Union Budget 2025: Reshaping Healthcare with Lifesaving Drugs, Cancer Care Expansion, and a Medical Education Boom
Dr.Tarang Gianchandani, CEO- Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai
The government’s focus on strengthening India’s healthcare continues in Union Budget 2025, with an emphasis on cancer care and medical education. To ease the financial burden of life-threatening diseases, the full exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer and rare disease treatments, ensures critical treatments remain accessible. Additionally, the establishment of daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals, with 200 hospitals operational by 2026, will make cancer care more accessible and reduce the need for long-distance travel. The introduction of 10,000 new medical seats this year and plans for 75,000 more over five years aim to address the healthcare expertise gap, reinforcing India’s global healthcare leadership.
Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, Sarvodaya Healthcare
The Union Budget 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system, focusing on affordability, quality, and accessibility. A key proposal is establishing Day Care Cancer Centers in every district hospital, bringing critical care closer to underserved and rural areas, ensuring timely treatment without long-distance travel. Additionally, the investment in AI-driven healthcare solutions aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficiency, and overall patient care, positioning India as a global leader in medical tourism. The 'Heal in India' initiative, supported by infrastructure and technological advancements, will attract international patients seeking affordable, high-quality care, solidifying India’s status as a global healthcare hub.
Shashank Avadhani, Co-founder, and CEO at Alyve Health
Alyve Health welcomes Union Budget 2025, a major step towards a healthier India. The government’s focus on promoting medical tourism and the Heal in India initiative, coupled with streamlined visa norms, aligns with our vision of making India a global health hub. The increase in FDI in the insurance sector to 100% will foster competition and expand access to essential health services, reducing financial barriers to care. The emphasis on vegetables and fruits supports our core philosophy of promoting healthier lifestyles. The exemption of 36 life-saving drugs from customs duty improves access to treatments for cancer and rare diseases. The inclusion of 1 crore gig workers in the PM Jan Arogya Yojana ensures healthcare access for this vital workforce. Increased funding for the National Health Mission and mental health initiatives will address healthcare disparities, paving the way for a more inclusive system. Alyve Health is eager to collaborate with stakeholders to improve health outcomes for all.
Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director, Max Healthcare Institute Limited
The Union Budget 2025 reinforces India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat by prioritizing growth in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. As the Finance Minister highlighted, a country is defined not only by its land but its people, and quality, affordable healthcare is essential for empowerment. This Budget demonstrates a strong commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem through initiatives in medical education, cancer care, and access to life-saving medicines. The addition of 10,000 medical seats next year, with plans for 75,000 more over five years, will help bridge the doctor-patient gap. Establishing 200 cancer centers will improve oncology care nationwide, and the exemption of customs duty on critical cancer and rare disease drugs will make treatments more affordable. The 'Heal in India' initiative will position India as a global healthcare destination. These measures ensure quality care for all, paving the way for a truly ‘Viksit Bharat’ in healthcare.
Dr Rajeev Boudhankar, Medical director, Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai
The strengthening of the Rural Agriculture program will help reduce farmers' debts and suicides, indirectly benefiting national nutrition and mother-child health programs by improving the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women and children. This program, alongside initiatives like the National Mission for edible oils, pulses, and vegetables, will address India’s high maternal and under-5 mortality rates. The budget also strengthens the Anganwadi nutrition program to promote health for vulnerable populations. The focus on clean energy technologies, including nuclear, solar, and wind, will reduce air pollution and diseases like asthma and COPD. Broadband connections to Primary Health Centers will enhance rural healthcare through telemedicine, lowering healthcare costs and advancing Universal Healthcare coverage. AI integration in healthcare will foster research and improve Centers of Excellence. The addition of 10,000 medical seats and daycare cancer centers will strengthen healthcare resources and early detection. Other initiatives like the "Heal in India" and rationalized drug duties will boost medical tourism and healthcare access.
Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson Radiation oncology & cancer Center, Medanta The Medicity
The Union Budget 2025-2026 announces the establishment of day care cancer centers in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centers set to open in 2025-2026. India has 788 districts, and these centers will play a vital role in making cancer care more accessible. The decision is widely welcomed by physicians and cancer care providers. With day care cancer centers in every district hospital, patients can undergo procedures like biopsies, endoscopies, post-tracheostomy care, and chemotherapy close to home, reducing travel burdens. These centers will also provide palliative care, such as fluid drainage for improved breathing and quality of life, and pain management through available medications. This initiative will make cancer treatment more accessible, timely, and efficient, improving patient outcomes across India’s diverse regions and ensuring better care for those in need.
Dr Rajiv Chhibber, Vice President SMT
The Union Budget 2025-26 is a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility, focusing on decongesting major hospitals. This initiative will allow large hospitals to specialize in care for needy patients, reducing long waiting lists at tertiary centers. Telemedicine services and broadband transmission will enable patients to send reports like blood tests, CT scans, and ultrasounds from district hospitals to specialists. Remote consultations will ensure patients receive guidance and authentic medicines from Jan-Aushidhi centers, reducing the need for long-distance travel. The budget also continues the government’s efforts toward Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, supporting the vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Finance Minister’s focus on Garib, Youth, Annadaata, and Nari (GYAN), along with infrastructure development through PM Gati Shakti and support for MSMEs and startups, will strengthen India’s global position. Healthcare support for rare diseases and cancer, coupled with a boost to R&D, will enhance India’s capabilities in critical drugs and medical devices.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare
The Union Budget 2025 reinforces India’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all. The addition of 75,000 new medical seats will address the long-standing shortage of healthcare professionals, improving care availability and quality in underserved areas. The establishment of 200 cancer daycare centers in district hospitals will decentralize cancer treatment, making care more accessible and enabling timely interventions. The exemption of customs duties on cancer drugs and 36 life-saving medicines will make critical treatments more affordable, while reduced duties on six additional medicines remove financial barriers to essential treatments for chronic and rare diseases. The e-Shram healthcare insurance for gig workers, combined with increased investment in medical research and genetic studies, shows a forward-thinking approach to public health. Easing visa norms for medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative enhances India’s position as a global healthcare destination, benefiting patients and the economy.
Deepal Shah, Group CFO, Allcargo Group
The Union Budget 2025 lays the foundation for long-term economic growth by focusing on key drivers such as consumption, manufacturing, infrastructure, innovation, employment, and private investment, while maintaining fiscal prudence. Personal tax reforms are set to stimulate urban consumption, boosting demand in the economy. The continued focus on infrastructure development will enhance logistics efficiency, crucial for economic growth. Regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business will attract private investment across sectors. The proposal to transform India Post into a major public logistics organization will boost nationwide logistics capacity, while supporting shipbuilding will increase India’s share in global maritime trade. The budget prioritizes the adoption of AI and deep tech innovations to drive development in various sectors. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to advancing economic growth, embracing innovation, and strengthening macroeconomic stability, ensuring India’s continued progress on the global stage.
Mr Abrarali Dalal, Managing Director and CEO, Sahyadri Hospitals Pvt Ltd
The Union Budget 2025 anchors itself in the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat,' focusing on providing quality education and comprehensive healthcare for all. A key highlight is the exemption of customs duty on lifesaving medicines, offering relief to patients with cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. The government aims to position India as a global leader in medical tourism through the 'Heal in India' initiative. The budget also prioritizes strengthening medical infrastructure, including the addition of 75,000 medical seats over the next five years to enhance the healthcare workforce. Expanding broadband connectivity in primary healthcare centers will ensure quality care reaches even the most remote areas. The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centers across district hospitals will improve accessibility and affordability. The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs will provide nutritional support to over nine crore beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls, improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities.
Dr. Harshit Jain – Founder & Global CEO at Doceree
The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for India to lead in global healthcare and innovation, with a ₹90,958 crore healthcare allocation prioritizing both accessibility and quality. Investments in daycare cancer centers, the addition of 10,000 new medical seats, and increased broadband connectivity in rural health centers reflect a commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. The introduction of healthcare identity cards for gig workers under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana promotes healthcare equity. On the entrepreneurial front, the budget supports the healthcare ecosystem by raising Mudra Loan limits and offering targeted assistance to MSMEs, empowering pharma and healthtech innovators. The establishment of Centres of Excellence for AI and expanded STEM education via Atal Tinkering Labs will drive technological disruption in healthcare. Additionally, the focus on funding marginalized, first-time women entrepreneurs will boost their participation in the healthcare sector. The 'Heal in India' initiative will promote medical tourism, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
Col. Rajeev Mannali ,CEO at BR Life SUT Multi Speciality Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram
This year’s budget stands out as a common man’s budget, addressing key concerns with urgency. The long-awaited income tax slab rationalization has been implemented, boosting small savings and increasing spending power in both rural and urban areas. The housing sector benefits from increased exemptions for two self-occupied houses, positively impacting real estate in the short and mid-term. The SWAMIH fund, with a significant allocation, will support affordable and mid-income housing, benefiting lower and middle-income groups. Additionally, raising the TDS limit on rent beyond ₹2.4 lakhs provides relief to both tenants and landlords.
MSMEs will see growth and job creation with increased investment, fostering stability in the sector. However, healthcare has not received the attention it deserves. With the goal of a healthier India, its allocation should have been at least 2.5% of GDP. Overall, the budget prioritizes the common man’s welfare, ensuring economic revitalization and social well-being.
