As India gears up for Union Budget 2025-26, here are experts from the healthcare industry sharing their expectations from the budget in the areas of healthcare and healthcare technology. From increased funding requirements for tech-driven solutions, to accelerating research and development for latest drugs, enabling improved patient outcomes, allocating resources for healthcare data management to boosting digital adoption across the sector, these leaders are expecting the budget to deliver more personalised and accessible healthcare so as to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in the area of health-tech innovation.
Dr Harshit Jain, founder & global CEO, Doceree
“The emergence of 211 new healthcare startups and the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning by 4,000 startups have driven a remarkable 28.03 per cent growth in health-tech investments over the past year. This momentum underscores the need for the upcoming budget to focus on expanding India’s health-tech startup ecosystem through substantial tax relief and targeted incentives to empower practising and aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs to further amplify the benefits of ongoing government initiatives for healthcare like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Dr Simmardeep S. Gill, MD & CEO of Sterling Hospitals
India's healthcare sector is poised for a significant transformation, and the upcoming Budget presents a crucial opportunity to drive growth in several key areas. One of the most promising advancements is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics. Currently valued at approximately USD 0.31 billion, the AI diagnostics market is projected to expand, reaching an estimated USD 2.45 billion by FY2031, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.5 per cent. We recommend the government investment in AI-driven solutions will enhance the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency for both patients and healthcare providers, thereby improving overall health outcomes across the nation. Simultaneously, India's medical tourism sector is experiencing rapid growth. The industry is anticipated to increase from USD 10,362.9 million in 2024 to USD 50,670.5 million by 2034, translating to a robust CAGR of 17.20 per cent. To sustain this upward trajectory, it is imperative to implement additional measures, such as streamlining visa processes for international patients for medical purpose. This will help in attracting more medical tourists.
Krisha Mathur, director, ACT For Health
The 2025-26 budget is a promising opportunity to shape a healthier and more equitable future for India. We look forward to enhanced support for transformative healthcare solutions that address primary care, non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, and mental health. We are optimistic that this budget will introduce measures to empower groundbreaking digital, medtech, and deep-tech innovations, improvements in access to telemedicine, diagnostics, and capacity building, making quality healthcare affordable and accessible for all. We believe that through this the government can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and position India as a global leader in healthcare excellence."
Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO of Antara Senior Care
"As we approach the 2025 Union Budget, we hope to see measures that foster an environment where seniors can thrive economically, socially, and emotionally. One critical area of investment is the integration of elder care into the broader healthcare and social systems. Expanding access to long-term care services, enhancing community-based programs, and tailoring healthcare to meet seniors' unique needs are essential towards building inclusive and effective support structures. Additionally, we also believe investing in a skilled and compassionate caregiving workforce is equally critical. We also look forward to policies that stimulate private sector participation in developing sustainable and holistic senior care solutions. Such steps would ensure that India is prepared to meet the demands of its ageing population while fostering a sense of dignity, independence, and security for our seniors. We look forward to a budget that reaffirms our collective commitment to senior care, ensuring that the golden years of our elders are filled with comfort, care, and respect.”
