India’s Healthcare GCCs Expected to Create 67,000 Jobs in 2026, Says Quess Corp

India’s healthcare global capability centres (GCCs) are projected to generate around 67,000 job opportunities in 2026, with most openings aimed at experienced professionals with specialised skills. According to Quess Corp’s India Healthcare GCC Outlook 2026, nearly 93% of the anticipated demand will come from candidates with three to 12 years of work experience.

The report highlights how India’s healthcare GCC ecosystem is evolving beyond conventional support operations. Companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI), scientific research, clinical development and digital healthcare, creating demand for professionals with deeper technical and industry-specific expertise.

Healthcare GCCs Shift Towards Specialised Hiring

India’s healthcare GCC landscape has grown to include 155 organisations employing approximately 3.2 lakh professionals. Hiring activity in the segment has also expanded rapidly, with demand increasing from 32,000 roles in 2024 to 63,200 in 2025, nearly doubling in a year.

However, the growing need for specialised talent is creating recruitment challenges. Employers are looking for professionals in areas such as AI, data analytics, clinical research, regulatory affairs and quality management, but the available talent pool is struggling to keep up with demand.

Demand for AI and Data Skills Rises Sharply

Data analytics and AI are among the fastest-growing areas of recruitment in healthcare GCCs. According to the report, demand for professionals in these fields is projected to increase by 147.3% between 2023 and 2026, rising from 1,781 roles to 4,404.

Regulatory, quality and compliance functions are also seeing substantial growth. Demand for these positions has increased by 108.4% over the same period, reaching 6,147 roles.

Meanwhile, hiring requirements across research and development (R&D), clinical development, biometrics and statistics have risen by 82.5%, reaching 5,421 roles.

These trends reflect the industry's growing focus on specialised capabilities as healthcare organisations expand their research, technology and product development operations in India.

Talent Shortages Remain a Key Challenge

Despite a workforce of approximately 3.2 lakh professionals, healthcare GCCs continue to face shortages in several specialised fields.

Quess Corp’s report places the overall workforce-to-annual-demand ratio at 4.8:1. However, the supply-to-demand ratio falls to just 1.6:1 in data, analytics and AI, as well as in market access, patient services and analytics.

The figures point to a widening gap between the skills employers need and the talent currently available. As a result, the industry's recruitment challenge is increasingly centred on finding professionals with the right expertise rather than simply expanding the overall workforce.

Entry-Level Hiring Loses Momentum

The preference for experienced professionals is also reflected in entry-level recruitment trends. During the second quarter of 2026, demand for entry-level positions declined by 12.4% year-on-year, even as overall quarterly hiring demand increased by 6%.

This divergence suggests that healthcare GCCs are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can contribute immediately to specialised functions, including digital healthcare, clinical operations and regulated business activities.

At the same time, the decline in entry-level opportunities raises questions about how organisations will develop the next generation of professionals and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.

AI Adoption Set to Expand Across Healthcare GCCs

Artificial intelligence is expected to become one of the most rapidly expanding capabilities within India's healthcare GCC ecosystem.

The report estimates that AI is currently used by around 60% of these centres. Its adoption could increase to between 80% and 90% by 2030 as organisations integrate the technology into clinical workflows, research and development, operational processes and product development.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in healthcare operations, demand is likely to grow for professionals who combine technical expertise with an understanding of healthcare systems and specialised industry requirements.

The outlook indicates that India's healthcare GCC sector is entering a phase in which specialised skills, digital capabilities and experienced talent will play an increasingly important role in shaping recruitment and long-term growth.