Malaysia records sharp growth in medical tourism as foreign patient arrivals surge

Medical tourism is emerging as a strategic sector of the economy in many countries around the world, including the BRICS countries, where authorities are investing in infrastructure, simplifying visa procedures and combining modern technology with traditional treatment methods.

The medical tourism market in India could almost double by 2030: from US$8.7 billion in 2025 to US$16.2 billion, reports IANS, a partner of TV BRICS. Experts attribute the high growth rates to the integration of modern infrastructure with traditional healthcare systems. With government support, an entire ecosystem has been created that utilises digital technologies and encompasses regional medical centres. A special visa category has also been introduced for foreigners wishing to undergo wellness programmes based on traditional Indian systems of medicine. In 2025, more than 507,000 foreign tourists arrived in India for medical treatment.

Egypt’s revenue from medical tourism in 2025 grew by 76.7 per cent year-on-year – to US$8 million, with around 35,000 patients from 124 countries receiving treatment. The head of Egypt’s health department attributes the growth to improvements in the quality of medical services and higher standards in clinics. The government’s strategy includes offering specialised treatment packages that meet international standards and implementing an integrated digital system to manage patient care. The authorities also plan to expand partnerships with private insurance companies to strengthen the country’s position as a centre for medical tourism, reports Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS.

Tunisia’s Minister of Tourism, Sofiane Tekaya, stated that internationally recognised thalassotherapy centres (a range of wellness treatments based on the use of the sea’s natural resources) help to strengthen the country’s position as one of the world leaders in wellness tourism. He emphasised that sustainable development and the blue economy are the pillars of the country’s economic growth. The minister added that Tunisia is promoting a new approach whereby each region is transformed into a comprehensive centre for tourism and development. The country has a well-developed maritime infrastructure: there are currently six large marinas with almost 3,000 berths. This was reported by Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), a partner of TV BRICS.