The Union Budget 2025-26 has sparked significant reactions from key figures within India’s healthcare sector, which is grateful for the government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure and enhancing accessibility. The budget has been hailed for its introduction of numerous initiatives, particularly the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres across district hospitals, aimed at improving cancer care for patients nationwide.
Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD of Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd, praised the budget, emphasizing its alignment with the Viksit Bharat vision. He stated, “The establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres across all district hospitals will significantly improve access to life-saving treatment for patients across the country.” This sentiment was echoed by Masaharu Morita, Founder and Program Director at NURA, who pointed out the government’s plans to establish 200 cancer centres as part of the rollout. “The decision to establish cancer centres needs special mention. 200 of them will come up next fiscal year itself,” Morita noted. Industry leaders are particularly optimistic about these initiatives, anticipating improved cancer care, especially for underserved populations.
Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, articulated hope for improving access to cancer treatment. “The plan to establish 200 day-care cancer centres will significantly improve care, especially where access remains challenging,” he remarked. This effort aims to support the increasing demand for cancer services, especially within high-incidence regions like Northeast India, where the government is directing focus due to alarming cancer statistics.
The budget also hinges on making healthcare more affordable, which industry leaders championed as a necessity. Vishal Lathwal, CEO of Apollo Home Healthcare, pointed out the favorable tax exemptions provided for life-saving drugs and related healthcare programs. “The tax exemption on life-saving drugs, patient programs, and enhanced support for gig workers are welcome moves,” he said, though he cautioned against the healthcare allocation of ₹91,000 crore, describing it as insufficient compared to the sector's growing demands.
Alongside affordability, the need for more qualified healthcare professionals is evident. Dr. Vikas Agarwal, CEO & Founder of Dentalkart, emphasized the impact of increasing medical undergraduate and postgraduate seats, stating, “The increase... will lead to growth in the number of qualified healthcare professionals.” The addition of 10,000 medical seats this year marks significant progress, with larger targets set for the next five years, addressing the chronic doctor-to-population ratio issue facing India.
The budget’s vision extends beyond traditional health solutions. The proposed initiatives aiming at promoting medical tourism is also noteworthy. Dr. Ballal commented, “The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, through easier visa norms and private sector collaboration, recognizes India's strength...” This initiative complements the focus on AI-driven healthcare solutions, exemplified by the allocation of ₹500 crore for developing AI capabilities within medical settings.
Masaharu Morita shared his excitement about AI’s potential, stating, “Establishing a ‘Centre of Excellence in AI for Education’ will surely bring about tremendous advancements.” The emphasis on integrating AI technologies could revolutionize patient care and medical diagnostics, unlocking unprecedented pathways for efficiency and quality.
Nutrition and rural healthcare initiatives highlighted within the budget reflect additional positive directions for public health improvements. Dr. Ballal addressed the significance of targeted programs to combat malnutrition. “The enhanced focus on nutrition through expanded state-wide programs will be pivotal,” he asserted. Accessibility enhancements, particularly through broadband connections to primary health centers (PHCs), are also proposed to empower telehealth solutions.
Despite the optimistic reception of the Union Budget, experts urge thorough execution and public-private collaboration to realize these ambitions. Vishal Lathwal highlighted, “Efficient execution and collaboration will be key to maximizing impact,” insisting the healthcare sector remains underfunded relative to its growing demands.
Specifically, the Northeast region is expecting significant benefits from the emphasis on cancer care, with the central government’s ambition to roll out daycare centres effectively within this area. The region has reported the highest cancer incidence rates, presenting immediate needs for prioritization of these facilities. Early detection and public awareness campaigns are also cited as essentials for enhancing cancer mitigation efforts.
The Union Budget 2025-26 has decisively addressed several of India’s pressing healthcare challenges, aspiring for affordable and accessible healthcare across the nation. Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will rest heavily on ensuring proper execution and fruitful public-private partnerships to realize their full potential.