The AYUSH services sector in India was valued at an estimated US$36.92 billion in FY2024–25 and directly supported approximately 1.76 million livelihoods, according to a study by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
The findings highlight the sector’s growing economic contribution across healthcare, employment, wellness services, and related activities.
AYUSH Services Sector Records Strong Growth
The RIS assessment found that the AYUSH services economy recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.91% between FY2022–23 and FY2024–25.
The study was based on a nationally scaled survey covering 15,914 establishments across six AYUSH systems: Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
The findings were released during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations held in Nagpur on September 23, 2026.
Ayurveda Accounts for the Largest Share
Among the six AYUSH systems, Ayurveda was the largest contributor to the sector’s services economy.
The RIS study estimated Ayurveda’s contribution at US$17.73 billion in FY2024–25, accounting for nearly half of the total AYUSH services economy.
Clinics and day-care centres were also identified as major revenue contributors. Together, these two categories accounted for more than 71% of total AYUSH services revenue.
The estimated contributions were:
- Standalone clinics: US$16.21 billion
- Day-care centres: US$10.13 billion
These figures highlight the importance of clinic-based and day-care services within the AYUSH services sector.
AYUSH Sector Supports 1.76 Million Livelihoods
The economic contribution of AYUSH extends beyond healthcare delivery to employment generation.
According to the study, the sector directly supported approximately 1.76 million livelihoods across India. More than one million of these livelihoods were associated with local and standalone clinics.
Women accounted for approximately 43% of the total AYUSH services workforce and had a particularly strong presence in several organised segments.
Their reported workforce shares included:
- Spas and resorts offering AYUSH-based services: More than 60%
- Educational institutions: 58%
- Day-care centres: 57%
- Hospitals: 53%
These findings highlight the sector’s contribution to employment and women’s participation in the organised services economy.
Wellness Services Emerge as a Growth Area
The wellness segment has become an important component of the AYUSH services economy.
According to the RIS study, AYUSH-based wellness services, including yoga centres and spas and resorts offering AYUSH-related services, recorded a CAGR of 21.29%.
Revenue from yoga centres alone increased by approximately 75% over the two-year period covered by the report.
The study associates this growth with demand for wellness services, preventive health practices, and holistic healthcare experiences.
However, economic growth in the wellness sector should not be confused with evidence of the clinical effectiveness of individual AYUSH interventions. Therapeutic claims require appropriate scientific evaluation.
AYUSH Expands Its Role in Medical Value Travel
The RIS study also examined the contribution of AYUSH services to Medical Value Travel (MVT), which involves people travelling to receive healthcare and related services.
For FY2024–25, revenue from AYUSH-related Medical Value Travel was estimated at US$1.77 billion.
According to the study, international patients accounted for approximately 5% of patient volumes but an estimated 15–25% of hospital-segment revenue.
AYUSH programmes, including Panchakarma and residential yoga, were also associated with longer stays. The reported average length of stay ranged from five to 11 days.
The study identified associations between certain institutional characteristics and the likelihood of attracting international patients. Establishments with a dedicated, functional website reportedly had 3.6 times higher odds of attracting international patients, while recognised quality accreditation, such as NABH or ISO certification, was associated with approximately twice the odds.
These findings describe associations reported in the study. They do not establish that websites or accreditation alone will independently increase international patient numbers.
AYUSH Services Economy Could Expand Significantly by 2047
The RIS study projects that the AYUSH services economy could grow from US$36.92 billion in FY2024–25 to between US$216 billion and US$318 billion by 2047.
These figures are projections rather than guaranteed outcomes. Achieving this level of growth would depend on factors such as infrastructure investment, workforce development, quality systems, digital capabilities, and access to international markets.
The study identifies four strategic areas that could support the sector’s future development:
- Adding value across the AYUSH knowledge chain
- Strengthening enterprise and institutional capacities
- Enhancing Medical Value Travel and global competitiveness
- Driving innovation through digital technologies and artificial intelligence
The report also highlights the importance of quality accreditation, digital health records, workforce skills development, and international readiness.
Economic Significance of the AYUSH Sector
The RIS findings provide a broader picture of AYUSH by estimating its contribution to healthcare delivery, employment, wellness, education, tourism, and the wider services economy.
For policymakers, the assessment can provide economic information to inform future planning and investment. Organised healthcare, wellness services, digital infrastructure, and international markets may offer opportunities for AYUSH institutions and practitioners.
The sector’s employment footprint also extends beyond clinical practice to education, research, wellness, administration, digital health, and related services.
At the same time, economic indicators should be distinguished from scientific evidence about the effectiveness of individual treatments. The size or growth rate of a healthcare sector does not, by itself, establish the clinical efficacy of particular therapies.
What Readers Should Know About the RIS Study
The RIS study is an economic assessment rather than a government scheme. It does not, in itself, involve an application process, registration requirement, or deadline.
Readers should distinguish between the study’s current-period estimates, its research findings, and its long-term projections.
The US$36.92 billion valuation and 1.76 million livelihoods refer to estimates for FY2024–25. By contrast, the projected US$216 billion–US$318 billion range represents a possible future scale for the sector by 2047, dependent on the assumptions and conditions underlying the projection.
Conclusion
According to the RIS study, India’s AYUSH services economy was valued at US$36.92 billion in FY2024–25 and directly supported approximately 1.76 million livelihoods.
The findings identify Ayurveda as the sector’s largest contributor by revenue, while wellness services and Medical Value Travel represent important areas of economic activity.
The study also projects substantial potential growth by 2047, while highlighting the need for stronger infrastructure, quality systems, workforce skills, digital capabilities, and international competitiveness. The extent to which this potential is realised will depend on how these priorities are addressed.
