Stakeholders discuss implementation of Union Budget 2026–27 announcements focusing on healthcare expansion, Ayush integration and workforce development
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Post-Budget Webinar on the health, Ayush and pharmaceutical sectors on Tuesday under the theme “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People.” The event was organised as part of the government’s post-budget outreach to discuss effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
The webinar brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, researchers and officials from the Centre and various states to deliberate on strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem and improving the delivery of healthcare services.
Focus on Effective Implementation of Budget Announcements
During his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of post-budget consultations in translating policy announcements into concrete results on the ground.
He stated that fulfilling the aspirations of citizens remains the central objective of the Union Budget and highlighted the crucial role of sectors such as health, education, skill development, tourism, sports and culture in achieving inclusive growth.
According to the Press Information Bureau, the Prime Minister said that suggestions from experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders participating in the webinar would play a key role in ensuring effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the budget.
Emphasis on Preventive and Holistic Healthcare
Prime Minister Modi noted that India is working with a broad vision of preventive and holistic healthcare. He highlighted that the country’s healthcare infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years with the establishment of new medical colleges and improved healthcare delivery.
He also referred to flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the expansion of wellness centres that are bringing healthcare services closer to rural communities across the country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing international recognition of India’s traditional systems of medicine, including yoga and Ayurveda.
Strengthening Care Economy and Healthcare Workforce
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening India’s care economy, noting that the coming decade will witness a significant increase in the number of senior citizens in the country.
He encouraged experts and stakeholders to propose innovative training models and partnerships to develop a skilled healthcare workforce and create new employment opportunities for youth.
Telemedicine and Digital Health Expansion
Highlighting the growing role of digital healthcare, the Prime Minister spoke about the potential of telemedicine in expanding access to medical services in remote and underserved areas.
He noted that while many citizens are already benefiting from telemedicine services, greater awareness and improved accessibility are required so that more people can take advantage of these technologies.
₹4,408 Crore Allocation for Ayush Sector
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, addressed the concluding session of the webinar and highlighted key health-sector announcements made in the Union Budget 2026.
He noted that an allocation of ₹4,408 crore for the Ayush ministry will strengthen the integration of Ayush systems into mainstream healthcare.
Through initiatives such as the National Ayush Mission, the government aims to expand Ayush services and strengthen Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country to promote preventive healthcare and evidence-based treatment approaches.
New Ayurveda Institutes and Global Collaboration
The minister also highlighted the proposal in the Union Budget to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, which are expected to strengthen higher education, research and clinical services in traditional medicine.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar to further enhance India’s leadership in evidence-based traditional healthcare and promote international collaboration.
Plan for Regional Medical Hubs
Another major proposal discussed during the webinar was the establishment of five regional medical hubs with participation from states and the private sector.
These integrated health complexes are expected to combine advanced medical services, research institutions and educational facilities, while also promoting medical value tourism and positioning India as a global destination for holistic healthcare.
Skill Development for Caregivers
The government also plans to train 1.5 lakh multi-skilled caregivers under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The initiative aims to strengthen preventive, rehabilitative and geriatric care services while building a skilled healthcare workforce.
Ayush Sector Sees Rapid Growth
During the breakout session, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the significant progress made in the Ayush sector over the past decade in areas such as research, education, standardisation and international cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of upgrading Ayush pharmacies and drug-testing laboratories to ensure high-quality and globally competitive Ayush products.
Webinar Concludes With Stakeholder Discussions
The webinar concluded with interactive discussions and presentations from senior officials and experts outlining a roadmap for implementing the Union Budget 2026–27 announcements.
Participants from government, academia, industry and research institutions shared suggestions on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding Ayush services, improving quality standards and promoting innovation.
Officials said the insights gathered from the discussions are expected to accelerate the implementation of budget initiatives and further advance India’s vision of building a holistic, inclusive and future-ready healthcare system.
