India is emerging as a global hub for medical and wellness tourism. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and AYUSH Visa and regional medical hubs are strengthening the ecosystem. Rising healthcare costs and demand for holistic care are driving international patients to India for affordable, high-quality treatment and preventive wellness solutions. The Global Medical Value Travel market was valued at about USD 115.6 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach around USD 286.1 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of about 10.8%. India has emerged as one of the most significant destinations in this evolving global landscape. Industry estimates place the medical tourism market at about USD 8.7 billion in 2025, with projections of USD 16.2 billion by 2030. For centuries, India has been regarded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, balance, and recovery. Today, this ancient legacy has evolved into a dynamic Medical Value Travel ecosystem. It combines modern medical science with the timeless wisdom of traditional systems. Centre’s `Heal in India’ initiative is positioning the country as a premier destination for integrated and holistic healthcare. Medical and wellness tourism form the foundation of India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem. They address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare. Jammu and Kashmir has a huge potential in both medical and wellness tourism. Nature has bestowed Jammu and Kashmir with everything that is required for wellness tourism. Our climate, scenery, snowcapped mountains, lush green meadows, and vibrant culture are enough to build a wellness tourism ecosystem. A few years ago, Jammu and Kashmir proposed setting up 20 Ayush Grams (Ayush villages) to tap the ever-increasing health and wellness tourism market. These villages were to be developed near popular tourist places. The authorities had zeroed in on Tangmarg in Gulmarg and Batagund in Pahalgam to develop these villages. Traditional therapies, interventions, pain management, and other facilities were to be made available in these villages. The idea was to create an island where people can relax and detox. From food to exercise, the Ayush Grams would offer everything organic. The government was also planning to set up wellness centers at Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Katra, Patnitop, and other places. The idea was that tourists could bask in nature to detox before leaving for their homes. The centers would offer Panchkarma, regiminal therapies, yoga interventions, cupping, and other activities to improve the holistic health of visitors. The Omar Abdullah government should revive this plan and get a slice of the ever-growing medical tourism pie. It will put Jammu and Kashmir on the global map. Post-Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir needs more than conventional tourism promotional initiatives. We need to think out of the box. Medical and wellness tourism can be our road to prosperity. If Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and the North East can do it, why can’t Jammu and Kashmir? The government should think it over.
Wellness tourism
