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Kerala is combining modern medicine and ayurveda to emerge as a global destination of medical value travel. Addressing the inaugural session of the Kerala Health Tourism and Global Ayurveda Summit and Expo 2025, industry experts called for leveraging Kerala’s strength in modern medicine and ayurveda to promote the State as the most cost competitive and quality healthcare destination in South Asia. Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve outlined the initiatives by the State Government to position Kerala as a premier global healthcare destination. He emphasized ongoing efforts to integrate Ayurveda with modern medicine and promote the state as a holistic wellness hub. Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, speaking online, lauded Kerala for its excellence in Ayurveda care and treatment infrastructure. Sajikumar, Chairman, CII Global Ayurveda Summit, and Managing Director, Dhathri Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd, said Kerala’s Ayurveda economy is projected to reach ₹60,000 crore by 2031 from the current ₹15,000 crore. The sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory and touch ₹5 lakh crore by 2047, aligning with the Vikisit Bharat vision. Global capital Kerala has the potential to become the global capital of Ayurveda-based healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and research. “Ayurveda is no longer just a tradition—it has evolved into a globally validated, technology-enabled healthcare science,” he noted. Highlighting the opportunities in the global wellness economy, Sajikumar pointed out that the sector is currently valued at $5.6 trillion. Medical value travel is projected to reach $97 billion by 2027, while wellness tourism is expected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2028. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, praised Kerala’s pioneering role in Ayurveda, calling it a model for other Indian states. He stated that Ayurveda and traditional healthcare systems are on the cusp of major transformation, projected to contribute 5 per cent to India’s GDP by 2047, up from the current 1.1 per cent. Kotecha also revealed that the Indian Ayurveda economy is currently valued at $43 billion and that investment proposals worth $1.2 billion are already in the pipeline. The Summit, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Kerala Chapter, in association with the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Kerala, drew delegates from 16 countries. Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman, CII Southern Region said South India has most robust healthcare facilities in the country. He listed the uniqueness of Kerala in wellness and modern healthcare and highlighted the world class facilities in states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. VKC Razak, Chairman, CII Kerala, underscored the strong role of healthcare and wellness in Kerala’s economy, calling the sector “one of its most resilient pillars”. PM Warrier, Convenor, CII kerala Ayurveda panel and Managing Trustee of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, emphasised the need to promote Kerala as a single destination offering world-class healthcare that combines Ayurveda and modern medicine—an initiative that has begun to yield results through international collaborations and outreach programs. Published on October 30, 2025
