It evinces Union Government’s Resolve to groom India as Global Leader in all aspects of Healthcare
New Delhi: Union Budget 2026 seems to have mighty impressed healthcare leaders. They have applauded it in no uncertain terms and expressed great hopes about its positive outcomes for all aspects of healthcare. According to them, it will give a boost to India’s ambition of becoming global hub of healthcare.
Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare encompassing India and UAE, is bullish about robust outcomes of Union Budget 2026. Dr Moopen says, ‘it has presented a forward looking roadmap for healthcare, a decisive step toward building a more affordable, accessible, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem. From biopharma innovation and affordable cancer care to mental health, stronger district hospitals, medical tourism, and workforce development, the direction is clear and reassuring.
Dr Moopen adds, ‘The Finance Ministry’s focused investments reflect a strong understanding of where Indian healthcare must head next. The Biopharma SHAKTI initiative lays the foundation for India to emerge as a global leader in biopharma research and clinical innovation. Duty exemptions on cancer and rare disease drugs will bring meaningful relief to patients and families when it matters most. The expansion of mental health services and strengthened district hospitals pushes advanced care closer to communities, where it truly belongs. Medical tourism hubs developed through public–private partnerships reinforce India’s position as a trusted global destination for integrated healing and care. Large-scale training of caregivers and allied health professionals addresses one of healthcare’s most critical gaps — people.
This is a strong step in the right direction, aligned with the larger goal of making quality healthcare equitable, accessible, and sustainable for India, he adds.
Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Healthcare has said, ‘The government’s focus on allied health professionals is a major step toward strengthening our healthcare workforce. Training 1 lakh AHPs and 1.5 lakh caregivers will address critical gaps in allied and geriatric care. Coupled with initiatives in medical tourism and Ayurveda, this sets the stage for India to become a global hub for comprehensive healthcare.
“The government’s plan to set up five regional medical tourism hubs in partnership with the private sector is a game-changer for India’s healthcare sector. With dedicated AYUSH centers integrated into these hubs, the initiative will promote holistic care while attracting international patients. Such measures not only strengthen India’s position as a global destination for high-quality healthcare but also contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by boosting healthcare infrastructure and medical excellence nationwide”, Dr Chaudhry added
Dr Chaudhry further said, “The emphasis on biopharma for health, particularly targeting lifestyle diseases, along with initiatives like Biopharma Shakti, national institutes for research, support for clinical trials, and strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, will boost domestic capabilities and position India as a global biopharma hub. Combined with plans to develop regional medical tourism hubs, including Ayurveda and yoga centers, these initiatives will not only enhance patient care but also establish India as a preferred destination for holistic and advanced healthcare”
“The government’s decision to exempt basic customs duty on 17 critical drugs and medicines is a welcome step that will make essential treatments more affordable for cancer patients. Adding seven more rare diseases to the list of exemptions for personal import of drugs, medicines, and medical foods will greatly benefit patients with specialised needs. These measures reflect a strong commitment to improving access to life-saving therapies and easing the financial burden on patients and their families.”
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations says, “The allocation of over ₹1.04 lakh crore to healthcare in Budget 2026- 27 marks a defining moment for India’s health ecosystem and reflects a clear commitment to strengthening both access and quality of care. Investments in district hospitals, emergency and trauma care, allied health professionals, and traditional medicine signal a comprehensive approach to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.’
Dr Srivastava, a top notch cardiac robotic surgeon and creator of best in class and only one ‘Made in India’ surgical robot SSiMantra, adds further, ‘ The emphasis on capacity expansion, medical tourism, and technology-led upgrades creates a strong foundation for advanced interventions such as robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and precision-driven care. This budget not only addresses today’s healthcare needs but also positions India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality, and innovation-led healthcare delivery.”
Mr. Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) has painted Union budget in a very positive light. One of greatest champions of ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat says, ‘The Union Budget 2026 sends a strong and credible signal of India’s commitment to building a globally competitive life-sciences ecosystem. The announcement of Biopharma Shakti with a ₹10,000-crore outlay over five years is a landmark step towards positioning India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub, particularly in biologics and biosimilars, which are critical for improving longevity and quality of life at affordable costs.
Rajiv Nath further adds, ‘The proposed creation of a biopharma-focused network, establishment of three new NIPERs, upgradation of seven existing institutes, and a nationwide network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites will significantly strengthen India’s research, talent, and clinical validation capabilities. These measures address long-standing structural gaps across the innovation-to-manufacturing continuum.Equally important is the Budget’s emphasis on strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) through dedicated scientific review capacity, domain specialists, and time-bound approvals, which is essential for regulatory predictability, global alignment, and investor confidence.’
Mr Nath goes on, ‘ For India’s $50-billion pharmaceutical industry, which contributes nearly 2.5% to GDP, this Budget reinforces the shift from volume-led growth to value- and innovation-driven leadership. Complementing these initiatives with restoration of Weighted R&D Deduction up to 200% and expansion of PLI support to advanced modalities, APIs, biosimilars, and complex generics would further accelerate domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and position India as a trusted global supplier of high-quality, affordable biopharmaceutical solutions. In the past such incentives were at times also shared by the biomedical devices and medical equipment. We look forward to continuity of reforms to make manufacturing competitive by the assurance given by Honourable FM on deregulation and reduction of regulatory compliance burden so that we can become globally competitive and take advantage of the recent FTAs with EU, EFTA & UK.’
Dr Rajiv Chhibber Joint Forum Coordinator, AIMED, has said, ‘ “The Union Budget 2026 sends a clear and strong signal that India is ready to lead global healthcare manufacturing through Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and technology-led innovation. Flagship announcements such as the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative, expansion of research institutions, creation of national clinical research infrastructure and strengthening of CDSCO towards global regulatory benchmarks will directly enhance India’s credibility as a high-quality, innovation-driven MedTech and life sciences manufacturing destination. Policy steps such as rationalisation of duties on critical therapies including cancer drugs and increased focus on assistive and patient-centric technologies further reinforce the government’s commitment to accessible and advanced healthcare.”
Mr Chibbar adds further“At a time when India is deepening global economic engagement through FTAs with key regions including Europe and other strategic partners, this Budget provides the domestic manufacturing strength required to fully leverage these trade opportunities. For the medical devices sector, this is a decisive moment to scale exports, strengthen supply chains and position India as a trusted global partner in cardiovascular, diagnostic, implantable and high-technology medical devices. With continued policy-industry alignment, India is well positioned to transition from import substitution to global MedTech leadership while supporting national healthcare priorities and global health security.”
