Enhancing India’s Medical Tourism Competitiveness: Addressing Challenges and Leveraging Opportunities in a Global Market

Abstract

India’s medical tourism industry, valued at over $9 billion by 2030, thrives on affordability, skilled professionals, and cultural appeal, yet faces challenges in infrastructure, follow-up care, and communication. This study examines the perceptions and challenges of 400 international medical tourists in Delhi NCR, using a mixed-methods approach to identify gaps and propose solutions. Findings highlight high satisfaction with clinical quality but dissatisfaction with logistics and post-operative support. Comparative analysis with Thailand and Singapore reveals India’s cost advantage but lags in seamless integration. Recommendations include standardized care, telehealth for follow-ups, and integrated tourism packages to enhance competitiveness. This paper contributes to medical tourism literature by offering stakeholder-specific strategies to address perceptual and operational gaps, ensuring India’s sustained growth as a global healthcare destination.