Budget 2026: Health Sector Gets Record ₹1 Lakh Crore, Biopharma & District Care Key

• Union Budget 2026-27 allocates a record ₹1,06,530.42 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a 10% increase and the first time exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.
• The "Biopharma Shakti" initiative receives ₹10,000 crore over five years to boost domestic biologics/biosimilars production, expand clinical research with 1,000 trial sites, and strengthen regulations.
• Key measures include trauma/emergency centers in every district, regional medical hubs with private partnerships, and expanded funding for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and National Health Mission.
• Customs duty exemptions on 17 critical cancer drugs and seven rare disease medicines aim to improve affordability.
• Focus on workforce development includes training 1 lakh allied health professionals and 1.5 lakh caregivers, addressing geriatric care gaps and strengthening the care ecosystem.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 marks a historic health sector investment, prioritizing biopharma, district-level care, and affordability for a resilient India.