New Delhi: HL September 30, 2026
India’s Ayush services sector is emerging as a major contributor to the country’s healthcare, wellness and services economy, with its economic value estimated at US$36.92 billion in FY2024-25, according to a new study by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
The study, released during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations in Nagpur on September 23, estimates that the sector has recorded a 16.91% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since FY2022-23. It also projects that the Ayush services economy could expand to between US$216 billion and US$318 billion by 2047, provided India continues to strengthen infrastructure, quality standards, skills, digital capabilities and global market access.
The assessment is based on a nationally scaled survey covering 15,914 establishments across the six major Ayush systems.
Clinics and Ayurveda Drive Sectoral Revenue
According to the study, clinics and day-care centres form the backbone of the Ayush services economy, together accounting for more than 71% of total sector revenue.
Standalone clinics contributed an estimated US$16.21 billion, while day-care centres generated around US$10.13 billion.
Among individual Ayush systems, Ayurveda remained the largest contributor, accounting for approximately US$17.73 billion, or nearly 48% of the overall sectoral revenue.
The report also identifies strong growth in Ayush-linked wellness services, including yoga centres, spas and resorts. The wellness segment recorded a 21.29% CAGR, while yoga centres saw their revenues increase by around 75% over two years.
Ayush Supports 1.76 Million Livelihoods
The growing sector is also emerging as an important source of employment. The RIS study estimates that Ayush services directly support 1.76 million livelihoods, with more than one million jobs concentrated in local and standalone clinics.
Women account for around 43% of the overall workforce. Female participation is higher in several organised segments, exceeding 50% in a number of categories.
Women constitute more than 60% of the workforce in wellness facilities such as spas and resorts offering Ayush-based services. Their participation is also reported at 58% in educational institutions, 57% in day-care centres and 53% in hospitals.
Medical Value Travel Adds to Ayush’s Economic Potential
The study highlights the growing role of Ayush in Medical Value Travel (MVT). The sector generated an estimated US$1.77 billion in MVT revenue during FY2024-25.
Although international patients account for only around 5% of total patient volumes, they contribute an estimated 15–25% of hospital-segment revenues.
Ayush-based therapeutic programmes, including Panchakarma and residential yoga programmes, can involve relatively longer stays, with the study reporting an average length of stay of approximately 5–11 days.
Digital presence and quality accreditation were also identified as important factors in attracting overseas patients. Establishments with a functional dedicated website were found to have 3.6 times higher odds of attracting international patients, while recognised quality accreditation such as NABH or ISO was associated with approximately twice the odds.
Ayush Economy Could Reach $318 Billion by 2047
Looking towards Viksit Bharat @2047, the RIS study estimates that the Ayush services economy could grow from US$36.92 billion in FY2024-25 to US$216–318 billion by 2047.
The report identifies four broad areas that could shape this expansion: strengthening the Ayush knowledge value chain, building enterprise and institutional capabilities, improving global competitiveness and Medical Value Travel, and promoting innovation through digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
The study also stresses the importance of wider quality accreditation, digital health records, workforce development, international readiness and responsible use of emerging technologies.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said the findings demonstrate the growing economic importance of the Ayush sector.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the study provides a nationally scaled assessment of the sector and can support future investment, policy planning and reforms.
RIS Director General Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma said the survey provides an evidence-based understanding of the Ayush services economy and its contribution to livelihoods and economic activity.
The findings position Ayush as more than a healthcare and wellness ecosystem, highlighting its potential role in employment generation, entrepreneurship, services-led growth and India’s expanding global engagement in traditional and complementary medicine.
