Union Budget 2026–27 places strong emphasis on strengthening India’s traditional wellness and healthcare systems. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced initiatives to expand Ayurveda, yoga, mental health services, and allied healthcare education, while positioning India as a global medical tourism hub.
Key proposals include training 1.5 lakh caregivers in yoga and Ayurveda, establishing three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, and introducing ten new allied health disciplines to train one lakh professionals over the next five years. The budget also plans upgrades for AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs and aims to promote exports of Ayurveda products.
To boost medical tourism, the government will support the creation of five regional medical hubs, integrating AYUSH centres with modern diagnostics and post-treatment rehabilitation. These hubs are expected to generate jobs for doctors, therapists, nurses, caregivers, and allied health professionals, while strengthening regional healthcare systems.
At the global level, the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar will be upgraded to reinforce India’s leadership in evidence-based research, policy, and training in traditional medicine.
The budget’s focus on workforce development, infrastructure, and global engagement reflects a strategic approach to traditional medicine, combining wellness, healthcare access, employment generation, and India’s growing role in the global health and wellness ecosystem.
