A Digital One-Stop Shop for Patients
The Delhi government is set to launch a comprehensive digital portal designed to overhaul the city's medical tourism sector. Named the Delhi Medical and Wellness Tourism (DMWT) platform, this initiative will act as a single-window system for both domestic
and international patients. The plan is to bring the entire ecosystem—from hospitals and doctors to hotels and translators—onto one integrated platform. The project will be implemented by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), which has begun the process of appointing a partner to design, build, and operate the platform for an initial ten-year period.
What the Plan Aims to Fix
While Delhi already attracts an estimated three million patients annually, the sector has largely been unregulated and fragmented. Officials have noted challenges like inconsistent patient experiences, a lack of standardised pricing, and the influence of unauthorised agents who can exploit those seeking care. Many hospitals run their own medical tourism departments independently, with no central coordination. This new government-regulated portal aims to introduce transparency, trust, and standardisation. The push for regulation also follows safety concerns, highlighted by a recent fire incident at an unregulated lodging facility that housed foreign nationals seeking treatment.
Cure, Travel, and Stay Seamlessly
The DMWT platform will offer a suite of end-to-end services. Patients will be able to search for and select hospitals, compare standardised treatment packages with transparent pricing, and book procedures directly. Beyond the medical aspects, the portal will facilitate medical visa coordination, travel bookings, and accommodation. Key features will include real-time patient tracking, 24x7 multilingual support, and a formal grievance redressal system. The goal is to provide a seamless journey from the moment a patient decides to seek treatment in Delhi until their post-treatment follow-up is complete. The platform will integrate with hospital information systems and even immigration authorities to ensure a smooth process.
Ambitious Rollout and Targets
The government has set an ambitious timeline for the project. An initial version of the platform is expected to launch within 120 days of appointing a strategic partner. Within the first six months, the goal is to empanel at least five internationally accredited (JCI) hospitals, 25 nationally accredited (NABH) hospitals, 15 wellness and AYUSH centres, and 30 ground service providers like transport operators and hotels. This move intends to harness Delhi's existing strengths—super-speciality hospitals, advanced diagnostic centres, and renowned doctors—to compete with established global medical tourism destinations like Singapore, Turkey, and Thailand.
Boosting Delhi's Global Standing
This initiative is about more than just healthcare; it is a strategic move to boost Delhi's economy and global soft power. By creating a regulated and attractive ecosystem, the government aims to position the capital not just as a place for treatment but as a holistic wellness destination. The plan includes promoting Delhi through international marketing campaigns, partnerships with overseas institutions, and participation in global trade fairs. By formalising its medical tourism offerings, Delhi hopes to capture a larger share of the multi-billion dollar global market, ensuring patients receive high-quality, reliable, and well-managed care from start to finish.
