New Delhi: Healthcare affordability remains a central focus of the Government, said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, while addressing the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit in New Delhi on Tuesday. He noted that recent policy decisions — such as reducing GST on health and life insurance from 18% to 0% and lowering duties on essential medical devices, cancer care drugs, and life-saving medicines — have significantly eased the financial burden on patients.
Goyal emphasised that the Government is ready to explore further reductions in duties and cesses on vital medicines and healthcare products. He invited suggestions from industry leaders on areas that could benefit from additional cuts, assuring them that this is a “listening government,” committed to collaboration and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery and medical tourism.
Highlighting the role of the healthcare community, Goyal stated that the combined efforts of policymakers, medical professionals, and industry players are transforming India into a global hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare and wellness services. “Good health is the foundation of a thriving society,” he said, stressing that doctors and medical professionals will play a defining role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
He also spoke about the success of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which have now surpassed 10,000 outlets nationwide, providing affordable generic medicines and sanitary products at nominal prices. This initiative, Goyal said, has made healthcare more accessible, particularly for rural and economically weaker sections of society.
The Minister underlined that India’s healthcare system must remain inclusive. “We cannot have a chalk and cheese approach where local citizens are left behind while focusing on medical tourism,” he cautioned. A strong domestic healthcare foundation, he said, is essential for India’s emergence as a global medical value destination.
Sharing key figures, Goyal noted that the number of AIIMS institutions in India has risen from 7 in 2014 to 23 today, and medical colleges have nearly doubled from 387 to 706. This expansion reflects the Government’s commitment to improving both medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
He added that, as announced by the Prime Minister last year, the Government aims to further increase the number of medical seats by 2029 to meet rising demand and ensure efficient utilisation of infrastructure. He also highlighted that through Ayushman Bharat, nearly 700 million citizens now have access to free healthcare, with senior citizens above 70 eligible regardless of income — a move he described as a “reflection of the Prime Minister’s compassionate leadership.”
Goyal urged healthcare institutions to strengthen training programmes for nurses and caregivers to meet domestic and international demand. He also welcomed suggestions to attract Non-Resident Indian (NRI) doctors into the Indian healthcare ecosystem in consultation with professional bodies such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Touching upon India’s growing reputation in global healthcare, Goyal said that India offers world-class medical care at a fraction of the cost charged in developed nations, supported by a strong network of skilled doctors, technicians, and nurses.
Concluding his address, the Minister said India’s true advantage lies in blending modern medicine with traditional wellness. He proposed that the Heal in India campaign should integrate Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and spiritual tourism to showcase India as a holistic health and wellness destination.
“India has the clinical strength, cultural depth, and compassion to become the world’s number one wellness destination,” Goyal said, underscoring the country’s readiness to lead the global healthcare landscape.