The Union Budget 2025, presented on February 1, 2025, brings a transformational push to India’s healthcare sector. With an allocation of ₹99,858.56 crore, this budget prioritizes better infrastructure, increased access to medical care, and affordability of life-saving treatments. The government's focus on universal healthcare is evident through its strategic funding across key health initiatives.
Key Highlights of Union Budget 2025
1. Increased Healthcare Allocation
Budget allocation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare rises by 10.8%, from ₹86,582.48 crore in FY2024-25 to ₹95,957.87 crore in FY2025-26.
Additional funding strengthens primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities.
2. Strengthening Ayushman Bharat & National Health Mission (NHM)
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY allocation increases by 28.8% to ₹4,200 crore, extending health coverage to 50 million more individuals.
NHM funding grows by 15.3% to ₹37,226.37 crore, supporting rural healthcare services and disease prevention programs.
3. Expanding Medical Education & Workforce
10,000 new medical seats added in 2025, with a goal of 75,000 new seats over five years.
Aims to reduce India’s doctor-patient ratio (currently 1:834), improving accessibility to medical professionals.
4. Cancer Care Initiatives
200 new day-care cancer centers to be established in district hospitals.
Addresses India’s rising cancer burden, projected to reach 15.7 lakh cases by 2025.
5. Affordable Medicines: Duty Exemptions on Life-Saving Drugs
36 life-saving drugs (including those for cancer and rare diseases) exempted from basic customs duty.
Six additional medicines receive a customs duty reduction to 5%, lowering patient treatment costs.
6. Healthcare Coverage for Gig Workers
Nearly 1 crore gig workers now eligible for PM-JAY benefits, ensuring better healthcare accessibility.
7. Promoting Medical Tourism with ‘Heal in India’ Initiative
Government aims to position India as a global healthcare hub by enhancing infrastructure and streamlining patient care.
Impact on India’s Healthcare Landscape
1. Strengthened Medical Infrastructure
Increased funding enables hospital and diagnostic center expansion, improving healthcare accessibility.
2. More Trained Medical Professionals
Expansion of medical seats helps bridge the doctor-patient gap, improving quality of care.
3. Affordable Healthcare
Duty exemptions on life-saving drugs make critical treatments accessible to more patients.
4. Focus on Preventive Healthcare
Cancer centers and disease monitoring initiatives will aid in early detection and proactive treatment.
5. Enhanced Universal Health Coverage
Inclusion of gig workers in PM-JAY extends healthcare benefits to a wider workforce segment.
6. Boost to Medical Tourism
‘Heal in India’ initiative strengthens India’s global reputation as a premier healthcare destination.
The Union Budget 2025 is not just about numbers; it's about building a healthier, stronger India. With a sharp focus on accessible medical care, an expanded healthcare workforce, and affordable treatments, this budget lays the groundwork for a future where no one is left behind in getting quality healthcare. As the government continues its commitment to universal health coverage and medical advancements, this budget is a step closer to making affordable and world-class healthcare a reality for every Indian.
