Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an allocation of ₹10,000 crore to establish a Biopharma Hub. The budget also includes initiatives for the health sector, such as the creation of medical hubs, public-private partnerships, healthcare campuses for medical research, and development in the veterinary sector. Additionally, the budget aims to give global recognition to both health and Ayurvedic institutions. The Finance Minister has also introduced measures to improve mental health. Here’s a look at what the health sector has received in Budget 2026.
Budget 2026: Key Highlights for the Health Sector
- Medical hubs will be established, working in partnership with the private sector.
- Healthcare campuses will focus on medical research.
- Efforts will be made in diagnostics, rehabilitation, and disease detection for the population.
- 100,000 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) will be added over the next five years.
- 150,000 caregivers will be trained.
- NIMHANS-2 will be set up.
- Capacity of emergency and trauma centers in district hospitals will be increased by up to 50%.
- Diverse opportunities will be provided in the medical sector.
- Efforts will be made to increase the number of veterinarians.
- Diagnostic laboratories will be strengthened.
- Support will be sought from domestic and international institutions.
- Focus on developing a comprehensive care ecosystem.
- Special emphasis on healthcare for the elderly.
- Five regional medical centers are planned to be opened.
- Medical tourism will be promoted.
- Ayurveda will be given international recognition.
- Three Ayurveda AIIMS will be established.
- Support will be provided to set up private universities.
- Hostels for girls will be made available in every district.
- Special incentives for cancer patients: Import duty exemptions on 17 essential cancer drugs, along with reduced charges on these medicines. Additionally, import duty exemptions will be provided for drugs treating seven other major diseases.
A Special Boost for Biopharma
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated ₹10,000 crore for the Biopharma sector in Budget 2026. The aim of this initiative is to make India a global Biopharma manufacturing hub. Over the next five years, there will be a strong focus on enhancing knowledge, innovation, and technology in the Biopharma sector, strengthening India’s healthcare system.
Efforts will be made to reduce import dependence on high-value drugs through the enhancement of the Biopharma Shakti Scheme. Emphasis will be placed on domestic production, ensuring that patients can receive affordable and advanced treatment within India.
