Nainital, February 13 – The latest Union Budget for 2026-27 has sparked fresh optimism in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region with its bold push for medical tourism. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in Parliament to create five regional medical hubs in partnership with private sectors is a game-changer for hill states like Uttarakhand. These integrated health complexes will blend medical care, education, research, AYUSH centers, diagnostics, post-care, and rehabilitation under one roof, promising a surge in jobs for doctors and health professionals.
Kumaon’s natural assets – pristine air, serene landscapes, and organic produce – position it perfectly for this initiative. The Nainital-Bhowali belt emerges as a prime candidate for a health tourism hub. Ved Sah, Secretary of the Hotel Association, highlighted the untapped potential, recalling Bhowali’s historic sanatorium from the British era, once a beacon for TB and respiratory treatments. ‘Reviving it into a modern super-specialty hospital would keep locals from traveling to Delhi or Bareilly,’ he said.
District Tourism Officer Atul Bhandari echoed this enthusiasm, noting how medical tourism could synergize with regular tourism. Uttarakhand’s superior air quality, healing environment, and wellness activities like yoga could accelerate patient recovery. Institutions like Bhowali Sanatorium and Ramjee Hospital could specialize in chronic illnesses. Integrating homestays, local culture, and hospitality would offer patients a unique ‘healing with hospitality’ experience.
The budget’s focus on streamlined visa processes, single-window clearances, and easier access for international patients will further benefit tourism-heavy areas. If Nainital-Bhowali secures a spot among these hubs or a dedicated project, it could birth world-class hospitals, rehab centers, and wellness resorts. This would generate employment for youth, invigorate the hotel sector, and bolster the local economy, transforming Kumaon into a global health destination.