Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 2025–2026 budget speech emphasises the government's commitment to inclusive development, with a focus on healthcare, agriculture, and uplifting marginalised groups in society. The budget, centred on "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), seeks to meet the needs of the poor, young, farmers, and women while simultaneously promoting long-term economic growth and innovation. This research digs into the budget's important people-centric features, particularly those related to healthcare and agriculture, and how these measures fit into the larger aim of inclusive growth.

In a major statement that has captivated the nation, the finance minister today announced a comprehensive set of health- and medicine-related actions aimed at revolutionising India's healthcare environment. These initiatives, with a strong focus on accessibility, innovation, and people-centred care, have the potential to transform the delivery of healthcare throughout the country.

One of the most noteworthy developments is the creation of day care cancer centres at all district hospitals. In fiscal year 2025-26, the government intends to establish 200 clinics, allowing cancer patients to obtain prompt and efficient treatment closer to their homes. This program is designed to relieve excessive demand for tertiary care facilities while considerably improving patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas where access to specialised healthcare is typically limited.

In order to establish India as a worldwide healthcare hub, the finance minister also introduced the "Heal in India" project, which aims to boost medical tourism. The government intends to recruit international patients by cooperating with the private sector and implementing more eased visa requirements. This initiative not only improves Indian healthcare's global reputation, but it also generates additional resources and knowledge for home patients.

The government has allocated ₹20,000 crore for a private sector-led R&D and innovation project. We expect this investment to ignite revolutionary research and foster an innovative culture, tackling some of the nation's most pressing healthcare issues. By investing in innovative research, the government hopes to discover cutting-edge solutions that will revolutionise treatment methods and improve patient outcomes.

This year's budget presents another forward-thinking concept of investigating a Deep Tech Fund of Funds. This project aims to help next-generation entrepreneurs focus on new technologies, including AI, IoT, and biotechnology. By providing critical financial support to these firms, the government is paving the way for transformative discoveries in healthcare technology, potentially leading to more efficient and personalised medical services.

Over the following five years, the government will also award 10,000 scholarships for technical research through the PM Research Fellowship program. Increased financial support will not only promote more healthcare researchbut will also contribute to the development of a strong pipeline of future innovators and researchers. This investment in human capital is a strategic decision to assure long-term success in the healthcare business.

Aside from healthcare facilities and research, the finance minister announced the creation of a second gene bank, which will store 10 lakh germplasm lines. This effort is an important step towards guaranteeing future food and nutrition security. Crop genetic resource conservation can result in the production of more resilient and nutritious cultivars, benefiting overall population health.

Another ambitious effort is the establishment of the National Geospatial Mission, which aims to construct fundamental geospatial infrastructure and data. This mission will help modernise land records, urban planning, and infrastructure projects. Improved infrastructure will have an impact on healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, the government demonstrates its commitment to conserving India's rich cultural history. While this program is primarily concerned with surveying and preserving India's manuscript history, it has the potential to uncover past medical knowledge and practices. Integrating this ancient wisdom with current healthcare procedures could lead to new and culturally relevant medical solutions.

The BharatNet initiative aims to deliver broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and basic health facilities in rural areas. This step will considerably improve telemedicine capabilities, ensuring that even rural people have access to high-quality healthcare treatments. Telemedicine services such as remote consultations and even telesurgeries may become a reality with adequate internet connectivity, bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas.

A significant comfort for patients is the complete exemption of the Basic Customs Charge (BCD) on 36 life-saving pharmaceuticals and medicines, with an additional 6 medicines subject to a 5% concessional customs charge. This strategy aims to minimise the cost of important pharmaceuticals, making them more accessible to individuals suffering from severe, chronic, and uncommon conditions. To further assist patients, 37 more drugs have been added to the list of those totally exempt from BCD under pharmaceutical company-run Patient Assistance Programs. These initiatives will greatly reduce the financial burden for patients and their families.

Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations, commented on the Union Budget 2025-26 for the healthcare sector, stating that Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership has led to transformative steps in strengthening India's healthcare system. The finance minister's announcement to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure is an important step towards creating a stronger healthcare ecosystem. The addition of 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats next year, as part of a larger plan to increase 75,000 seats over the next five years, is an important step towards meeting the growing need for healthcare professionals. This will not only increase the quality of care but will also ensure that healthcare services reach every corner of the country, closing the gap in underserved areas.

Another important undertaking is the BharatNet project, which provides broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and basic health clinics in rural areas. This will not only improve digital education but will also allow critical healthcare services such as telesurgery to reach rural areas, making high-quality medical expertise available to underprivileged communities. With adequate internet connectivity, medical personnel would be able to do remote consultations and surgeries, revolutionising rural healthcare delivery.

“The government’s focus on strengthening urban livelihoods and supporting vulnerable populations through various initiatives is equally commendable. These measures are vital for enhancing economic stability and providing much-needed employment opportunities, particularly in urban areas. We also welcome the decision to exempt patient assistance programs from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), making life-saving medications more accessible to those in need. This will go a long way in improving healthcare affordability and ensuring that no patient is left behind.”- Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations

Dr. Smeet Patel, Director of Mayflower Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad, praised the budget's healthcare reforms and the expansion of medical education, which includes 10,000 additional seats this year and 75,000 over the next five years. This will help to alleviate the doctor shortage, particularly in women's healthcare. Establishing nursery cancer centres at all district hospitals is a critical step towards improving cancer treatment access, particularly for patients with cervical and ovarian malignancies. Furthermore, the exemption of customs charges on 36 vital pharmaceuticals, as well as Patient Assistance Programs, will help to relieve the financial burden on those suffering from chronic and rare illnesses.

Pointing out that there is still significant room for improvement, Dr Patel said, "Women's health issues beyond cancer require more focus, particularly in areas like HPV vaccination, raising awareness about endometriosis, and enhancing maternal care. Additionally, the absence of tax relief on health insurance, which has a disproportionate impact on women, represents a missed opportunity."

"While these reforms are promising, effective execution, better public awareness, and structured women’s health programs will determine their real impact." Dr. Smeet Patel, Director of Mayflower Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad.

The government's attempt to boost urban healthcare is a positive initiative because it will provide low-income women with better treatment options. There is still much room for development. Women's health issues beyond cancer demand more attention, including HPV immunisation, endometriosis awareness, and improved maternity care. Furthermore, the lack of tax relief for health insurance, which disproportionately affects women, constitutes a squandered opportunity. While these improvements appear encouraging, their true impact will be determined by effective implementation, increased public awareness, and structured women's health programs.

These ambitious efforts aim to transform India's healthcare environment, making quality care more accessible and cheap to millions of individuals. By prioritising infrastructure, research, and digital connectivity, the government not only meets the population's urgent healthcare demands but also lays the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready healthcare system. The emphasis on people-centered reforms and inclusive growth ensures that no one falls behind in pursuit of improved health and well-being.