In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen India’s healthcare sector and promote medical tourism by establishing five regional medical hubs across the country. These hubs are designed to provide high-quality medical services, post-care rehabilitation, and specialized treatment facilities, while creating extensive employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Boosting Medical Tourism
Sitharaman emphasized that the initiative will position India as a preferred destination for global medical tourists, combining advanced healthcare services with cost-effective treatment options. The hubs will focus on cutting-edge medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness services, attracting patients from around the world.
Expanding Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine
The Finance Minister also announced the creation of three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda to meet growing global demand for Ayurvedic treatments. Existing Ayush pharmacies and drug-testing labs will be upgraded, and the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar will receive enhancements to strengthen evidence-based research on traditional medicine. Exporting high-quality Ayurvedic products will also provide additional income opportunities for farmers cultivating medicinal herbs.
Strengthening Allied Health Services
As part of the budget’s broader healthcare vision, India plans to upgrade allied health education and training, establishing new institutions in both public and private sectors. These programs will cover 10 key disciplines, including optometry, radiology, anesthesia, OT technology, applied psychology, and behavioral health. The government aims to train 1 lakh allied health professionals over the next five years, ensuring a skilled workforce to meet the nation’s growing healthcare demands.
Integrated Care and Skill Development
The budget also proposes multi-skilled training programs aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). These programs will prepare caregivers to combine core medical care with wellness, yoga, and assistive technologies, creating a robust and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
With these initiatives, Budget 2026–27 not only strengthens India’s healthcare infrastructure but also promotes economic growth through medical tourism, research, and global healthcare exports.