In a major fillip to healthcare and tourism, the Central Budget 2026-27 has ignited hopes across Uttarakhand’s Kumaon division for medical tourism development. The government’s plan to establish five state-of-the-art regional medical hubs, collaborating with private players, promises integrated facilities encompassing treatment, training, research, wellness centers, diagnostics, and recovery services. This holistic approach is tailor-made for regions blessed with nature’s bounty, like Uttarakhand’s hills.
Nainital and Bhowali stand out with their clean air, tranquil settings, and legacy of healing. Hotel Association Secretary Ved Sah reminisced about Bhowali’s colonial-era sanatorium, a former hub for tuberculosis patients from afar. Now dilapidated, its restoration into a cutting-edge facility could revolutionize local healthcare, reducing the need for long trips to urban centers.
Atul Bhandari, District Tourism Officer, described this as a potential game-changer. ‘Combining medical care with our organic food, pristine AQI, and natural therapies will enhance recovery rates,’ he stated. Revamping sites like the sanatorium and Ramjee Hospital for respiratory and chronic conditions, alongside AYUSH, yoga, and cultural immersions, could deliver unparalleled wellness packages.
Simplifying visas and introducing single-window systems for foreign patients aligns perfectly with Uttarakhand’s tourism strengths. Securing one of these hubs here could spawn international-standard infrastructure, creating jobs, boosting hospitality, and driving economic growth. Kumaon’s transformation into a medical tourism hotspot now seems within reach, blending health, nature, and hospitality seamlessly.