Medical Tourism in India: Analyzing Benefits, Risks, and Regional Trends

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 12 16
    By

    J. Samuel Kamanda,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Stephen Monday,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Researh Fellow, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: India’s medical tourism industry has emerged as a global hub, generating approximately US$9 billion annually and attracting over 2 million patients seeking cost-effective, high-quality treatments and wellness therapies. Objective: To evaluate the benefits, risks, and regional disparities in medical tourism experiences among patients and providers across five Indian states. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted involving 850 international patients and 150 healthcare providers. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys, and qualitative insights were obtained from interviews. Statistical comparisons were made between northern (Delhi–Mumbai) and southern Indian medical hubs. Results: Most patients (92%) expressed satisfaction due to cost advantages. However, post-operative complications were more frequently reported in Delhi–Mumbai (12%) compared to southern states (8%) (p = 0.04). Communication barriers were also more common in northern regions (28%) versus southern counterparts (15%) (p = 0.001). Cardiac (34%) and orthopedic surgeries (28%) were the most sought treatments, especially by patients from war-torn and low-resource countries. Wellness procedures (20%) attracted predominantly European patients. Conclusion: While India offers cost-effective and advanced medical care, regional disparities in postoperative care and communication quality pose challenges. To maintain India’s global position in medical tourism, improvements in standardized quality control, linguistic support, and culturally sensitive care are crucial.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, holistic care, medical tourism, patient experience, regional differences

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Medical Tourism in India: Analyzing Benefits, Risks, and Regional Trends. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):12-16.
How to cite this URL:
J. Samuel Kamanda, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday. Medical Tourism in India: Analyzing Benefits, Risks, and Regional Trends. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):12-16. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomst/article=2026/view=239561


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 07/01/2026
Accepted 30/01/2026
Published 10/03/2026
Publication Time 62 Days
20

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