Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Narayana Health
At the forefront of this vision is the ₹10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti initiative, a transformative step towards self-reliance in biologics and biosimilars. Families dealing with cancer, rare diseases or autoimmune diseases have had to wait too long for imported treatments or bear crippling costs. By fostering a strong domestic research, development and manufacturing ecosystem, the government is turning these advanced therapies into accessible realities. Freeing tariffs on 17 life-saving medicines and expanding support for rare diseases reflects not just policy, but compassion in action. The industry and stakeholders are optimistic and see a future where India is not just a consumer but also a maker of crucial medicines, generating employment and strengthening our healthcare system.
Last mile care
Equally important is the focus on last-mile care delivery. Expanding emergency and trauma care capacity in district hospitals by 50 percent will ensure that a child in a small town or a worker in a remote district can receive timely care, rather than facing delays in remote tertiary centers. The establishment of a second Nimhans and regional center of excellence for mental health addresses long-overlooked gaps in psychological care, recognizing that mental wellbeing is as important as physical health. Supported by the National Health Mission, these initiatives ensure that mothers, children and rural communities are no longer at the mercy of chance when it comes to essential care – policies reach people where they live, in ways that are immediately felt.
The budget also embraces technology as a force multiplier, especially artificial intelligence in healthcare. AI-powered diagnostics, predictive analytics and hospital management systems will help doctors make faster and more accurate decisions. Imagine a small hospital in a city that uses AI to detect diseases early: lives are saved, families are spared and communities are strengthened. Combined with training for doctors, nurses and paramedics, this ensures that human expertise and technology work hand in hand to improve outcomes and reduce costs.
On a broader scale, the government of India’s vision as a global medical value hub shows foresight. Regional medical centres, integrated healthcare complexes and rationalization of TCS in medical remittances will bring international patients to India while creating domestic jobs – demonstrating that healthcare can be both a human and economic investment. These measures underscore a fundamental truth: investing in health is investing in India’s future prosperity.
Long-term transformation
The impact of this budget is not only visible in numbers, but also in lives: healthier families, better trained doctors, accessible advanced therapies and stronger hospitals. Mental health care, emergency care, technology and local assistance together create a resilient, inclusive and future-oriented healthcare system. While continued research and innovation remain essential, this Budget lays a foundation for long-term transformation, at the bedside, in the clinic and at home.
By combining compassion with capability, foresight with execution and access with innovation, this Budget shows that a healthy India is a prosperous India. It is a decisive step towards a healthcare system that is not just a benchmark for progress, but a source of dignity, opportunity and hope for every citizen. With these initiatives, India is poised to lead the world not only in growth, but also in the health, well-being and aspirations of its people.
Published on February 2, 2026
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