Union Budget 2025-26 Focuses on Investment in People, Economy, and Innovation

New Delhi: In a bold vision for India’s future, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today presented the Union Budget 2025-26, emphasizing that investment is the third engine of development, covering investment in people, the economy, and innovation.

Enhancing Nutritional Support for Women and Children

As part of the government’s commitment to investing in its people, the Budget proposes significant enhancements in the nutritional support under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme. This initiative will benefit over 8 crore children, 1 crore pregnant women, and lactating mothers across the country. Additionally, 20 lakh adolescent girls in aspirational districts and the North-East region will receive focused support.

The Finance Minister highlighted that these enhancements will help improve the health and nutrition outcomes of vulnerable groups, promoting a healthier future for India’s next generation.

Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

In a major move to strengthen the healthcare system, Sitharaman proposed the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals across the country within the next three years. This initiative will see the establishment of 200 centres in 2025-26, ensuring better access to cancer treatment for people in rural and underserved areas.

The Finance Minister also announced plans to add 10,000 new seats in medical colleges and hospitals in the coming year, in line with the government’s goal to increase medical education capacity by 75,000 seats over the next five years. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the country.

Promoting Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Partnerships

The Union Budget also sets the stage for the promotion of Medical Tourism and the Heal in India initiative, aimed at attracting foreign patients for medical treatment in India. This will be achieved through strategic partnerships with the private sector, capacity building in hospitals, and easier visa norms to attract international patients seeking quality healthcare.

Relief on Import of Lifesaving Drugs

To support those suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other chronic conditions, the Budget proposes relief on the import of lifesaving drugs and medicines. 36 lifesaving drugs will now be fully exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), providing significant relief to patients in need.

Additionally, 6 lifesaving medicines will be added to the list, attracting a concessional customs duty of just 5%. This measure will lower the cost of essential medicines, making healthcare more affordable for the public.

The Budget also highlights that medicines provided under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies will be fully exempt from BCD, provided they are supplied free of cost to patients. The government has proposed adding 37 more medicines and 13 new assistance programmes to this list, further improving access to life-saving drugs for the underprivileged.

A Vision for an Inclusive and Healthy India

In her Budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive development by making strategic investments in health, nutrition, and medical infrastructure. These initiatives aim to provide better healthcare, more educational opportunities, and relief to the citizens, particularly the marginalized communities, while also preparing India for a healthier and more prosperous future.