Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2026-27 Union Budget has ignited optimism in India’s health sector, with a robust allocation for integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare and boosting medical tourism.
Leading the applause is Prof. P.K. Prajapati, Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda. Speaking candidly, he described the budget as a game-changer, crediting PM Narendra Modi’s tenure for revolutionizing Ayurveda over the past decade.
Key highlights include establishing three new AIIMS and Ayurveda institutes, alongside upgrades to pharmaceutical research centers. Plans for 1,000 clinical trial sites and five regional medical hubs promise to revolutionize patient care and innovation.
“These steps address the demand for quality modern medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy,” Prof. Prajapati said. He emphasized India’s draw for international patients seeking evidence-based traditional treatments.
Holistic health takes center stage, with budget provisions for Ayurveda therapies that nurture body, mind, and soul. District hospitals will be modernized, emergency services enhanced, and mental health facilities expanded.
Since 2014, Ayurveda’s growth trajectory has been meteoric, thanks to visionary leadership from the AYUSH Ministry and Sitharaman. This fiscal blueprint not only strengthens education and research but also cements India’s status as a premier destination for wellness tourism.
As India eyes global leadership in integrated healthcare, this budget lays a solid foundation for accessible, high-quality medical services for all.