Miss World contestants explore Telangana’s medical tourism at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli
Hyderabad: Contestants of the 72nd Miss World Festival visited AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli, on May 16, 2025, as part of a medical tourism awareness program showcasing Telangana’s healthcare sector. The event welcomed 25 contestants from the Africa group, along with participants from other countries who are doctors or psychologists.
Contestants from Guadeloupe, Turkey, Wales, Bosnia, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Guatemala, Lebanon, Malaysia, Poland, France, Northern Ireland, Guyana, and Malta were also present. They were greeted with a traditional Telangana welcome, rose petal showers by staff in ethnic attire, and live shehnai music. A unique highlight of the event was life-sized cutouts of the contestants, which they signed and posed with.
Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, delivered an introduction to the hospital's history and achievements. The group was then divided into two for a guided tour of the hospital, covering the Endoscopy Suites, AI Experience Center, Chemotherapy Ward, Pediatric Ward, Research Center, and Skill Labs. Senior doctors including Dr. Sujana Priya, Dr. G.V. Rao, and Dr. Lakshmi joined Dr. Reddy in leading the walkthrough.
After the tour, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy felicitated the contestants and gave a talk titled The Future of Healthcare. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu, Secretary, Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department, Government of Telangana, on public health initiatives, with a focus on cancer and women's health. Speaking at the event, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy said, “Telangana is becoming a key destination for medical tourism by combining advanced infrastructure, technology, and quality care. Hosting the Miss World event helps bring global attention to our progress in healthcare.”
Julia Morley, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, added, “We are pleased that the Miss World Festival can highlight Hyderabad’s healthcare strengths. Many of our participants come from medical and psychology backgrounds and are keen to learn and share their experience.” Telangana’s medical tourism sector has grown significantly, with international patient numbers rising from around 75,000 in 2014 to 1.55 lakh in 2024. Domestically, over 8.8 crore patients from other Indian states sought treatment in Telangana last year.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Telangana is positioning itself as a healthcare hub, supported by public and private investments. The Miss World visit marked a rare blend of global culture and healthcare diplomacy, showing Hyderabad’s growing role in international medical tourism.
