New Delhi: India’s Ayush services economy was estimated at US$36.92 billion in FY2024-25, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.91% since FY2022-23, according to a new study by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
The study, based on a nationwide survey of 15,914 establishments covering the six major Ayush systems, examined the sector’s contribution to healthcare, wellness, employment and Medical Value Travel (MVT).
The report was formally released during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations in Nagpur on September 23.
Clinics and Ayurveda Form Major Share of Ayush Economy
According to the study, clinics and day-care centres together account for more than 71% of Ayush services revenue.
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Standalone clinics generated an estimated US$16.21 billion, while day-care centres contributed around US$10.13 billion in FY2024-25.
Ayurveda was the largest individual Ayush system, accounting for US$17.73 billion, or nearly 48% of the sector’s total revenue.
Ayush Wellness Segment Records 21.29% Growth
The study also assessed the economic contribution of Ayush-based wellness services, including yoga centres, spas and resorts.
The segment recorded a 21.29% CAGR, while yoga centres reported around 75% growth in revenue over the two-year period covered by the study.
The report links the expansion of this segment to demand for preventive health, wellness and holistic-care services.
Sector Supports 1.76 Million Livelihoods
The RIS study estimates that the Ayush services sector directly supports 1.76 million livelihoods, with more than one million concentrated in local and standalone clinics.
Women account for 43% of the overall Ayush services workforce, while their participation is higher in several organised segments.
Women comprise more than 60% of the workforce in wellness establishments offering Ayush-based services, followed by 58% in educational institutions, 57% in day-care centres and 53% in hospitals, according to the study.
Ayush Generates $1.77 Billion From Medical Value Travel
The study estimates that Ayush services generated around US$1.77 billion in Medical Value Travel revenue in FY2024-25.
International patients account for approximately 5% of patient volumes, but the report estimates that they contribute 15–25% of revenues in the hospital segment.
Ayush therapeutic programmes, including Panchakarma and residential yoga, were associated with longer patient stays, with an average stay of 5–11 days, according to the study.
The report also identified digital presence and quality accreditation as factors associated with international-patient attraction. Establishments with dedicated functional websites had 3.6 times higher odds of attracting international patients, while recognised accreditation such as NABH or ISO was associated with approximately twice the odds.
RIS Projects Ayush Economy to Reach $216–318 Billion by 2047
Looking ahead, the study projects that the Ayush services economy could grow to between US$216 billion and US$318 billion by 2047.
The projection is linked in the report to improvements in infrastructure, quality systems, workforce skills, digital capabilities and access to international markets.
The study identifies four broad areas for strengthening the sector: the Ayush knowledge value chain; enterprise and institutional capabilities; global competitiveness and Medical Value Travel; and innovation through digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
It also recommends wider quality accreditation, digital health records, workforce skilling, international readiness and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Ayush Positioned as Healthcare and Services Sector
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said the findings highlight the sector’s economic potential beyond its traditional healthcare role.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the study provides an evidence base for future investment, policy planning and reforms.
RIS Director General Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma said the survey provides a nationally scaled assessment of the Ayush services economy and its employment contribution.
The study places Ayush at the intersection of healthcare, wellness, employment, entrepreneurship and Medical Value Travel, while identifying infrastructure, quality standards, skills, digital capabilities and global market access as areas for further development.
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