‘It is our collective responsibility now to build on this momentum’
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The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a robust foundation for India to assert its leadership in global health care and innovation, with strategic announcements that bolster medical infrastructure, expand educational opportunities, and promote global collaboration.
With a ₹90,958 crore health-care allocation, the addition of 75,000 medical seats over the next five years, and investments in daycare cancer centres, India is poised to enhance both accessibility and quality of care. The country will add 10,000 medical seats in FY26 alone, underscoring its commitment to health-care excellence.
India’s health-care transformation
This Budget underscores India’s remarkable journey of progress, from the 1980s when it grappled with limited medical infrastructure, to its current status as a global health-care leader. The transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Recently, the writer had the privilege of presenting two key recommendations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: first, establishing India as the global health-care destination, and second, addressing the global shortfall of health-care professionals. It has been a delight to see both these ideas in action through the ‘Heal in India’ and ‘Heal by India’ initiatives. With streamlined visa processes, enhanced hospital infrastructure, and robust public-private partnerships, India is poised to become the preferred medical destination for international patients.
Simultaneously, the country is addressing the global shortfall of health-care professionals by training and deploying more doctors, nurses, and paramedics abroad. This will ensure that Indian expertise supports health-care systems worldwide while creating new opportunities for our skilled professionals.
Customs duty exemptions, tech outlook
Moreover, it is commendable that the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer has been acknowledged in this Budget. The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centres in district hospitals will bring specialised treatment closer to people, improving early diagnosis and better patient outcomes.
The customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving drugs, including those for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions will lower the cost of treatments, in turn, benefiting thousands of patients across the country. Also, the addition of 13 new patient assistance programmes would also improve access to critical medications for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions.
The emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and digital health marks a pivotal moment for the future of India’s health care. The new National Centres of Excellence will spearhead innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and research, enabling India to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care.
The writer believes that the introduction of cutting-edge technologies to deliver quality health care has strengthened India’s position as a global health-care player. Both private and public hospitals have played an integral role in this progress. Apollo was the first hospital to launch Proton therapy for advanced cancer care in this part of the world and continues to attract patients from countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom to name a few.
Build on the momentum
This Budget clearly recognises the government’s vision for — and demonstration of bold leadership in recognising — health care as a pillar of national growth and development. From a country that once struggled to provide basic medical care, we have evolved into a nation offering world-class treatment to millions. Through the synergy of Heal in India, Heal by India, and innovation-driven care, we are shaping a future where India’s health-care system sets new global benchmarks.
It is our collective responsibility now to build on this momentum — by embracing technology, strengthening medical education, and ensuring that health care reaches every individual in need.
India is not just healing its own people; it is healing the world.
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy is Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals
Published – February 06, 2025 12:08 am IST
