Published on
November 25, 2025
The role of India as a global leader in medical tourism was further reaffirmed in the recently held Annual Conference on Medical Tourism in India, 2025 (ACMTI 2025), organized by the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Jamia Millia Islamia. The two-day-long conference on “Holistic Healing and Quality Healthcare: Destination India for Global Wellness” brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to deliberate upon the emerging importance of India within the medical tourism and wellness sectors.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, and joined by distinguished guests such as Prof (Dr) K.K. Aggarwal, President of South Asian University, and Prof (Dr) Raj Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bennett University. The opening speeches underlined the growing demand for high-quality health services at an international level and the innovative solutions to meet the needs of international travelers coming for different types of medical treatments.
Exploring India’s Strengths in Holistic Healthcare and Wellness
During the inaugural session, speakers discussed India’s unique advantages in the realm of holistic healthcare, which combines traditional practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Unani medicine with modern medical advancements. Prof (Dr) Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Dean of FMS, emphasized that India’s medical tourism sector is increasingly seen as a beacon for quality healthcare that emphasizes wellness alongside clinical care.
Prof (Dr) Sarah Hussain, Head of DTHM, highlighted the importance of integrating wellness services into medical tourism offerings to create a holistic travel experience. The country’s diverse wellness traditions and advanced medical treatments provide a comprehensive approach to patient care, attracting global tourists seeking both physical healing and mental well-being. This combination of traditional wellness and modern medical treatments provides India with a strong competitive edge, appealing to international medical tourists who seek a destination where they can receive world-class treatments while immersing themselves in healing and rejuvenating wellness experiences.
Technological Integration: AI and Digital Health in the Medical Tourism Industry
A key focus of the conference was the growing role of digital technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in transforming the medical tourism sector. AI is being leveraged to improve patient care, optimize hospital management, and deliver personalized treatment plans for international patients. The integration of AI-driven solutions in India’s healthcare system allows for faster diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Dr Pooja Sharma of DHMHS moderated a panel discussion on how AI tools are reshaping healthcare delivery and improving tourism practices. The panel, featuring industry experts such as Mr Shashank Shekhar, Dr Shikha Gupta, Prof (Dr) Amina Sultan, and Prof (Dr) Rajnish Shukla, discussed the digitalization of the medical tourism journey, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care, and how technology is enabling remote monitoring and telemedicine for international patients.
In particular, the launch of mAiGreece, an AI-powered mobile application developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance, has made a significant impact by providing personalized travel guidance, multilingual support, and instant access to emergency services. Similar AI-powered applications are expected to play a central role in the future of India’s medical tourism, offering seamless digital experiences for patients from abroad and enhancing overall satisfaction.
The Role of Augmented Reality in Cultural and Wellness Tourism
Augmented Reality (AR) is another technology that is making waves in medical tourism and wellness tourism in India. By integrating AR into cultural tourism, India is offering tourists the chance to experience monuments, heritage sites, and wellness activities in a more interactive and engaging way. This is especially beneficial for younger travelers who seek immersive experiences during their trips.
AR applications are transforming visits to historical sites, allowing tourists to explore virtual reconstructions of ancient temples or witness interactive storytelling about India’s rich cultural and healing heritage. The use of AR in wellness tourism further enriches the experience by providing virtual guidance for yoga classes, meditation sessions, and Ayurvedic treatments, creating a more dynamic and connected journey for travelers seeking physical wellness and cultural immersion.
Panel Discussions and Technical Sessions Address Industry Growth
The afternoon of the conference featured four technical sessions, where experts discussed pressing issues in medical tourism and wellness. Topics such as healthcare delivery systems, tourism practices, digital health innovations, and policy frameworks were explored in-depth, with presentations from industry professionals, academics, and practitioners in the field.
The conference received 96 research papers, offering new perspectives on tourism innovations, healthcare systems, and cross-border healthcare collaboration. The research papers highlighted the importance of integrating wellness services into mainstream healthcare, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and creating policy frameworks that support sustainable growth in medical tourism.
Recognizing Excellence in Medical Tourism Research
During the Valedictory Session, Prof (Dr) Pankaj Kumar Gupta chaired the recognition ceremony, awarding Best Paper Awards to contributors who presented outstanding research on medical tourism trends and wellness innovations. The session concluded with Dr Bhupinder Chaudhary offering his thanks to faculty, students, and participants for their involvement and contribution to the success of the conference. The event highlighted the importance of continued academic and industry collaboration in fostering the growth of India’s medical tourism sector.
Tourism Impact: Strengthening India’s Global Wellness and Medical Tourism Position
The ACMTI 2025 conference reinforced India’s status as a leading global destination for medical tourism and wellness tourism. With strategic initiatives like DMMOs and the integration of AI technologies in healthcare and tourism, India is well on its way to becoming a key player in the growing global wellness market.
The conference also emphasized that India’s holistic approach to healthcare and wellness tourism provides a unique selling point for international visitors, offering not only high-quality medical services but also the opportunity to experience traditional healing practices like Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. These experiences allow travelers to rejuvenate both physically and mentally, making India a top destination for those seeking comprehensive wellness and medical tourism services.
A Bright Future for Indian Wellness and Medical Tourism
The success of the ACMTI 2025 conference underlines India’s commitment toward emerging as a global leader in medical tourism and wellness tourism. Continuously innovating, with a focus on sustainability and digital health technologies, India will become more attractive to international travelers who are seeking high-quality health and wellness outcomes.
With medical tourism increasing globally, the ability of India to merge traditional healing with modern medical advancements and state-of-the-art technology will continue to maintain the country at the top of the list for those seeking wellness and healing in an authentic and sustainable environment. The future certainly looks bright for India’s tourism sector, and AI is integral in shaping the next generation of wellness tourism.
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