Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India,recently said that Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) reflects both India’s achievement and its ambition in the field of Medical Value Travel. Over the years, India has emerged as a preferred global destination offering affordable, high-quality, and holistic healthcare backed by internationally accredited institutions and globally respected medical professionals. The global medical value travel market continues to expand, and India is consistently ranked among the top destinations worldwide. “The sector, valued at approximately US$ 6 billion in 2022, is projected to surpass USD 13 billion by 2026. This growth is the result of sustained efforts by healthcare providers, facilitators, policymakers, and industry bodies such as FICCI,” he emphasized.

Addressing the 6^th edition of ‘FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards’, organized during the 8th edition of Advantage Healthcare India 2026, Shekhawat said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is moving with a clear and confident vision to become the world’s most trusted hub for healthcare and wellness. Medical Value Travel is not merely a sector of economic growth; it reflects India’s civilizational ethos of healing with compassion and serving humanity with excellence. As the global demand for quality and affordable care rises, India is uniquely positioned to lead with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, strengthening global partnerships while ensuring that our healthcare ecosystem sets new benchmarks in trust and transparency,” he added

Shekhawat further stated that today, patients choose India not merely for cost advantage, but for clinical excellence, timely access, and the unique integration of modern medicine with our 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 is committed to strengthening this ecosystem and positioning India as the most trusted destination for global healing, he highlighted.

Sudhanshu Pandey (Retd.),Election Commissioner for the Union Territories & Jury Chair, FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards, said, “Nearly a decade ago, when healthcare was identified among India’s Champion Sectors, the objective was clear, to give global patients a structured, credible, and organised ecosystem rather than a fragmented experience. The institution of these Awards was a natural progression of that vision, to benchmark excellence and encourage continuous improvement.”

He further stated that as competition intensifies and standards rise, the next phase of growth will depend on institutional discipline, particularly with stronger internal systems, data integrity, and documentation practices that align with global expectations. Sustained leadership in Medical Value Travel will come not only from clinical excellence, but from systemic maturity, he added.

Dr Raajiv Singhal,Chair, FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee; Founding Member, MD & Group CEO, Marengo Asia Healthcare, said, “India’s healthcare outreach is entering a defining decade, powered by capability, collaboration, and global confidence. As participation expands and partnerships deepen, we are not only showcasing excellence but strengthening India’s standing as a preferred international destination for advanced and comprehensive medical care.”

Kabiir Khattar, Associate Vice President, EY said, “As India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem continues to scale globally, it is imperative that institutions strengthen their internal documentation, data integrity, and compliance standards to ensure sustained trust and international credibility.”

Dr Ravi Gaur, Founder DRG Path Labs while delivering the vote of thanks congratulated to the award winners for exemplifying excellence in India’s healthcare ecosystem.

The Medical Value Travel (MVT) Awards 2026 were conferred during Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI) 2026, recognizing excellence, innovation, and leadership across hospitals, facilitators, AYUSH institutions, wellness providers, and policymakers contributing to India’s growing prominence in the global healthcare landscape.