Unlike in most of Western society, in Lourdes, the sick are prominent. They are the people around whom much of the activity in Lourdes revolves.
Many of the sick may come to Lourdes seeking a cure, but equally many will come simply because it is a place that they can get to, where they will be looked after, giving their usual carers a break, and where they will be close to Mary and to God.
The sick are placed in a position of prominence in Lourdes, and the healthy ask for their prayers, because in their suffering the Church deems them to be closer to God.