite advancements, rural areas still lack advanced healthcare facilities, preventing equitable access and affecting India’s ability to project a holistic health-care model globally.
  For example: Rural patients often travel long distances for cancer treatment due to the unavailability of specialized centers despite programs like Ayushman Bharat.
• Shortfall of Trained Health Professionals: ‘Heal by India’ focuses on training and exporting professionals but doesn’t adequately address the domestic shortfall, creating gaps in meeting India’s internal healthcare needs.
  For example: According to WHO norms, India faces a deficit of 600,000 doctors and 2 million nurses, highlighting the imbalance in workforce distribution.
• High Treatment Costs for Advanced Care: Despite customs duty exemptions, advanced treatments like proton therapy remain expensive, limiting accessibility for middle-income patients and tarnishing the perception of affordability.
  For example: Proton therapy for cancer treatment at Apollo Hospitals costs upwards of ₹25 lakh, making it out of reach for many domestic and international patients.
• Inadequate Focus on Rare Diseases and Chronic Conditions: While customs duty exemptions on drugs are a start, limited research and funding for rare diseases hinder India’s leadership in addressing global healthcare challenges.
  For example: India’s investment in rare disease research remains minimal compared to countries like the U.S., where the NIH allocates substantial grants for orphan disease studies.

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Further Policy Measures to Strengthen This Vision

• Mandatory Accreditation for All Hospitals: Enforcing NABH or JCI accreditation for hospitals offering medical tourism will ensure consistent quality and elevate India’s credibility as a global healthcare destination.
  For example: Countries like Thailand mandate hospital accreditation for medical tourism, making it a preferred destination for patients seeking high-quality care.
• Expansion of Telemedicine Infrastructure: Investing in telemedicine can bridge the urban-rural divide, enabling remote consultations and promoting India’s tech-driven healthcare capabilities worldwide.
  For example: The e-Sanjeevani platform has already conducted over 14 crore consultations, showcasing the potential to scale rural healthcare services.
• Dedicated Rare Disease Research Fund: Allocating a specific fund for rare disease research and incentivizing private R&D will strengthen India’s leadership in innovative treatment solutions.
  For example: Japan’s Rare Disease Project provides government grants for drug development, making it a global leader in orphan drug innovation.
• Skill Development Partnerships with Global Institutions: Collaborating with international medical schools for advanced training programs will produce globally competitive healthcare professionals under the ‘Heal by India’ initiative.
  For example: Singapore’s National University Hospital partners with India’s PGIMER for medical training, offering opportunities to improve expertise.
• Tax Incentives for Affordable Advanced Care: Introducing tax incentives for hospitals offering advanced care at lower costs can make India a more affordable and attractive destination for foreign patients.
  For example: Tax deductions for hospitals adopting AI-based diagnostics could lower operational costs, translating to reduced fees for patients.

Empowering India’s healthcare requires sustainable reforms and global partnerships. By integrating ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’ with cutting-edge technology, robust medical infrastructure, and skilled workforce development, India can lead the world in affordable and innovative healthcare. “Healthy India, Global Leader” must be the guiding mantra to ensure inclusive, transformative growth.

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