The Government of Delhi has announced a dynamic strategy to position the Indian capital as a leading global destination for medical value travel. Promising regulatory reforms and infrastructure development, Delhi aims to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem and attract international patients.
Streamlining Services for International Patients
Speaking at FICCI’s 5th Medical Value Travel Awards, Ashish Sood, Minister for Home, Power, Urban Development, Education & Training (Government of NCT of Delhi), outlined a clear vision for the future.
“We want to establish Delhi as a reliable and credible medical destination,” said Sood. He emphasized the capital’s role as the first point of entry for many international visitors, who often continue to other states for treatment. Now, the government plans to enhance Delhi’s own medical tourism capabilities.
To streamline services, Sood announced the creation of a single-window system that will make it easier for international patients to access healthcare facilities. Moreover, he called on industry stakeholders to collaborate in developing policies for hospitals, wellness centres, Ayush facilities, and patient accommodation solutions.
Medical Value Travel: A Strategic Economic Driver
Highlighting the broader impact, Sood stressed that medical value travel is no longer just about healthcare.
“It has evolved into a strategic term that shapes India’s economy, diplomacy, and global influence,” he added.
As per the press release, supporting this vision, Sudhanshu Pandey, Election Commissioner for UTs and former Commerce Ministry official, noted healthcare’s status as one of the government’s 12 champion sectors where India can lead globally.
Pandey, who chaired the awards jury, said,
“The medical tourism sector provides jobs, recognition, soft power, and happiness to households, both domestic and international.”
He also highlighted the huge potential in India’s diagnostics sector, especially for attracting clients from neighboring countries.
Celebrating Excellence at the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards
Recognising outstanding contributions, the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards honoured 16 winners and presented five special jury recognitions across medical tourism and wellness categories.
Top Performers in Healthcare Excellence
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon stood out, clinching wins in multiple categories such as Oncology-Surgical and Orthopedic Surgery-Joint Replacement. It also shared the Joint Winner title for Oncology-Medical alongside Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited.
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla earned Special Jury Mentions in:
- Cardiac Care – Cardiac Surgery
- Paediatric Cardiac Sciences – Cardiology
- Cardiac Care – Interventional Cardiology
Additionally, it secured a Joint Winner position for Paediatric Cardiac Sciences – Cardiac Surgery together with Marengo Asia Healthcare.
Excellence in Transplants and Specialised Care
Leading hospitals achieved recognition in the transplant categories:
- VPS Lakeshore Hospital: Awarded for Kidney Transplants
- Dr Rela Institute & Medical Centre: Honoured for Liver Transplants
- Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad: Won for Bone Marrow Transplants
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals also demonstrated outstanding performance by winning awards in Neurology and Neurosurgery and Oncology-Radiation.
In dental care:
- Aashu Dental & Multispeciality Clinic won for Dental Implants.
- Balaji Dental Centre received a Special Jury Mention for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital was recognized for excellence in Spine Surgery.
Recognising Wellness and Ayush Excellence
In wellness and traditional medicine:
- Shinon Healthcare earned the title of Medical Facilitator of the Year.
- Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre, Kottakkal won Ayush Hospital of the Year.
- Atmantan Wellness Centre secured the Wellness Centre of the Year award, with Oorja Wellness Centre receiving a Special Jury Mention.
Other finalists included: Shalby Sanar International Hospital, Rajagiri Hospital, Healthians Research Centre, Vaidam Health, Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, Shathayu Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, and Krishna Shalby.
Distinguished Guests at the Ceremony
Several prominent healthcare leaders graced the occasion, including:
- Dr Upasana Arora, Chair, FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee and Managing Director, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals
- Dr Narottam Puri, Advisor, FICCI MVT Committee and Principal Advisor, QCI; Board Member & Former Chairman, NABH; Advisor – Medical Operations, Fortis Healthcare
- Pradeep Multani, Chair, FICCI Ayush Committee and Emeritus Chairman, Multani Pharmaceuticals