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Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 for the upcoming financial year in Parliament on Sunday, February 1. In her ninth Union Budget, the FM announced major steps to strengthen the healthcare sector. She proposed setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda across the country, upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories.

Announcing these proposals during her speech, Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the global acceptance and recognition of Ayurveda, especially after COVID-19.

She said, "Ancient Indian Yoga, already respected in all parts of the world, was given a mass global recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to the UN. Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurveda products helps farmers to grow the herbs and those who process the products. To meet growing global demand, a few more steps are being taken. I propose three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda."

Like ancient Indian yoga, Ayurveda has gained widespread recognition globally, leading to a surge in demand for it worldwide. To meet the global demand for Ayurveda, the government has proposed to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda across the country. The first All India Institute of Ayurveda, located in Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, was established as a centre of excellence for Ayurveda tertiary health care. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 17, 2017, on the occasion of the second National Ayurveda Day.

Finance Minister Sitharaman also proposed to upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar.

"To upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs for higher standards and make available more skilled personnel. Three, upgrade the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar," she added.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) was established as a global well-being hub; its purpose is to promote evidence-based research, training, and awareness of traditional medicine. It serves as a leading knowledge centre for evidence-based Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) globally. The Ministry of AYUSH said that this is the first and only global outpost centre (office) for traditional medicine across the world.

On Sunday, the Union Finance Minister also proposed the construction of five regional medical hubs to promote medical value tourism in the country. These medical centres will house AYUSH centres, diagnostic infrastructure, and post-care rehabilitation facilities. They will also provide diverse employment opportunities for medical service providers.

The government will upgrade existing institutions for allied health professionals and establish new institutions in both private and government sectors. The initiative aims to train 1 lakh allied health professionals in 10 selected disciplines, including optometry, radiology, anaesthesia and applied psychology over the next 5 years.

With Agencies Inputs