Sep 30: India’s traditional healthcare and wellness systems are gaining a larger economic footprint, with the Ayush services sector emerging as a growing source of jobs, business opportunities and international demand.
According to a study, India’s Ayush services economy, estimated at around $36.92 billion in FY25, could expand to between $216 billion and $318 billion by 2047. The projection highlights the sector’s potential to grow alongside India’s wider healthcare, wellness and services economy.
According to the study, the sector currently supports around 1.76 million livelihoods. Local and standalone clinics account for more than one million of these jobs, showing how Ayush services are generating employment through both smaller establishments and organised healthcare facilities.
Women’s participation strengthens the sector
Women are playing an increasingly important role in the Ayush workforce. They account for approximately 43 per cent of total employment, while their participation is significantly higher in several organised segments.
Women make up more than 60 per cent of employees in spas and resorts providing Ayush-based services. Their representation is around 58 per cent in educational institutions, 57 per cent in day-care centres and 53 per cent in hospitals.
This growing participation highlights the sector’s potential to create employment across healthcare, education, wellness and related services.
Wellness creates new business opportunities
The Ayush economy is expanding beyond conventional healthcare services. Yoga centres, wellness facilities, spas and resorts are becoming part of a broader wellness ecosystem, creating opportunities for service providers and entrepreneurs.
According to the study, clinics and day-care centres account for more than 71 per cent of Ayush sector revenue, while Ayurveda remains the largest contributor among the different Ayush systems.
The growing interest in preventive healthcare, wellness programmes and traditional therapeutic practices is also creating new avenues for businesses operating in the sector.
Medical tourism adds global potential
International healthcare demand could become another important growth driver for Ayush services.
According to the study, the sector generated an estimated $1.77 billion in Medical Value Travel revenue in FY25. International patients account for only around 5 per cent of total patient volumes, but contribute an estimated 15–25 per cent of hospital-segment revenues.
Longer treatment programmes can further support medical tourism. Ayush therapies such as Panchakarma and residential Yoga programmes are associated with stays of around five to 11 days, benefiting healthcare providers as well as hospitality and tourism-related businesses.
Digital presence and quality standards gain importance
The study also highlights the growing importance of digital visibility and quality accreditation in attracting international patients.
Ayush establishments with a dedicated functional website were found to have 3.6 times higher odds of attracting international patients. Recognised quality accreditation such as NABH or ISO was associated with approximately double the odds of attracting overseas patients.
This underlines the importance of professional digital platforms, recognised quality standards and transparent service information as Ayush providers seek to expand their international reach.
Technology could shape the next phase
Digital technology and Artificial Intelligence are expected to play a growing role in the sector’s development. Digital health records, workforce training, quality accreditation and responsible technology adoption could help improve service delivery and strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness.
According to the study, four broad areas are important for the sector’s future: strengthening the Ayush knowledge value chain, improving enterprise and institutional capabilities, expanding global competitiveness and Medical Value Travel, and encouraging innovation through digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
A growing part of India’s services economy
The projected expansion of the Ayush sector reflects its growing role beyond traditional healthcare. The ecosystem now connects clinics, hospitals, education, wellness, tourism and technology, creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
According to the study, the Ayush services economy could reach $216 billion to $318 billion by 2047, provided the sector continues to strengthen infrastructure, skills, quality systems, digital capabilities and international market access.
As India works towards its Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, the expansion of Ayush could create new opportunities across healthcare and wellness while connecting India’s traditional knowledge with modern service delivery, technology and growing global demand.
