Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, stated that Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) represents both India’s achievement and its ambition in the field of Medical Value Travel (MVT). He emphasized that India has steadily emerged as a preferred global destination offering affordable, high-quality, and holistic healthcare, supported by internationally accredited institutions and globally respected medical professionals.
Highlighting industry growth, he noted that the global Medical Value Travel market, valued at approximately USD 6 billion in 2022, is projected to exceed USD 13 billion by 2026. According to him, this expansion reflects the sustained efforts of healthcare providers, facilitators, policymakers, and industry bodies such as FICCI.
Medical Value Travel Reflects India’s Vision and Ethos
Addressing the 6th edition of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards, held during the 8th edition of Advantage Healthcare India 2026, Mr Shekhawat underscored India’s strategic direction under the leadership of Narendra Modi. He stated that India is moving with clarity and confidence to become the world’s most trusted hub for healthcare and wellness.
Furthermore, he described Medical Value Travel as more than an economic growth sector. Instead, he said, it reflects India’s civilizational ethos of compassionate healing and service to humanity. As global demand for affordable and quality healthcare rises, India stands uniquely positioned to lead with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity while strengthening global partnerships and enhancing transparency.
Government Initiatives Accelerate Growth
Mr Shekhawat also explained that patients increasingly choose India not only for cost advantages but also for clinical excellence, timely access, and the integration of modern medicine with traditional wellness systems.
Through focused initiatives such as Heal in India, streamlined medical visa processes, and the development of integrated medical and wellness hubs, the government continues to strengthen the ecosystem. Consequently, these measures aim to position India as the most trusted global destination for healing.
Awards Aim to Benchmark Excellence
Sudhanshu Pandey (Retd.), Election Commissioner for the Union Territories and Jury Chair of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards, reflected on the sector’s evolution. He noted that nearly a decade ago, when healthcare was identified among India’s Champion Sectors, the objective was clear: to create a structured and credible ecosystem for global patients rather than a fragmented experience.
He added that instituting the awards naturally followed this vision, as they benchmark excellence and encourage continuous improvement across the sector.
Next Phase Requires Institutional Discipline
Mr Pandey further emphasized that as competition intensifies and standards rise globally, the next phase of growth will depend on institutional discipline. Specifically, he highlighted the need for stronger internal systems, robust data integrity, and comprehensive documentation aligned with global expectations. Sustained leadership in Medical Value Travel, he asserted, will stem not only from clinical excellence but also from systemic maturity.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Collaboration and Compliance
As per the press release, Dr Raajiv Singhal, Chair of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee and Founding Member, MD & Group CEO of Marengo Asia Healthcare, stated that India’s healthcare outreach is entering a defining decade. He noted that expanding participation and deeper partnerships are not only showcasing excellence but also reinforcing India’s position as a preferred international destination for advanced and comprehensive care.
Meanwhile, Mr Kabiir Khattar, Associate Vice President at Ernst & Young (EY), stressed the importance of strengthening internal documentation, data integrity, and compliance standards. According to him, these measures are critical to sustaining global trust and credibility as the ecosystem scales internationally.
Celebrating Excellence at MVT Awards 2026
Dr Ravi Gaur, Founder of DRG Path Labs, delivered the vote of thanks and congratulated the award winners for exemplifying excellence within India’s healthcare ecosystem.
The Medical Value Travel Awards 2026 were conferred during Advantage Healthcare India 2026, recognizing excellence, innovation, and leadership across hospitals, facilitators, AYUSH institutions, wellness providers, and policymakers. Through these recognitions, the event reaffirmed India’s growing prominence and leadership in the global healthcare landscape.