The Ayush services sector in India has seen significant growth, with women accounting for 43% of the workforce, according to a new report released by the Central government.
The report, prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), estimates that the sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education, and allied services.
Key Takeaways
- The Ayush services sector in India is growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% since 2022-23.
- The sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, education, and allied services.
- Women account for 43% of the workforce in the Ayush services sector, with their representation highest in spas and wellness resorts.
- The sector has the potential to create new job opportunities, increase foreign exchange earnings, and promote Indiaโs cultural heritage.
Who is driving the growth of the Ayush sector?
The Ayush services sector, comprising Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, has registered a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% since 2022-23.
The sector was estimated at $36.92 billion in 2024-25, with standalone clinics generating an estimated $16.21 billion, or 43.9% of the sectorโs revenue.
What are the key segments of the Ayush sector?
The wellness segment has recorded a 21.29% compound annual growth rate, while yoga centres registered about 75% growth in revenue over two years.
Ayurveda remains the largest individual Ayush system, accounting for $17.73 billion, or about 48% of the total services revenue.
By the numbers
- $36.92 billion: Estimated value of the Ayush services sector in 2024-25
- 16.91%: Compound annual growth rate of the sector since 2022-23
- 1.76 million: Number of livelihoods supported by the sector
- 43%: Percentage of women in the Ayush services workforce
- 60%: Percentage of women in spas and wellness resorts
What does the future hold for the Ayush sector?
The assessment projects that the Ayush services economy could expand to between $216 billion and $318 billion by 2047.
Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said the sectorโs expansion was creating employment opportunities across healthcare, wellness, education, and allied services, while also opening avenues for entrepreneurship and womenโs participation.
What are the opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the Ayush sector?
The report projects further employment opportunities in healthcare delivery, wellness, education, medical travel, research, digital health, and allied services as the sector expands.
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How is the Ayush sector impacting medical tourism in India?
Ayush-related medical value travel generated an estimated $1.77 billion in 2024-25, with international patients accounting for around 5% of patient volumes but contributing an estimated 15-25% of hospital-segment revenue.
What role do women play in the Ayush sector?
Womenโs representation is highest in spas and wellness resorts, where it exceeds 60%, followed by educational institutions at 58%, day-care centres at 57%, and hospitals at 53%.
What are the challenges facing the Ayush sector?
Despite the growth and opportunities, the sector faces challenges such as lack of standardization, regulation, and awareness, which need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and development.
What are the implications of the Ayush sectorโs growth for Indiaโs economy?
The growth of the Ayush sector is expected to have a positive impact on Indiaโs economy, with the potential to create new job opportunities, increase foreign exchange earnings, and promote the countryโs cultural heritage.
How can the Ayush sector be further developed and promoted?
To further develop and promote the Ayush sector, the government and private sector can invest in infrastructure, training, and marketing, while also addressing the challenges facing the sector and promoting standardization and regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayush services sector?
The Ayush services sector comprises Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, and provides healthcare, wellness, education, and allied services.
How big is the Ayush services sector in India?
The sector was estimated at $36.92 billion in 2024-25, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.91% since 2022-23.
What are the key segments of the Ayush sector?
The key segments of the Ayush sector include standalone clinics, day-care centres, wellness, and yoga centres.
