Editor’s Note
Hyderabad is rapidly emerging as a key destination for medical tourism, leveraging its advanced healthcare infrastructure and integrated support services. This article explores the city’s strategic advantages and its potential to attract a global patient base.
Hyderabad is on the cusp of becoming a dominant force in the global medical value tourism industry, thanks to its cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and seamless integration of essential services. With its state-of-the-art medical facilities, world-class healthcare professionals, and a robust support ecosystem that blends healthcare, hospitality, and aviation, the city is well-positioned to attract medical tourists from around the world. The establishment of the Telangana State Medical Tourism Society (TGMTS) further strengthens this vision, ensuring coordinated efforts between the government and industry leaders to promote and regulate this growing sector. As the city continues to showcase its clinical excellence, cost-effectiveness, and commitment to ethical standards, Hyderabad is set to capture a significant share of the global medical tourism market, making it a premier destination for those seeking high-quality, affordable medical care.
Telangana Tourism hosted a roundtable gathering, bringing together key figures from both the government and industry sectors. The main focus was to discuss the establishment, governance, and future direction of the proposed Telangana State Medical Tourism Society (TGMTS), alongside a plan to develop an integrated Medical Value Tourism (MVT) hub in Hyderabad. This initiative is designed to elevate Telangana as a premier destination for organized and coordinated medical tourism.
The opening session centered on the expectations from the TGMTS as the proposed central body for coordinating medical value tourism in the state. The conversation explored how TGMTS could align stakeholders, facilitate processes, ensure governance, and coordinate the sector over the long term. Key strengths of Hyderabad were highlighted, including its excellent clinical outcomes, state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, cost-effectiveness, and its integrated healthcare-hospitality-aviation ecosystem. These advantages position the city well to capture a larger share of the global medical tourism market. Much of the discussion focused on the establishment of the Telangana Medical Tourism Society to steer policy, global branding, international outreach, ethical self-regulation, and cohesive industry representation. The proposed framework also emphasized the importance of transparent grievance resolution, familiarization programs for international delegates, and a formal licensing system for facilitators to maintain ethical standards, credibility, and a consistent patient experience.
The second session delved into the proposed framework for creating an integrated MVT Hub in Hyderabad, part of the five national MVT hubs identified in the Union Budget. The group discussed the concept of a greenfield medical city hub built through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This hub would include hospitals, wellness centers, Ayurveda institutes, a medical college, research facilities, and tourism services, among other components. A comprehensive recommendation paper for the initiative will be prepared.
India’s medical value travel sector is set to expand under the national “Heal in India” initiative, with industry projections estimating the market to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2026 and USD 25-28 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increased global demand, improved visa processing, and integrated healthcare delivery.
Delhi and Chennai have long been at the forefront of India’s medical value travel sector, but Hyderabad has steadily secured its place as one of the country’s top three destinations for international medical tourists. The city’s reputation for quality healthcare, competitive pricing, and efficient services has made it a prominent player in the industry. With the introduction of the proposed Telangana State Medical Tourism Society (TGMTS), Hyderabad aims to further strengthen its position and emerge as a leader in medical tourism.
The growth of international patient arrivals to Hyderabad over the last decade is a testament to its increasing appeal as a medical tourism hub. The number of international patients coming to the city has more than doubled, a clear indication of the city’s expanding role in the global medical tourism market. This surge in medical tourism is bolstered by a strong healthcare infrastructure, including over 50 NABH- and JCI-accredited hospitals that deliver world-class medical care.
Hyderabad’s growth in the sector is also supported by its comprehensive ecosystem, which includes nearly 12,000 hospital beds, advanced tertiary-care capabilities, and a broad range of accommodation options for medical tourists. The city boasts a well-developed tourism infrastructure that complements its healthcare services, creating a seamless experience for patients. Furthermore, its global connectivity through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which handles over 31 million passengers annually, makes it easily accessible for international patients, further enhancing Hyderabad’s status as a leading destination for medical value travel.
