PRESS RELEASE

Business Seminar on Indian Medical Tourism at San Juan Sacatepéquez

The Embassy of India in Guatemala organized a Business Seminar on Indian Medical Tourism on 30 September 2025 in the municipality of San Juan Sacatepéquez, located in the department of Sacatepéquez. The event was a key initiative under India’s efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in the health and wellness sector, while also supporting Guatemala’s goal of expanding access to quality healthcare through international partnerships.

The seminar brought together doctors, business stakeholders, tour operators, local authorities, and community representatives, creating a unique platform for dialogue between Indian and Guatemalan partners. The focus of the session was to introduce India’s vast potential as a global destination for medical and wellness tourism, showcasing its advanced healthcare infrastructure, affordability, and centuries-old tradition of holistic healing.

The programme began with a welcome address by the organizers, followed by opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Raj Kumar Singh, Ambassador of India to Guatemala. In his address, the Ambassador highlighted how India has emerged as a trusted and globally recognized destination for medical care, attracting over a million foreign patients every year. He underscored the fact that India offers world- class healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to developed nations, without compromising on quality. He also emphasized that India’s strength lies not only in its modern medicine but also in its integrated healthcare system, combining modern medical science with traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy. The Ambassador further noted that as Guatemala continues to strengthen its healthcare network, India stands ready to share its experience in hospital management, telemedicine, pharmaceutical production, and skill development. He encouraged Guatemalan institutions to collaborate with Indian hospitals and universities to build a more accessible and inclusive health ecosystem.

Following the inaugural remarks, Mr. Ramesh Khulbey, Head of Chancery, delivered a detailed presentation on Indian Medical Tourism. His presentation covered India’s leading hospitals, centers of excellence, wellness resorts, and government initiatives such as the “Heal in India” campaign, which facilitates foreign patients seeking treatment in India. He also highlighted success stories from Central America and Latin America, where several patients have benefited from treatment in Indian hospitals for complex surgeries, cancer care, and fertility treatment.

The presentation generated significant interest among participants. The subsequent interactive Q&A session saw lively discussions, with Guatemalan doctors and health professionals asking specific questions about the accreditation of Indian hospitals, the process for obtaining medical visas, post-treatment care, and the integration of wellness tourism into existing tourism circuits. The tour operators present expressed strong enthusiasm for developing dedicated medical

and wellness travel packages to India, recognizing the opportunity to diversify Guatemala’s outbound tourism market.

Participants praised the Embassy’s initiative, noting that it not only created awareness about India’s healthcare capabilities but also laid the foundation for institutional partnerships and professional exchanges. Several doctors expressed a desire to visit India for short-term training programs and explore collaboration with Indian hospitals for patient referrals and technology sharing.

The Business Seminar on Indian Medical Tourism in San Juan Sacatepéquez was a resounding success, marked by strong engagement, valuable discussions, and tangible interest in future collaboration. The event strengthened the bridge between India and Guatemala in the fields of health, tourism, and people-to-people cooperation, opening new avenues for mutual growth and understanding.

San Juan Sacatepéquez, 30 September 2025