The Union Budget for 2025-26 marks a pivotal moment in India’s health-care evolution, reinforcing its ambitions to become a global leader in health care and innovation.

India’s Health-Care Transformation

• Healthcare Allocations: A cornerstone of the Union Budget is the health-care allocation of ₹90,958 crore, which is set to transform the landscape of medical care in India.
• New Medical Seats: Over the next five years, India is set to add 75,000 medical seats, with 10,000 of these being introduced in FY26 alone. 
  • This expansion is aimed at addressing the demand for medical professionals and enhancing education in the sector.

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India’s Healthcare Journey

• 1980s to Present: India’s health-care sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a period of limited medical infrastructure in the 1980s to a global health-care leader.
• Global Health-Care Destination: The country is working towards establishing itself as a preferred medical destination, positioning India at the forefront of international health-care.

Key Recommendations and Initiatives

• Heal in India: One of the recommendations made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to establish India as the global health-care hub. 
  • The ‘Heal in India’ initiative has been launched with streamlined visa processes, improved hospital infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to attract international patients.
• Heal by India: To address the global shortfall of health-care professionals, India is focusing on training more doctors, nurses, and paramedics. 
  • This initiative will not only fill the international demand for skilled health-care workers but also create new opportunities for Indian professionals worldwide.
• Global Leadership: With the expanding capacity and increasing exports of health-care professionals, India is steadily progressing towards becoming a global leader in health-care services.

Key Highlights in India’s Health-Care Budget

• Day-Care Cancer Centres: The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centres in district hospitals across the country is a significant move to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases like cancer. 
  • This initiative aims to improve early diagnosis and enhance patient outcomes by bringing specialized treatment closer to communities.
• Customs Duty Exemption: The Budget introduces a customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving drugs, including those for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. 
  • This policy aims to reduce treatment costs, making vital medications more affordable for patients nationwide.
• Patient Assistance Programmes: The addition of 13 new patient assistance programmes will further improve access to essential medications, particularly for those suffering from chronic conditions, thus enhancing healthcare accessibility for a larger segment of the population.
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health: A notable emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital health marks a transformative shift in India’s health-care landscape. 
  • The establishment of National Centres of Excellence will drive innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and research, ensuring India remains at the cutting edge of health-care solutions.
• Cutting Edge Technologies: The integration of advanced technologies positions India as a global health-care leader. 
  • For instance, Apollo Hospitals pioneered Proton therapy for advanced cancer care in the region, attracting international patients from countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.
• Leadership in Health Care: The Budget emphasizes the government’s vision for health care as a central pillar of national growth. 
  • This leadership demonstrates a commitment to transforming India’s health-care system, from one that once struggled with basic medical care to a nation now providing world-class treatment to millions.

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Conclusion

It is our collective responsibility now to build on this momentum — by embracing technology, strengthening medical education, and ensuring that health care reaches every individual in need.

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