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India Becomes New Health Tourism Hub! Rise of AYUSH Paves the Way for Global Wellness

India is becoming a global health tourism hub, with AYUSH medicine leading the way. The Ministry of AYUSH’s initiatives have fueled its growth, making it a prime destination for wellness seekers worldwide.

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Harsh
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Health Tourism

Photograph: (IANS)

Health Tourism: India has long been known for its rich tradition of alternative medicine. Today, it is fast emerging as a global hub for health tourism, thanks to the rise of the AYUSH system. The Ministry of AYUSH, which oversees traditional medicine practices, has played a crucial role in promoting Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy as key elements of mainstream healthcare.

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Growth of Medical Tourism in India

With the Ministry of AYUSH’s efforts, India has witnessed an increase in medical tourism. The government has made it easier for international tourists to access health and wellness treatments by introducing medical visa provisions in 2023. This step has led to a significant increase in the number of foreigners seeking treatments. From July 2023 to December 2024, the country issued 123 regular Ayush visas and 221 e-Ayush visas for medical tourists.

What are Ayush Visas?

The Ayush Visa system has been designed to cater specifically to international visitors seeking treatment through traditional Indian medicine systems. There are four main types of visas under this category: Ayush visa, Ayush attendant visa, e-Ayush visa, and e-Ayush attendant visa. These provisions make it easier for patients and their attendants to travel to India for medical purposes.

Expanding Ayush Facilities and Practitioners

India has made tremendous strides in expanding the infrastructure for AYUSH medicine. There are currently over 755,000 registered AYUSH practitioners across the country. Additionally, more than 3,800 AYUSH hospitals and 36,000 dispensaries are operating, offering treatment and care in these traditional medicine systems. The government has also supported the establishment of 886 undergraduate and 251 postgraduate colleges.

Digital Transformation and Global Outreach

The digitalisation of the AYUSH system is also underway. Through initiatives like Ayush Grid and e-Sanjeevani, telemedicine services are being extended to remote areas. The Ministry has expanded its reach by setting up AYUSH Information Cells in 39 locations worldwide. Furthermore, it has partnered with over 100 countries and helped establish the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. This global recognition has reinforced AYUSH's importance in global healthcare.

With the backing of the Ministry of AYUSH, India is not only preserving its traditional healing practices but also positioning itself as a key player in global health tourism.

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