The Union Budget aims to enhance the allied health workforce, improve infrastructure, and promote Ayush globally, as per government statements. Allocations for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have increased by 10% to over Rs. 1,06,530 crore for 2025-26. Additionally, the budget includes initiatives like global AYUSH integration and the establishment of NIMHANS-2 in North India.
The budget reflects a 194% rise in allocations for the Ministry over 12 years, with Rs 4,821.21 crore allocated to the Department of Health Research. This substantial government spending underscores a strong commitment to universal healthcare and medical research innovation, according to official sources.
Noteworthy proposals in the budget include a 100% customs duty exemption on 17 new cancer drugs and plans to train 1 lakh allied health professionals and 1.5 lakh caregivers over the next five years. Furthermore, the budget suggests setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to meet the increasing global demand and upgrading the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar.
The initiatives for the AYUSH sector focus on enhancing education, clinical training, and research capabilities for both domestic healthcare services and international involvement. The goal is to elevate regulatory standards and certification processes to position Indian AYUSH products in global markets that seek scientifically validated solutions.
Funding for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri‑Jan Arogya Yojana has been on the rise, offering up to Rs. 5 lakh annually per eligible household and covering more than 12 crore vulnerable families. The statement acknowledges the nation’s progress in maternal and child health and increased life expectancy but highlights the emerging health challenge of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancers.
The government’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases targets the 57% of deaths in the country attributed to NCDs in 2021-23. The program aims to identify high-risk individuals systematically and connect them with appropriate care and treatment.
