Union Budget 2026 to Launch Five Medical Tourism Hubs Across India
The Union Budget 2026 will launch a major initiative to establish five regional medical tourism hubs, aiming to make India a global leader in affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- Five regional hubs planned for Delhi-NCR, Chennai/Bengaluru, Mumbai/Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
- Part of the ‘Heal in India’ mission to attract international patients.
- Focus on creating a seamless ecosystem with hospitals, accommodation, and visa support.
- Expected to boost revenue, create jobs, and enhance India’s soft power.
Strategic Hub Locations
The five hubs will be strategically located across India to leverage existing medical infrastructure and cater to patients from neighbouring countries. The proposed locations are:
- North: Delhi-NCR
- South: Chennai/Bengaluru
- West: Mumbai/Ahmedabad
- East: Kolkata
- Northeast: Guwahati
Comprehensive Ecosystem for Patients
Each hub will be developed as a comprehensive ecosystem. It will include top-tier hospitals, accredited accommodation, streamlined visa and logistics support, and wellness centres. The budget is expected to allocate significant funds for infrastructure upgrades, international marketing, and a single-window clearance system for medical tourists.
“The idea is to create a seamless experience for international patients, from the moment they consider India as a destination to their post-treatment recovery. These hubs will offer world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries,” a senior official involved in the planning said.
Fast-Track Visas and Quality Assurance
The government plans to introduce special fast-track ‘Medical Visa’ channels, multi-language support, and quality assurance protocols. This aims to build trust and ease of access for international patients.
The move is expected to generate substantial revenue and create numerous jobs in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. It also aligns with the National Health Policy’s goal of making India a global health destination.
Official Unveiling
The detailed plan for this medical tourism push is likely to be unveiled by Finance Minister during the Union Budget presentation in February 2026.
