03 February,2026 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the annual Union Budget on Sunday, February 1. While several sectors were looking for a policy push, the strong focus on healthcare has been welcomed by doctors and health experts, who say it has renewed optimism for the future of India's healthcare ecosystem.
Here are some reactions:
Reny Varghese, COO at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of the Biopharma Shakti initiative, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore, is a welcome and forward-looking move at a time when India is facing a rising burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and age-related illnesses.
To truly maximise its impact, the initiative can be further strengthened through robust public-private partnerships that bring together innovation, scale and on-ground healthcare delivery. India already has a solid foundation in biopharmaceutical capabilities, and focused support can help translate this strength into affordable therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Dedicated attention to healthcare-linked MSMEs and support systems, such as Care Mitra, will be critical in extending benefits beyond metros, particularly for cancer, diabetes, and geriatric care. In parallel, integrating health-linked bio initiatives with India's agricultural strengths can also support rural livelihoods. Dedicated support for crops such as coconut and cocoa can further boost the rural economy. Overall, Biopharma Shakti has the potential to drive inclusive growth while strengthening India's healthcare ecosystem.
Ajay Sharma, Director at Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt Ltd, says the Union Budget 2026-27 reinforces the growing importance of traditional wellness systems within India's holistic healthcare strategy. The renewed focus on skill development, healthcare training and allied services, along with the upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and drug-testing laboratories to higher standards, will significantly enhance the quality, safety and credibility of Ayurveda and other AYUSH medicines.
As Indians increasingly seek authentic, science-aligned traditional care, these measures will strengthen consumer trust while supporting wider adoption across preventive and wellness-led healthcare. The emphasis on infrastructure and quality assurance will also improve global competitiveness, enabling Ayurveda-based products to meet international benchmarks and expand their presence in export markets. Together, these initiatives create a strong platform for Ayurveda to play a more meaningful role in advancing preventive health and wellbeing in India and beyond.
Saurabh Gupta, Regional Director, KIMS Hospital, says the Union Budget 2026 marks a pivotal moment for India's healthcare ecosystem. For the first time, the government has moved decisively not only on infrastructure and technology, but also on medicine affordability, a critical concern for both patients and clinicians.
By waiving customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and exempting medicines for rare diseases, the Budget directly addresses the cost burden of life-saving therapies and improves access for millions of Indians. This, along with initiatives aimed at lowering input costs and enabling domestic pharmaceutical production, sets the stage for more affordable treatment options across both chronic and acute care pathways.
Equally significant is the launch of the Rs 10,000 crore BioPharma Shakti programme, which will accelerate advanced therapeutic manufacturing, research and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. These measures complement the broader focus on capital investment, digital health integration and workforce development, strengthening the foundation for quality care delivery at scale.
While challenges such as cost pressures and access to financing remain, Budget 2026 reflects clear intent. With strong execution and collaborative partnerships, high-quality and affordable healthcare can become a reality for all Indians.
Dr Priya Kapoor G. Hingorani, Managing Director, Miltenyi Biotec India and VP APAC, says the Union Budget 2026 marks an important milestone for the biotech and biopharma ecosystem. Significant investments in innovation, upskilling and technology adoption, along with participation from both domestic and international players, will strengthen manufacturing infrastructure.
The emphasis on expanded research, clinical trials, regulatory reforms and the creation of a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites positions India to move up the value chain as a high-impact biotech innovation hub. This has the potential to improve treatment options across cancer, autoimmune and metabolic conditions. Sustained focus on specialised skills and quality frameworks will be essential to ensure innovation is translated safely and effectively into patient care.
Dr Roy Patankar, Director, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgeon and Digestive Endoscopist at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, says the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore under the Biopharma Shakti programme marks a decisive push towards positioning India as a leader in innovation-led pharmaceuticals.
By investing in modern research ecosystems, advanced technology platforms and globally aligned clinical practices, the initiative can accelerate the development of biologics, vaccines and future-ready therapies. Strengthening domestic capabilities will reduce reliance on imports and help bring down the cost of complex, life-saving treatments, especially as non-communicable diseases continue to rise sharply across the country.
This focus is particularly critical given that conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders contribute to premature deaths. Rising mortality linked to late diagnosis and limited access to advanced therapies underscores the urgent need for affordable innovation. By strengthening biopharma research and clinical trial capacity, the initiative can directly support earlier interventions, improved outcomes and reduced long-term mortality.
The proposal to accredit a large network of clinical trial sites is equally important, as it can enhance the quality, credibility and speed of clinical research in India. With appropriate regulatory agility, skilled investigators, ethical oversight and digital systems, this move can expand patient access to innovative treatments, generate specialised employment and firmly establish India as a trusted global destination for high-quality clinical research and development.
Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, says initiatives such as Biopharma Shakti will help build a reliable domestic ecosystem for advanced diagnostics, medical devices and therapies, which is essential for hospitals delivering high-quality, technology-driven care.
A greater focus on preventive health, early detection and digital integration will support timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. The emphasis on skill development for allied health professionals is equally crucial, as well-trained teams are vital for the safe adoption of new technologies. Overall, the Budget supports a sustainable healthcare model in which hospitals can deliver efficient, affordable and globally benchmarked care while contributing to India's growth as a trusted healthcare destination.
