health sector budget
The country’s general budget is going to be presented on 1 February 2026. This will be the ninth consecutive budget of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which is a big record in itself. This time the highest expectations from the budget are from the health sector. After Corona, people have understood well that a strong health system is the backbone of any country.
Even today, the cost of treatment in India is a big challenge for the common man. There is lack of facilities in government hospitals and treatment in private hospitals is expensive. In such a situation, it is believed that the government can increase expenditure on the health sector in Budget 2026.
Spending on health in India is still low
If compared with other countries of the world, India still spends very less on health. America spends about 17 to 18 percent of its GDP on health. Japan also spends more than 10 percent of its money on treatment and health services. At the same time, India’s health expenditure is still considered less than many developing countries. However, in the last few years the government has taken steps in this direction. Focus on digital health, Ayushman Bharat scheme, expansion of medical colleges and affordable medicines has increased, but the need is still very high.
What did the health sector get in the last budget?
A provision of about Rs 1 lakh crore was made for the Health Ministry in the budget for the financial year 2025-26. This amount was about 11 percent more than last year. This included announcements like expansion of Ayushman Bharat scheme, custom duty exemption on cancer medicines, opening of new AIIMS and medical colleges. It is clear that the health sector is the priority of the government, but the question is whether it will be intensified in the budget of 2026?
Pharma sector also needs support
Experts believe that the pharma industry should also get support in the budget. Global supply chain problems, geopolitical tensions and trade policies of countries like America are impacting Indian pharma companies. In such a situation, it has become very important to promote domestic production and research.
Demand to increase expenditure on children’s health
Health experts say that India will have to pay more attention especially to the health of children. The number of children in the country is very large, but the expenditure on their health and nutrition is relatively low. Experts believe that in the long run, the foundation of a healthy and strong India can be laid only by increasing investment in children.
What is expected from Budget 2026
From Budget 2026, it is expected that the government will increase the number and facilities of government hospitals, strengthen health infrastructure in rural areas, make medicines more affordable and expand the scope of schemes like Ayushman Bharat. If this happens then the burden of treatment on the common man’s pocket will definitely reduce to some extent.
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