At Tamil Nadu Medical Tourism Summit - 2025 organised by the Tourism Department, 45 delegates from 29 countries and 120 private hospitals from Tamil Nadu came together to discuss the various aspects of medical tourism, scope for improvement and challenges. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran participated in the inauguration of the summit on Friday.

Mr. Subramanian said that according to data on medical tourism from the Union Tourism Minister, 25% of the total number of persons from abroad who sought medical care in the country came to Tamil Nadu.

Every year, more than 15 lakh persons from 70 countries sought healthcare in the State, he said, adding that efforts to improve the State’s health infrastructure and medical services were being taken to increase the inflow.

Mr. Rajendran added that the State’s hospitality and affordable healthcare were among the reasons for international patients seeking treatment here.

Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited, said there were plans to set up a medical tourism vertical in the Tourism Department. This will work with Health and various other departments.

“This is to facilitate and create a platform for hospitals referring patients from abroad to reach out to the treating hospitals here. We can coordinate with similar facilitation centres in other countries,” she said on the sidelines of the summit.

There are certain challenges. Patients may have insurance coverage in their respective country, while some countries sponsor the treatment of patients and pay directly to the treating hospital, she said, adding that the vertical would work to ensure a seamless process in such circumstances.

“We also need to have coordination with airlines for direct flights. The Health Minister has said that a ‘patient receiving lounge’ should be set up at the international airports to ensure processes such as faster immigration clearances,” she said.

Another key issue is accommodation for families of patients and follow-up services when they return home after treatment. The facilitation centre could also help private hospitals apply for National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers certification, which is essential to treat international patients, Ms. Shilpa added.

Delegates from abroad put forward the need for direct flights, follow-up services, accommodation for families, and faster.