The Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025.
For India’s healthcare sector, the finance minister allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore for 2025-26, with an almost 11 per cent increase from the last fiscal year. This is a marginal increase from the previous fiscal year allocation of Rs 89,974 crore budget.
While announcing key policy measures, the finance minister proposed an expansion of the list of essential medicines exempted from basic customs duty (BCD).
She announced that 36 life-saving drugs & medicines would be added to this exempted list, benefiting those suffering from cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic conditions. Along with 13 new patient assistance programmes.
“Additionally, six lifesaving medicines will now attract a concessional customs duty of 5 per cent,” she said.
To strengthen cancer care infrastructure, the government plans to establish 200 new cancer daycare centres in government hospitals by 2025-26.
The minister also announced healthcare coverage for gig workers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.“Recognising their contribution, our government will arrange for their identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal,” she stated.
A budget of Rs. 4,200 crore was allocated for AB-PMJAY.
The budget also prioritised digital infrastructure in primary healthcare centres (PHCs).
In a bid to enhance India’s medical sector, Sitharaman highlighted key initiatives under the ‘Heal in India’ programme, which aims to promote medical tourism and simplify visa procedures for international patients.