New Delhi: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 today and voices from the healthcare sector welcomed the government’s renewed push towards stronger health systems and wider access to care. Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy described the budget as a reassuring step towards building healthier citizens, praising its emphasis on public health capacity, medical education, innovation and affordability in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
“The Union Budget 2026–27 sends a reassuring message that India’s growth will be anchored in healthier citizens and stronger health systems. The continued focus on expanding public health capacity, strengthening prevention, and improving access across tier-2 and tier-3 India is consistent with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
We welcome the emphasis to deepen India’s life sciences and innovation ecosystem through Biopharma SHAKTI, including new and upgraded education and research institutions and a nationwide network of 1000 accredited clinical trial sites. These steps will accelerate the development of advanced therapies and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global destination for healthcare and life sciences.
The focus on people is especially heartening. Adding 10,000 medical seats in the coming year, alongside training 1.5 lakh caregivers and scaling allied health disciplines, can strengthen the Prime Minister’s vision of Heal in India, Heal by India. Supporting states to create five hubs for medical tourism will elevate quality standards across regions.
We appreciate the reaffirmed commitment to mental health and trauma care through the proposal to establish NIMHANS-2, upgrade apex mental health institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur, and expand emergency and trauma care capacity by 50% in district hospitals through dedicated centres.
Measures to improve affordability, including duty-free access to 36 life-saving drugs, can ease the financial burden for patients.
At Apollo Hospitals, we remain committed to working closely with the government and all stakeholders to translate these priorities into measurable health outcomes for every Indian.”