Women Lead the Charge in India's Booming Ayush Sector
Women now make up 43% of the Ayush workforce, with representation exceeding 50% in hospitals, wellness centres, and educational institutes.
The Ayush services sector is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse for female employment in India. A recent assessment reveals that women account for 43 per cent of the overall Ayush services workforce, with their presence crossing the 50 per cent mark in several key organised segments.
From hospitals to wellness resorts, women are playing a pivotal role in the expansion of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. This surge in female participation is occurring alongside massive economic growth, as the sector's value reached an estimated US$36.92 billion in FY2024-25.
Breaking Barriers in Organised Segments
The data, released as part of a study by RIS on Ayurveda Day 2026, shows that women are not just participants but leaders in various organised Ayush establishments. The representation levels are particularly striking in the following areas:
- Spas and Wellness Resorts: Over 60 per cent female representation.
- Educational Institutes: 58 per cent.
- Day-care Centres: 57 per cent.
- Hospitals: 53 per cent.
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, noted that the sector is creating meaningful employment and opening new avenues for entrepreneurship and skill development, specifically highlighting the importance of women's participation in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Economic Engine
The Ayush economy is showing robust momentum, registering a 16.91 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) since FY2022-23. The sector currently supports approximately 1.76 million livelihoods across healthcare, wellness, and education.
Revenue Drivers and Market Trends
While the sector is diversifying, certain segments continue to drive the bulk of the revenue:
- Standalone Clinics: The largest revenue generator, contributing US$16.21 billion (43.9 per cent of total revenue).
- Day-care Centres: Contributing US$10.13 billion.
- Ayurveda: Remains the dominant system, accounting for US$17.73 billion, or roughly 48 per cent of the total revenue.
The wellness segment is also seeing a massive spike, recording a 21.29 per cent CAGR, while yoga centres have seen an incredible 75 per cent revenue growth over just two years. This reflects a global and domestic shift toward preventive health.
The Future: Towards a US$300 Billion Industry
The scale of opportunity is immense. The sector is also gaining traction in Medical Value Travel (MVT), which generated US$1.77 billion in FY2024-25. While international patients make up only about 5 per cent of patient volumes, they contribute between 15-25 per cent of hospital segment revenue due to longer therapeutic stays.
Looking ahead, the projections are staggering. The Ayush services sector is expected to expand from its current US$36.92 billion to an estimated US$216–318 billion by 2047. This growth is expected to create vast opportunities in research, digital health, and medical travel, further cementing the role of women in India's inclusive economic growth.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that strengthening digital infrastructure and quality standards will further enhance the scale and quality of employment, allowing the sector to contribute even more significantly to the national economy.