Budget 2026: India's Quiet Reset for Global Medical Value Travel

• Budget 2026 redefines India's medical tourism strategy, focusing on "medical value travel" over leisure-led experiences.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a scheme to develop five regional medical hubs with private sector partnerships.
• The initiative aims to create integrated healthcare clusters, generating employment and reinforcing healthcare as an economic growth driver.
• India attracts nearly two million international patients annually, with medical tourist arrivals projected to reach USD 58.2 billion by 2035.
• The new approach emphasizes outcomes, expertise, and affordability, leveraging India's infrastructure, skilled doctors, and advanced technology.