(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) UNION BUDGET 2025-26: ENHANCING HEALTHCARE ACCESS

(MARCH-2025)

UNION BUDGET 2025-26: ENHANCING HEALTHCARE ACCESS

Context:

The Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlights a substantial dedication to advancing India’s healthcare framework and services. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has received a total allocation of Rs. 99,858.56 crore, reflecting an approximate increase of 11% compared to the prior fiscal year. The primary highlights of the budget pertaining to healthcare are summarized below:

Key Budget Allocations and Initiatives

(i) Fortifying Healthcare Infrastructure

PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Rs. 4,758 crore earmarked in 2025-26, indicative of a 26.67% rise from the last year.

Development of pivotal care hospital blocks in districts.
Creation of integrated public health laboratories.
Enhancement of IT-based disease monitoring systems.

Broadening of Medical Education:

Addition of 10,000 new medical seats in colleges and hospitals across India.
Aim: 75,000 medical seats over five years to counter the deficit of healthcare professionals.
Expansion to bolster AIIMS and other medical establishments.

Ayushman Arogya Mandir:

Creation of wellness centers throughout India.
Services encompass preventive healthcare, health assessments, immunizations, and counseling.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Financial safeguards against catastrophic health expenditures.

Insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum.
Expansion to include more beneficiaries and incorporate additional treatments.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):

Digitization of health records and integration of a cohesive health ecosystem.
Unique Health ID for every citizen.
Fortifying data privacy and interoperability among health systems.

(iii) Cancer Care and Day Care Centers

Establishment of 200 Day-Care Cancer Centers within district hospitals.

Goals:

Provide timely and affordable treatment.
Alleviate financial strain on patients who typically travel to metropolitan areas.
Foster early detection and intervention.

Decentralization of healthcare to rural regions.

(iv) Medical Tourism & “Heal in India” Initiative

Efforts to elevate India as a global center for healthcare.
Streamlined visa processes and public-private partnerships to draw international patients.
Advancement of medical facilities to world-class standards.
Anticipated to enhance foreign exchange earnings and stimulate India’s economic growth.

(v) Decrease in Healthcare Costs: Exemptions on Lifesaving Drugs

36 lifesaving drugs completely exempted from basic customs duty.
6 additional medications to face a concessional 5% tax.
Bulk drugs for lifesaving medicines also exempted.

Outcome:

Reduction in treatment expenses for chronic and rare illnesses.
Increased availability of essential medications.
Support for pharmaceutical research and development.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2025-26 signifies a comprehensive strategy for healthcare by prioritizing infrastructure growth, preventive care, financial safeguards, and digital health integration. With a focus on medical education, cancer care, and affordable medications, the government is reinforcing India’s healthcare structure to achieve universal health coverage and establish the nation as a premier global healthcare location. The provisions for gig workers and clean drinking water programs further solidify the goal of inclusive and equitable healthcare access for all.