Parliament Question: Health and Medical Tourism in Kanpur, UP

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5731 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026 Health and Medical Tourism in Kanpur, UP †5731. Shri Ramesh Awasthi: Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state: (a) whether the Kanpur metropolis of Uttar Pradesh renowned as the "Leather City" holds significant potential to be developed as a health tourism destination international traders and travellers visiting the city, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government is making any plans under the 'Heal in India' initiative to establish/develop wellness centres, Panchakarma centres or AYUSH hospitals based on Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems in Kanpur, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to conduct any special programme to develop the AYUSH medical institutions and train AYUSH practitioners in Kanpur in accordance with international standards to attract foreign patients; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (e) whether the Government proposes to develop Kanpur city as an AYUSH-based health tourism centre in the future and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) and (b) The Government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to promote Ayush-based tourism in the country. Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism in consultation with other Ministries including Ministry of Ayush. To facilitate international visitors seeking Ayush-based treatments, the Government introduced a separate category of Ayush Visa on 27 July 2023. Ministry of Ayush has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Tourism Development 1Corporation (ITDC), Ministry of Tourism to work together for the promotion of Medical Value Travel (MVT) in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. (c) to (e) As reported by Department of Ayush, Government of Uttar Pradesh, focused efforts have been undertaken in recent years towards training and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. Clinical management training programmes have been conducted through Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management (UPAAM) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers to enhance quality of care (NABH). NABH accreditation has also been progressively implemented to strengthen clinical standards, with 07 Ayushman Aarogya Mandir in Kanpur certified so far, while 02 fifty-bedded integrated Ayush hospitals are currently under NABH assessment. Further Ministry of Ayush is also supporting upgradation of existing Ayush dispensaries into Ayushman Aarogya Mandir (Ayush) to improve standards. At present, in Kanpur, there are 01 Homoeopathic Medical College, 02 fifty-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals, 25 Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, and 08 Yoga Wellness Centres providing health and wellness services. ******* 2