FINER nuances of the Union Budget 2026 are unveiling a robust thinking behind making India a key player in the world not only as a strong economy but a vital ingredient for human welfare. All the number crunching by Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman has reflected India’s strategy of consolidation-first before making a move when things fall in place in the global economy. India is ready to play a waiting game but is not willing to sit idle. Instead, it is investing heavily in capacity building, projecting itself as a universal hub for all human needs. It is seen in the healthy allocations made to different sectors -- the established ones as well as the emerging ones. One area that the Budget document has identified as a prospective game-changer for India is the biopharma sector. The Finance Minister has proposed a Rs 10,000 crore investment over the next five years to develop India as a biopharma manufacturing hub, set up 1000 clinical trial sites and strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. It is an ambitious programme which can cement India’s established position as the pharmacy of the world further and open up new vistas in the health sector and medical tourism.

 

The initiative is to position India as a global hub for biopharmaceutical and ayurveda drugs. Biological medicines are key to longevity and quality of life at affordable costs. The Centre’s plan to set up Regional Medical Hubs across the country are set to generate a wide range of employment opportunities for healthcare professionals including doctors and paramedics. The Regional Hubs can function as integrated healthcare complexes operating medical services, education and research under one umbrella. It is a move aligned with the Government’s push to expand healthcare infrastructure and promote medical-value travel. India’s position as a medical hub has already been hailed by the world when it emerged as the biggest saviour of humanity during the coronavirus pandemic. India was at the forefront in supplying medicines and healthcare equipment as it assumed the role of the world’s biggest pharmacy. It was unlocking a great potential as India’s diverse medical branches emerged as a trusted alternative for the world. The Budget has wisely taken up this sector as a future game-changer for India.

 

Medical tourism is set to gather pace in the coming years in India when the proposed hubs take shape. Affordable medicines and healthcare practices rooted in ancient beliefs will make them the most sought-after centres by people around the world. At a time when cases of non-communicable diseases are rising, the strength of ayurveda and yoga will be a potent tool in the hands of humanity. India has recognised this need and has embarked upon strengthening the two significant disciplines for public health. To attract the world to the medical hub, India must invest heavily in creating state-of-the-art infrastructure that can withstand global expectations. It is a massive exercise to create such a structure across the country. The physical part can be taken care of with ample funds but it is the services part that will need absolute concentration from the planners. Medical services in India have always been pegged back by lethargy and incompetence of the tertiary component. Even top facilities still bore the brunt of staff crunch due to lack of quality manpower. The condition at Government-run medical centres is even worse.

 

The lack of qualified personnel in every layer has hit Government hospitals really hard. Then there is the issue of neglect of biomedical waste in almost every healthcare centre -- Government as well as private. These things matter a lot in creating the impression of a top-class medical hub. If India wants to emerge as a medical hub for the world, then the first priority should be to ensure quality medical education for doctors and paramedics who form the critical part of this chain.