Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasised India’s emergence as a leading destination for medical value travel during his remarks at the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 on Tuesday. Shekhawat stated that India is recognized for providing high-quality, affordable healthcare supported by internationally accredited institutions and experienced professionals. He explained that the “Advantage Healthcare India” initiative is a testament to the country’s accomplishments and aspirations in the medical value travel sector. Over time, India has distinguished itself by offering comprehensive healthcare services that not only prioritize cost-effectiveness but also clinical excellence, efficiency, and the combination of modern medicine with traditional wellness practices.

Government Initiatives to Enhance Medical Value Travel

Shekhawat outlined several government initiatives aimed at strengthening the medical value travel framework in India. Programs like “Heal in India,” streamlined medical visa processes, and the creation of integrated medical and wellness hubs are part of this effort. He reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is committed to establishing itself as a trustworthy hub for healthcare and wellness globally. The minister remarked that medical value travel goes beyond just an economic sector; it embodies India’s commitment to compassionate care and excellence in serving global patients.

Importance of Structured Ecosystems in Medical Value Travel

Sudhanshu Pandey, a retired election commissioner and jury chair for the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards, discussed the importance of a structured and credible ecosystem to support global patients. He noted that nearly a decade ago, when healthcare was recognized as a prime sector in India, the aim was to eliminate fragmentation in the medical travel experience. The establishment of the FICCI Awards represents an evolution of that vision, aiming to encourage ongoing improvements and benchmark excellence. Pandey stressed that as the competition grows, the focus will be on maintaining institutional discipline and data integrity, which are crucial for sustaining India’s leadership in this field.

Significance of Robust Governance in Award Selection

Kabiir Khattar, Associate Vice President of EY, highlighted the role of a strong governance framework in ensuring the credibility of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards. He explained that each submission underwent a meticulous evaluation by an esteemed independent jury panel, backed by rigorous data integrity checks. The winners were identified through a transparent scoring system, emphasizing that as India’s medical value travel ecosystem continues to expand on a global scale, strengthening documentation and compliance standards is essential for building trust and maintaining international credibility.

Looking Ahead: India’s Healthcare Landscape

Raajiv Singhal, Chair of the FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee and Group CEO of Marengo Asia Healthcare, stated that India’s healthcare sector is entering a transformative decade marked by capability and collaboration. He noted that with expanding participation and deeper partnerships, India is both showcasing its expertise and reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for comprehensive medical services. During the event, Dr. Ravi Gaur, Founder of DRG Path Labs, expressed gratitude to all attendees, including the Honorable Chief Guest and stakeholders, for their contributions to the success of the awards ceremony.

Recognition of Excellence at the MVT Awards 2026

The Medical Value Travel (MVT) Awards 2026 were presented at the Advantage Healthcare India 2026 event, acknowledging outstanding achievements and innovations across various sectors, including hospitals and wellness providers. The awards ceremony was attended by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who delivered remarks and honored the winners for their significant contributions to enhancing India’s role in the global healthcare landscape.

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