India emerging major health tourism destination

With India emerging as a major health tourism destination, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a scheme to support states in establishing five regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector.

These hubs will serve as integrated healthcare complexes that combine medical, educational and research facilities, Sitharaman said, presenting the Budget 2026-27. She also allocated Rs 1,06,530.42 crore, a near 10 per cent hike over 2025-26, for the health ministry.  For the first time, Rs 1,000 crore were earmarked for the Scheme for Allied Health Care Professionals (AHPs).

Announcing the medical hubs scheme, the minister said they will have AYUSH centres, medical value tourism facilitation centres and infrastructure for diagnostics, post care and rehabilitation, she stated.