https://biospectrumindia.com/rssfeed/special/union%20budget%202026-27 union budget 2026-27 https://biospectrumindia.com/views/123/27272/a-bold-health-budgetbut-can-india-deliver.html https://biospectrumindia.com/views/123/27272/a-bold-health-budgetbut-can-india-deliver.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 From Biopharma SHAKTI to the All India Institutes of Ayurveda, and from medical hubs aimed at employment generation to the upgradation of AYUSH laboratories, the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offers renewed hope to the healthcare sector. It appears to address a large part of the industry’s pre-Budget expectations. The announcement of Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation)—a plan to position India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub—with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over five years is undoubtedly ambitious. The programme envisages the creation of a biopharma-focused institutional network, including three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and the upgradation of seven existing ones. It also proposes a nationwide network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites. In many ways, Biopharma SHAKTI is a logical extension of the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) launched in 2017. However, while welcoming the new initiative, it is equally important to revisit the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) performance audit of the NBM, released just last month. The audit flagged concerns such as weak governance, lack of transparency, and limited outcomes despite substantial public funding. According to the CAG, of the 51 sanctioned posts in the Programme Management Unit, only 12 were filled. No technical heads were appointed, the position of Mission Director remained vacant for two years, and 39 posts remained unfilled throughout the mission period. These findings raise legitimate questions about institutional capacity and execution—issues that must be addressed if Biopharma SHAKTI is to succeed. The proposed strengthening of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is a critical and timely move, especially in the wake of recent incidents—including fatalities—linked to contaminated cough syrups in India and overseas. A robust regulator is essential to restore confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals. A significant portion of the health-related budget has been allocated to AYUSH, signalling the government’s intent to promote India’s traditional systems of medicine. The planned upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and drug-testing laboratories to higher certification standards is a welcome step. Given the long-standing challenges of weak documentation and lack of standardisation, such reforms are essential—particularly for securing international regulatory approvals. On the research front, the proposal to strengthen the World Health Organization’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar aligns well with the broader strategy of promoting traditional and herbal medicinal systems at a global level. One of the most impactful announcements in conventional healthcare is the proposal to expand emergency and trauma care centres in district hospitals by 50 per cent. With a rapidly expanding road network and a growing number of vehicles, this intervention was long overdue, especially in semi-urban and district-level locations—particularly when nearly 20 people die in road accidents every hour. Healthcare professionals will also take note of the proposal to establish five regional medical hubs under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to create employment opportunities. However, the rationale behind this move is debatable, given that rural and underserved areas continue to face an acute shortage of doctors and allied health professionals, despite offering significant employment potential. Overall, the health budget reflects a major shift towards natural, traditional, and herbal healthcare systems, while also recognising biopharma as a strategic and frontier sector. The fact that biopharma tops the list of priority sectors underscores the government’s intent to place healthcare at the centre of its growth strategy. Budgets are always rich in announcements. The real test, however, lies in execution. The experience of the National Biopharma Mission—as highlighted by the CAG—raises a pertinent question: will these well-intentioned proposals translate into effective, transparent, and timely action on the ground?   Dr Milind Kokje, Chief Editor, BioSpectrum ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27269/budget-202627-building-indias-next-gen-healthcare-economy.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27269/budget-202627-building-indias-next-gen-healthcare-economy.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a strategic reset in India’s healthcare and life sciences trajectory. Moving beyond incremental reform, it reframes healthcare as a national growth platform and biopharma as a high-value innovation engine central to India’s long-term economic and public health objectives. At its core, the Rs10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI initiative signals a decisive shift in India’s pharmaceutical strategy—from volume-driven generics to complex biologics, biosimilars, advanced therapies, and globally credible clinical research. The Budget clearly recognises that future competitiveness in pharmaceuticals will be determined by innovation depth, manufacturing sophistication, and regulatory credibility. A defining feature of the Budget is its systems-level approach. Investments in biomanufacturing are matched with parallel strengthening of pharmaceutical education, clinical research infrastructure, and regulatory institutions. The expansion of NIPERs, the creation of a nationwide network of more than 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, and the augmentation of CDSCO’s scientific capacity collectively aim to reduce execution bottlenecks, accelerate development timelines, and enhance global confidence in India’s life sciences ecosystem. The Budget also adopts a long-term view of healthcare demand. Rising non-communicable diseases, ageing populations, and chronic care requirements are addressed through enhanced investments in diagnostics, tertiary care, digital health platforms, allied health skilling, and preventive healthcare. By linking affordability with innovation, healthcare spending is positioned as an investment in productivity, resilience, and social stability rather than as a fiscal burden. A distinctive dimension of the 2026–27 Budget is its emphasis on integrative healthcare. Strengthened support for AYUSH systems, the establishment of new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, upgraded testing and quality infrastructure, and the expansion of medical value tourism reflect India’s effort to integrate traditional medicine with modern healthcare delivery. This approach leverages India’s civilisational knowledge while aligning it with evidence-based research, global standards, and growing international demand for holistic wellness solutions. Technology serves as a unifying enabler across these reforms. The Budget embeds artificial intelligence, digital health records, biotechnology-led innovation, and data-driven governance within healthcare planning and delivery. This convergence of health, science, and technology signals a shift toward precision-oriented, data-intensive, and platform-driven health systems aligned with global trends shaping the next phase of industrial and healthcare transformation. From an industry and investment perspective, the Budget provides clarity of direction and policy continuity. By aligning healthcare, science, manufacturing, and skilling within a single strategic framework, it reduces uncertainty and encourages long-term investments in advanced manufacturing, research infrastructure, and global collaboration. As India advances toward its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Union Budget 2026–27 establishes healthcare and life sciences as foundational pillars of a knowledge-driven, innovation-led, and globally integrated economy—where public health outcomes and economic competitiveness progress together.   Ravindra Boratkar, Publisher & Managing Editor, BioSpectrum India ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27260/union-budget-2026-27-announces-biopharma-shakti-with-total-outlay-of-rs-10000-cr-and-much-more.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27260/union-budget-2026-27-announces-biopharma-shakti-with-total-outlay-of-rs-10000-cr-and-much-more.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Union Budget for 2026-27 was presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February 2026. With an aim to develop India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub, the Union Budget has proposed the Bioforma Shakti (Strategy for Modernising Health Services through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) programme. Under this, Rs 10,000 crore has been earmarked for the next five years. The programme will create an ecosystem for production of biologicals, products and bio-drugs domestically. As per the budget, three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) with a focus on Biopharma, will be built, alongside upgradation of seven existing institutions. The budget has also proposed creation of a network of more than one thousand recognised Indian clinical trial sites. The Union Budget also proposes to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to meet global standards and for timely approval through a dedicated scientific review cadre and experts. The Finance Minister has announced a slew of measures aimed at building a new range of employable and career-important skilling activities for youth in a variety of sectors, including public health services. For Allied Health Care Professionals, existing institutions will be upgraded and new programmes will be set up in the private and government sectors, along with establishment of new institutions. It will cover 10 major medical disciplines including Optometry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, OT Technology, Applied Psychology and Mental Health. In this direction, 1 lakh Allied Health Care Professionals will be added in the next five years. In her speech, the Finance Minister said that a robust care ecosystem will be created covering the elderly and specialised care services. A series of National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned programmes will be developed to prepare multi-skill service providers with use and implementation of wellness, care, yoga and medicine and assistive devices. As a result, about one and a half lakh care service providers will be trained in the next few years. In order to expand India as a hub for medical tourism services, the Union Budget has proposed a special programme to assist the States under which five Regional Medical Centres will be set up with private sector participation. These centres will serve as integrated healthcare service provider complexes providing medical, education and research facilities at one place. Ayush Centres, Medical Tourism Facilitation Centres and special centres for screening, post-treatment and de-addiction will also be set up at these locations. All these centres will provide different employment opportunities to medical professionals, including doctors and allied healthcare professionals. Emphasising on the ayurveda sector, three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda will be set up. An announcement has also been made to upgrade AYUSH pharmacy and drug testing laboratories to the highest standards of certification environment and to provide more skilled personnel, and to promote evidence-based research, training and awareness for traditional medicines. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has been approved for the development of the Pharmacy of Ayush Pharmacy and Drug Testing Laboratories. With a commitment to mental health and trauma care, NIMHANS-II will be set up for mental health in North India, while the National Institutes of Mental Health at Ranchi and Tezpur will be upgraded to regional apex institutions. Along with this, a provision has been made to increase the capacity of emergency services in district hospitals and increase the emergency care centres and trauma care centres by about 50 percent. According to this year’s Union Budget, a robust care ecosystem will be created encompassing geriatric medical and allied care services. One and a half lakh care service providers will be trained in the next few years. Further, The budget proposes to provide assistance to Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) for increasing production of assistive devices, investment in research and development and AI integration. Basic customs duty will be waived on 17 cancer medicines, with 7 individual export of drugs for additional rare diseases to be exempted from tax.   Click here for the industry's comments  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27261/industry-praises-union-budget-2026-with-milestone-announcements-for-biopharma-and-healthcare-ecosystem.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27261/industry-praises-union-budget-2026-with-milestone-announcements-for-biopharma-and-healthcare-ecosystem.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Union Budget for 2026-27 was presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February 2026, right after which a surge of responses and views have been flowing in from the industry experts. While some are praising the key announcements made for the biopharma, ayurveda and healthcare sectors in the Budget, others express further expectations.   “By placing biopharma among the seven strategic frontier sectors and launching Biopharma Shakti with an outlay of Rs10,000 crore over five years, the Union Budget makes a decisive investment in India’s health and innovation future. As India’s disease burden shifts toward cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders, biologics and biosimilars will be central to improving longevity and quality of life. This initiative—spanning manufacturing scale-up, global-grade regulation, new NIPER institutions and a nationwide clinical trials network—can firmly position India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub.” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group   "The Union Budget 2026 marks an important milestone for both biotech and biopharma ecosystem. With significant investments fostering innovation, upskilling and technology adoption, participation by both domestic and international players will bolster 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, with the potential to improve treatment options across cancer, autoimmune and metabolic conditions. Sustained attention to specialised skills and quality frameworks will be key to ensuring that innovation is translated safely and effectively into patient care." Dr Priya Kapoor G. Hingorani, Managing Director, Miltenyi Biotec India and VP APAC    “The commitment to upgrading drug testing facilities for Ayurveda, with a focus on quality and skilled manpower to support exports, further reinforces the government’s intent to build robust quality infrastructure across healthcare segments. This approach aligns well with the India EU free trade agreement, which opens access to regulated global markets where compliance and quality are critical.” Dr Saurabh Arora, Managing Director, Auriga Research   “The Budget’s proposal to add 10,000 medical seats in the current year and 75,000 seats over the next five years directly addresses the growing demand for doctors, specialists, and skilled healthcare workers. Alongside this, focused skilling initiatives for caregivers and allied professionals will strengthen frontline healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes across urban and rural India.” Anuj Chahal, Founder and CEO of Maverick Simulation Solutions   "Union Budget 2026 is pushing medical value tourism from a “hospital visit” into a full-stack, globally benchmarked care experience. The five regional medical value tourism hubs can standardise patient journeys across diagnostics, treatment, post-care and rehabilitation, while easing pressure on metros by building credible capacity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. What stands out this year is the emphasis on technology as a growth lever, especially AI-enabled diagnostics, clinical decision support, patient coordination, and faster turnaround on care pathways, all of which directly improve international patient confidence and outcomes." Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health   "Mental health services in Western India require urgent attention, and the expansion of NIMHANS 2.0 can help fill the gap. Emergency and trauma care in district hospitals will also be strengthened for vulnerable populations. While customs duties are proposed on 17 life-saving drugs, seven additional rare diseases will be exempted for personal imports of medicines and specialised nutrition." Dr Simon Grant Physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune   "While the Budget makes important strides, structural reforms remain necessary to unlock the IVD/MedTech industry’s full potential. Rationalising inverted duty structures, enabling faster regulatory pathways, expanding targeted export incentives and offering dedicated fiscal support for medical-assistive device development and clinical validation will be key to sustaining momentum. Clear policy frameworks for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) expansions in diagnostics and structured R&D funding would further strengthen India’s competitiveness." Jatin Mahajan, President, Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI)   "A particularly impactful measure is the exemption of basic customs duties on 17 cancer drugs and the extension of import duty exemptions to medicines for seven additional rare diseases. This is a strong patient-first intervention that directly reduces the cost burden of advanced, often life-saving therapies for families facing cancer and rare diseases. By easing the financial barriers to accessing complex treatments, the Budget meaningfully advances equitable access to care at a time when the burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes continues to rise. Importantly, this step also reinforces India’s focus on improving access to cutting-edge therapies while fostering a supportive environment for innovation and global collaboration." Anil Matai, Director General, OPPI   "The proposed biopharma-focused network, including new and upgraded NIPERs and a nationwide ecosystem of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, will significantly reinforce India’s research, talent, and translational capabilities. Equally important is the government’s focus on strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which will enable faster, science-led approvals aligned with global regulatory benchmarks." Aditya Sharma, Head of Process Solutions, India Region, Merck Life Science   "The expansion of medical education and focus on strengthening cancer care at the district level reflect a forward-looking approach to India’s evolving disease burden. The Budget’s recognition of rising challenges such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, lifestyle disorders, and mental health calls for greater emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis, and integrated care models." Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director & CEO, Fortis Healthcare   "The creation of new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and the upgradation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre reflect a progressive approach to integrating modern and traditional systems of medicine. Equally encouraging are the reduction of tax-collected at source (TCS) from 5% to 2% for education and medical purposes." Varun Khanna, Group MD, Quality Care India   "Very significant is the Budget’s focus on accelerating AI adoption across healthcare, education and research. By integrating life sciences with AI-enabled screening, clinical decision-making and talent development, the government is laying the foundation for a future-ready healthcare ecosystem one that supports healthier, longer lives and strengthens India’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation." Masaharu Morita, Founder and Program Director, NURA - Ai Health Screening Centre   "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 the 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." Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD)   "The addition of new NIPERs and the upgrading of existing ones will expand opportunities for advanced scientific education and skills development, building the talent pipeline essential for innovation-led growth. Recognising the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, the budget also provides direct relief for patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and medicines and extending import duty exemptions to seven additional rare diseases. Combined with regulatory simplification through central–state coordination, these measures are set to strengthen India’s biopharma ecosystem while ensuring patients in India and across the world continue to have access to affordable, high-quality medicines. We look forward to studying the detailed budget to further understand its impact on the pharmaceutical sector." Satish Reddy, Chairman, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited   "The Budget reinforces a holistic, patient-centric approach to healthcare, including mental health, AYUSH, medical tourism, and trauma care. A strong care ecosystem will train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers in wellness, yoga, and medical support. Additionally, 17 cancer drugs and 7 rare disease drugs have been exempted from customs duty to improve patient access." Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance    "Initiatives such as 75,000 new medical college seats, upgraded allied health institutions, training of 1.5 lakh caregivers, and new mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur will enhance access to quality care, particularly in underserved areas. The Rs 10,000-crore Biopharma Shakti programme will strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing and research ecosystem, supporting long-term innovation." Ameera Shah, President, NATHEALTH and Promoter & Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare   "Over the next five years, long-term policy clarity, workforce readiness, and manufacturing scale can take India beyond small-molecule dominance and drive equitable healthcare access by 2030 and put the country strongly on its track towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Scaling manufacturing, supported by regulatory clarity and clinical readiness, is how India can establish defensible leadership in the global biopharma space." Amit Mookim, Board of Director and CEO, Immuneel Therapeutics and Member of NATHEALTH   "Patient-centric wins include duty exemptions on lifesaving cancer/rare-disease drugs for immediate relief, plus medical value tourism, mental health infrastructure, allied workforce skilling, and digital integration for holistic delivery. From an industry and MSME perspective, while the overall direction is strongly positive, there remains an opportunity to further catalyse innovation. Expanding allocations under the PRIP framework and reinstating a 200% weighted R&D tax deduction for in-house pharmaceutical research would significantly accelerate private-sector investment in high-risk areas such as biologics, biosimilars, novel drug delivery systems and complex therapies. Overall, Budget 2026 builds a solid foundation for affordable, innovation-led healthcare, positioning India for global biopharma leadership." Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals   "The focus on people is especially heartening. Adding 10,000 medical seats in the coming year, alongside training 1.5 lakh caregivers and scaling allied health disciplines, can strengthen the Prime Minister's vision of Heal in India, Heal by India. Supporting states to create five hubs for medical tourism will elevate quality standards across regions. We appreciate the reaffirmed commitment to mental health and trauma care through the proposal to establish NIMHANS-2, upgrade apex mental health institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur, and expand emergency and trauma care capacity by 50% in district hospitals through dedicated centres." Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman- Apollo Hospitals   "Strengthening the CDSCO is a crucial step toward building deeper trust in India’s healthcare system. For patients, it means safer access to high-quality, innovative therapies. For the country, it strengthens our credibility as a global healthcare destination. The proposal to develop new regional medical centres is equally significant, bringing advanced healthcare closer to communities beyond metros. When combined with technology-led diagnostics and affordable access, these measures can fundamentally change health outcomes at scale." Aditya Kandoi, Founder & CEO, Redcliffe Labs   "Investments in allied health services and workforce development will lead to decentralising care delivery, strengthening last-mile access and improving patient outcomes. The focus on cancer and rare diseases through duty exemptions will help ease the burden on patients and improve access to innovative therapies." Rajwinder Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO – Roche Pharma India & Neighbouring Markets   "The Union Budget 2026–27 will play a crucial role when it comes to strengthening stroke care in India. The proposal to develop regional medical hubs through public–private partnerships can greatly improve access to timely stroke diagnosis, emergency intervention and structured rehabilitation. Stroke outcomes depend on rapid treatment, specialised infrastructure and coordinated post-care, all of which these integrated hubs are well positioned to provide. The emphasis on research, training and upgraded healthcare facilities will also support better clinical protocols and skilled manpower for stroke management." Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA)   “The Budget’s focus on building capacity for mental healthcare across the country is a much awaited step. Significant announcements include upgrade of existing institutions for allied mental health professionals—including applied psychology and behavioural health and the announcement of new mental health institutes in Tezpur and Ranchi along with a second NIMHANS in North India; all signaling a clear intent to strengthen public infrastructure & timely trauma support." Neha Kirpal, Founding Cohort Member, India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA)    "Support for manufacturing depth, skill development and improved access in Tier II, Tier III and underserved regions will be critical in advancing the Make in India vision and positioning India as a trusted global hub for high-quality medical technologies. We also look forward to continued momentum on earlier healthcare commitments, including the expansion of oncology infrastructure, which will be vital in addressing India’s growing cancer burden.” Dr Shravan, Managing Director, BPL Medical Technologies   "For pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, the intent to strengthen biopharma capabilities and regulatory systems is encouraging. However, the Budget stops short of a major push toward easing global capital movement into biotech and life sciences. Going forward, deeper R&D incentives, faster clinical pathways, and smoother cross-border capital access will be critical for India to emerge as a true global hub for innovation-led medicines." Venkat Nelabhotla, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Vyome Holdings, Inc.   "By prioritising research infrastructure, regulatory capacity and domestic manufacturing, the government has laid the foundation for an innovation-led growth model that will enhance industry competitiveness and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global biopharma manufacturing and research hub, while addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases." Nitin Jain, Founder and Managing Director, Iberia Pharmaceuticals   “I commend Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the Union Budget 2026–27 for recognising the strategic importance of medical tourism in India’s healthcare growth story. India’s medical value travel (MVT) sector has grown steadily over the years, and cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru are already well-positioned to scale as global healthcare destinations. With the right execution and private-sector partnership, this initiative can significantly strengthen India’s leadership in global medical tourism." Shaaz Mehmood, Founder, Medijourn Solutions   “Strengthening allied healthcare professionals can be a game-changer for India’s healthcare system. India currently has above 8.4 allied health professionals per 10,000 people, well below the desired level of 14-16 (as per WHO standards). By expanding training capacity, standardising certification, and improving deployment of allied professionals such as lab technicians, physiotherapists, radiographers and paramedics, the reform directly improves access, especially in rural and underserved areas where doctors are scarce." Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Partner, Government and Public Sector, EY India   "As genomics and data-driven science increasingly underpin drug discovery, clinical research, and precision healthcare, the measures announced in the Budget will help strengthen India’s potential to emerge as a globally competitive biopharma and healthcare innovation hub. They also encourage deeper collaboration across industry, academia, and healthcare systems.” Amitabh Rath, Director, Finance Shared Services, Illumina   "The proposal to develop regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector can reinforce India’s position as a global medical value destination while strengthening preventive, rehabilitative and continuum-of-care models within the country. Strengthening district hospitals through a 50% increase in emergency and trauma care capacity, alongside the establishment of a second NIMHANS and regional mental health apex centres, addresses critical gaps in last-mile and mental healthcare." Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Narayana Health   "The Union Budget this year is not merely an annual financial exercise; it is a vision statement for India@2047. In my view, this is a forward‑looking budget that lays down far‑reaching, generational‑change policies. Its provisions clearly speak to a Bharat that a three‑year‑old child today will step into as an adult. The thinking is long‑term, structural, and transformative — and that is its greatest strength." Purvesh Shelatkar, Designated Partner and part of the Investment Team at Shrimad Bhagwat Asset Management, and Executive Director at RoseMerc   "The Union Budget 2026–27 signals a clear intent to strengthen India’s clinical research and life sciences ecosystem. As this ecosystem evolves, evidence generation cannot remain limited to trials alone. Indian medical journals, continuous medical education, and real-world data will be equally important in translating research into everyday clinical practice especially in a country as diverse as India. There is also a need to strengthen India’s own platforms for scientific publishing, doctor education, and patient awareness so that India-specific evidence is generated, interpreted, and disseminated locally." Nilesh Aggarwal, Founder, Medtalks   "We appreciate government’s emphasis on strengthening CDSCO and advancing a more predictable, science-led regulatory framework. Aligning regulatory processes with global standards—while expanding India’s clinical research capabilities —will help bring medical innovation to India faster, improve timely patient access to new therapies, and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global life-sciences hub.” Winselow Tucker, President & General Manager, Eli Lilly and Company (India)   “This budget is a quiet but powerful acknowledgement that India’s healthcare future lies beyond hospitals. The government’s focus on building a geriatric care ecosystem and training 1.5 lakh caregivers signals a structural shift towards aging-in-place, home healthcare, and long-term care—areas that founders in AgeTech have been working on for years. This is the first time caregiving is being recognised as national healthcare infrastructure.” Varun Gupta, Founder & CEO, Zorgers Home Healthcare   "While nutraceuticals didn’t receive headline tax relief, the deeper enablers—biopharma-led R&D, AYUSH institutional strengthening, trade facilitation, and manufacturing incentives—create a structurally positive runway."  Amit Srivastava, Founder and Chief Catalyst of Nutrify Today   "Biopharma SHAKTI sets the foundation for India’s emergence as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars. As this ecosystem matures, the pharma packaging industry will play a critical enabling role—advancing high-performance, compliant and sustainable packaging solutions that support product integrity, regulatory confidence and export competitiveness across global markets." Thimmaiah, MD & CEO, Manjushree Technopack   "The Government’s continued focus on rare diseases also highlights the role of early and accurate diagnosis in managing and treating these disorders and genomics will play a critical role here. We believe that this budget is a step ahead in recognising India’s scientific and technological capabilities to drive the nation’s progress.” Surajit Chakrabartty, CFO, MedGenome Labs   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27262/biopharma-shakti-proposal-with-total-outlay-of-rs-10000-cr.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27262/biopharma-shakti-proposal-with-total-outlay-of-rs-10000-cr.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Union Budget for 2026-27 was presented by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February 2026. With an aim to develop India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub, the Union Budget has proposed the Bioforma Shakti (Strategy for Modernising Health Services through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) programme. Under this, Rs 10,000 crore has been earmarked for the next five years. The programme will create an ecosystem for production of biologicals, products and bio-drugs domestically. As per the budget, three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) with a focus on Biopharma, will be built, alongside upgradation of seven existing institutions. The budget has also proposed creation of a network of more than one thousand recognised Indian clinical trial sites. The Union Budget also proposes to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to meet global standards and for timely approval through a dedicated scientific review cadre and experts. Also, basic customs duty will be waived on 17 cancer medicines, with 7 individual export of drugs for additional rare diseases to be exempted from tax.   "Under the Biopharma Shakti initiative, the government has proposed an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore over the next five years. This will increase domestic production of advanced biologicals and biosimilars. The establishment of three new institutes and upgradation of seven existing institutions will usher in a new era of growth, innovation and global competitiveness for India's pharmaceutical sector. Three new Dedicated Chemical Parks in the States will increase domestic chemical production.” Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J P Nadda   “By placing biopharma among the seven strategic frontier sectors and launching Biopharma Shakti with an outlay of Rs10,000 crore over five years, the Union Budget makes a decisive investment in India’s health and innovation future. As India’s disease burden shifts toward cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders, biologics and biosimilars will be central to improving longevity and quality of life. This initiative—spanning manufacturing scale-up, global-grade regulation, new NIPER institutions and a nationwide clinical trials network—can firmly position India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub.” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group   "The Union Budget 2026 marks an important milestone for both biotech and biopharma ecosystem. With significant investments fostering innovation, upskilling and technology adoption, participation by both domestic and international players will bolster 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, with the potential to improve treatment options across cancer, autoimmune and metabolic conditions." Dr Priya Kapoor G. Hingorani, Managing Director, Miltenyi Biotec India and VP APAC    "The addition of new NIPERs and the upgrading of existing ones will expand opportunities for advanced scientific education and skills development, building the talent pipeline essential for innovation-led growth. Recognising the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, the budget also provides direct relief for patients by exempting basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and medicines and extending import duty exemptions to seven additional rare diseases. Combined with regulatory simplification through central–state coordination, these measures are set to strengthen India’s biopharma ecosystem while ensuring patients in India and across the world continue to have access to affordable, high-quality medicines. We look forward to studying the detailed budget to further understand its impact on the pharmaceutical sector." Satish Reddy, Chairman, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited   "The thrust on Lifesciences is a welcome step as the Indian Lifesciences Sector looks at building capabilities for leadership and growth in the future. The Biopharma Shakti programme heralds a long-term vision that can catapult India to the next orbit of growth." Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences      ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27263/preparing-healthcare-professionals-for-developed-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27263/preparing-healthcare-professionals-for-developed-india.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 During the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, Finance Minister has announced a slew of measures aimed at building a new range of employable and career-important skilling activities for youth in a variety of sectors, including public health services. For Allied Health Care Professionals, existing institutions will be upgraded and new programmes will be set up in the private and government sectors, along with establishment of new institutions. It will cover 10 major medical disciplines including Optometry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, OT Technology, Applied Psychology and Mental Health. In this direction, 1 lakh Allied Health Care Professionals will be added in the next five years. In her speech, the Finance Minister said that a robust care ecosystem will be created covering the elderly and specialised care services. A series of National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned programmes will be developed to prepare multi-skill service providers with use and implementation of wellness, care, yoga and medicine and assistive devices. As a result, about one and a half lakh care service providers will be trained in the next few years.   "Investments in allied health services and workforce development will lead to decentralising care delivery, strengthening last-mile access and improving patient outcomes." Rajwinder Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO – Roche Pharma India & Neighbouring Markets   "While provision for creating these allied health professionals is a welcome move, we have to learn from the lessons about the quality of medical education and make sure that the products of these institutions are ready to hit the ground running and be assimilated into the health system so that they can make a difference to the patients' lives from day one.” Professor Sarang Deo, Deputy Dean,  Faculty & Research, and Executive Director, Max Institute of Healthcare Management, Indian School of Business    "By prioritising innovation, workforce development and robust infrastructure, the 2026 Budget lays the foundation for a more resilient, patient-centric, and technologically advanced healthcare system, poised to meet India’s growing health needs in the years ahead.” Anish Bafna, CEO & MD, Healthium Medtech  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27264/government-promotes-medical-tourism-in-the-country.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27264/government-promotes-medical-tourism-in-the-country.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 In order to expand India as a hub for medical tourism services, the Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed a special programme to assist the States under which five Regional Medical Centres will be set up with private sector participation. These centres will serve as integrated healthcare service provider complexes providing medical, education and research facilities at one place. Ayush Centres, Medical Tourism Facilitation Centres and special centres for screening, post-treatment and de-addiction will also be set up at these locations. All these centres will provide different employment opportunities to medical professionals, including doctors and allied healthcare professionals. Further, The budget proposes to provide assistance to Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) for increasing production of assistive devices, investment in research and development and AI integration.   "Union Budget 2026 is pushing medical value tourism from a “hospital visit” into a full-stack, globally benchmarked care experience. The five regional medical value tourism hubs can standardise patient journeys across diagnostics, treatment, post-care and rehabilitation, while easing pressure on metros by building credible capacity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities." Pankaj Chandna, Co-Founder, Vaidam Health   "This budget signals a clear intent to drive AI-powered inclusive growth, expand healthcare access through technology-enabled solutions, and elevate the quality of care across India." Harshit Jain, MD, Founder and CEO, Doceree   "The proposal to support states in establishing regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector will give a huge boost to India’s medical tourism industry and strengthen our potential to deliver quality services at scale. These hubs will integrate all medical services with diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, education and research under one hub." Gautam Khanna, CEO, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27265/three-new-all-india-institutes-of-ayurveda-to-be-set-up-in-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27265/three-new-all-india-institutes-of-ayurveda-to-be-set-up-in-india.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Emphasising on the ayurveda sector, three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda will be set up. An announcement during the Union Budget 2026-27 has also been made to upgrade AYUSH pharmacy and drug testing laboratories to the highest standards of certification environment and to provide more skilled personnel, and to promote evidence-based research, training and awareness for traditional medicines. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has been approved for the development of the Pharmacy of Ayush Pharmacy and Drug Testing Laboratories.   "The creation of new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and the upgradation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre reflect a progressive approach to integrating modern and traditional systems of medicine. Equally encouraging are the reduction of tax-collected at source (TCS) from 5% to 2% for education and medical purposes." Varun Khanna, Group MD, Quality Care India   “The commitment to upgrading drug testing facilities for Ayurveda, with a focus on quality and skilled manpower to support exports, further reinforces the government’s intent to build robust quality infrastructure across healthcare segments. This approach aligns well with the India EU free trade agreement, which opens access to regulated global markets where compliance and quality are critical.” Dr Saurabh Arora, Managing Director, Auriga Research   "The announcement of five regional hubs for medical tourism, new Ayurveda institutes, expansion of allied health disciplines, and upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and testing laboratories are particularly encouraging steps that will help improve standardisation, quality assurance, and workforce readiness across traditional and integrative care. Strengthening the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine further reinforces India’s leadership in evidence-based traditional medicine." Dhruv Gupta, Co-founder, Orange Health Labs ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27266/commitment-to-mental-health-and-trauma-care.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/123/27266/commitment-to-mental-health-and-trauma-care.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 With a commitment to mental health and trauma care, the Finance Minister during the Union Budget 2026-27 announced that NIMHANS-II will be set up for mental health in North India, while the National Institutes of Mental Health at Ranchi and Tezpur will be upgraded to regional apex institutions. Along with this, a provision has been made to increase the capacity of emergency services in district hospitals and increase the emergency care centres and trauma care centres by about 50 percent. According to this year’s Union Budget, a robust care ecosystem will be created encompassing geriatric medical and allied care services. One and a half lakh care service providers will be trained in the next few years.   "We appreciate the reaffirmed commitment to mental health and trauma care through the proposal to establish NIMHANS-2, upgrade apex mental health institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur, and expand emergency and trauma care capacity by 50% in district hospitals through dedicated centres." Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman- Apollo Hospitals   "Mental health services in Western India require urgent attention, and the expansion of NIMHANS 2.0 can help fill the gap. Emergency and trauma care in district hospitals will also be strengthened for vulnerable populations." Dr Simon Grant Physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune   "The proposed NIMHANS-2 and new All India Institutes of Ayurveda further strengthen specialised and integrated care pathways. Initiatives such as district-level day-care cancer centres, a 50% capacity increase in district hospitals through emergency and trauma care centres, and the creation of five regional medical hubs will significantly decongest tertiary hospitals while strengthening emergency care system." Joy Chakraborty, COO, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre ]]>