The Union Budget 2026 has been designed to prioritize India’s health, according to Minister of State Anupriya Patel. Patel highlighted the budget’s emphasis on health, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, as presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She praised the Biopharma Shakti Mission, a Rs 10,000 crore initiative aimed at making India a biopharma manufacturing hub.
In response to the growing demand for allied health professionals, the budget plans to create 10,000 Allied Health Professionals over the next five years. Patel also announced the establishment of new institutes to support this initiative. Additionally, the budget includes provisions for training one lakh multi-skilled care professionals to enhance geriatric care.
To boost medical value tourism, the budget proposes the establishment of five regional medical hubs across the country. These hubs will offer education, clinical care, and research facilities in collaboration with state governments and private sector entities. Furthermore, a new NIMHANS institute will be set up in North India to address mental health challenges in the region.
In a move to improve mental health services, the budget will enhance existing mental health insurance and waive customs duty on 17 cancer and 7 rare disease drugs. Patel expressed gratitude towards the Finance Minister for prioritizing the health of the nation in the budget.
