Vaidam Health acquires MediJourney to boost global medical tourism reach

Vaidam Health, a medical tourism platform based in India, has acquired MediJourney, a digital-first healthcare facilitation startup previously incubated by Ferns N Petals (FNP). The all-cash transaction aims to expand Vaidam's global presence and enhance its digital infrastructure for cross-border healthcare services.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

MediJourney, launched in 2024, operates a technology-enabled platform that connects international patients with healthcare providers. Its acquisition is expected to support Vaidam's plans to improve patient experience through digital tools and increase its engagement in key overseas markets.

"This acquisition reflects our intent to expand our reach and improve service delivery for international patients," said Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder of Vaidam Health. "MediJourney's platform complements our existing operations and helps us scale more efficiently."

Founded in 2016, Vaidam Health provides end-to-end assistance for medical travelers, including treatment discovery, visa support, interpreter services, and post-treatment care. The company reports over 25,000 monthly patient interactions and has a presence in seven countries. It collaborates with hospitals in India to facilitate treatment for patients from abroad.

Following the acquisition, Vaidam expects to grow its active patient engagements by 40–50% over the next year. The company plans to deepen its presence in Africa and Southeast Asia, where it already operates local teams and information centers.

"MediJourney and Vaidam share a common goal of making healthcare more accessible and streamlined for patients," said Rishabh Jalan, Co-Founder of MediJourney. "This partnership allows us to build on that foundation with greater reach and resources."

MediJourney will continue to operate as an independent brand under Vaidam's ownership while integrating key aspects of technology, hospital partnerships, and case management systems. Future areas of focus include AI-enabled navigation, customized onboarding, and backend integration across partner hospitals.

Vaidam Health is among the few NABH-accredited platforms in India's medical tourism sector and has been featured in academic case studies for its approach to global healthcare access.

The company is focused on expanding internationally and investing in technology to support personalized care delivery.

Medical tourism in India

India's medical tourism industry is undergoing rapid expansion and is poised to become a major growth driver for the country's healthcare sector. The sector was valued at $7.69 billion in 2024, with expectations to nearly double to $14.31 billion by 2029, supported by improved infrastructure, increased insurance coverage, and greater public-private investment.

Patient inflow has also recovered from the COVID-19 disruption. After a steep fall to 180,000 medical tourists in 2020, the number rebounded to 560,000 in 2023 and is projected to reach 730,000 in 2024. By 2030, India is expected to attract 3 million foreign patients annually, according to the Way2Wealth Healthcare Sector Thematic Report.

The report highlights India's cost advantage as a major factor drawing international patients. For instance, a heart bypass costs approximately $5,200 in India versus $144,000 in the US, offering savings of nearly 96%. Similar cost gaps exist for other procedures such as hip and knee replacements, angioplasty, and dental implants. These price differentials, coupled with access to internationally accredited hospitals and highly skilled doctors, make India a preferred destination for patients seeking high-quality yet affordable medical care.

Additionally, the report notes that cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru are emerging as strong hubs for medical tourism due to their superior hospital infrastructure, rising insurance penetration, and availability of high-end specialty care.

The growth is further bolstered by government initiatives. The e-Medical Visa program, for example, simplifies international patient travel with quicker processing and extended stay options. The 'Heal in India' campaign aims to institutionalize India's medical tourism framework with dedicated portals, standardized pricing, and facilitation centers at major airports.

However, the report also flags some structural challenges. Despite its advantages, India's healthcare spending remains low as a percentage of GDP, and the country continues to face infrastructure gaps and rural-urban disparities in access to quality care. The report cautions that India faces growing competition from other medical tourism destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea.

Still, with consistent policy support and strategic investment, the report concludes that India is well-positioned to become a global leader in medical tourism.