Prioritising Healthcare for a Viksit Bharat 2047

Source: The post “Prioritising Healthcare for a Viksit Bharat 2047” has been created, based on “Prioritising Healthcare for a Viksit Bharat 2047” published in “PIB” on  31st March 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2-Governance

Context: Healthcare plays a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by strengthening human capital and improving productivity. The Union Budget 2026–27 has increased allocation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by 10% to ₹1,06,530 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to universal health coverage, preventive care, digital integration, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

Key Healthcare Announcements in Budget 2026–27

1. Increase in Health Sector Allocation

1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been allocated ₹1,06,530 crore, which represents a 10% increase over the revised estimates of 2025–26.
2. The allocation reflects a 194% increase over the last 12 years, demonstrating sustained government commitment toward improving healthcare delivery.
3. The Department of Health Research has been allocated ₹4,821 crore, which will support innovation and medical research activities in the country.

2. Strengthening Major Healthcare Schemes

1. Insurance and Healthcare Access
   1. The allocation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has increased to ₹9,500 crore, ensuring continued access to health insurance coverage for vulnerable households.
   2. The scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to more than 12 crore economically weaker families, thereby improving affordability of healthcare services.
2. Primary Healthcare Expansion: The allocation for the National Health Mission (NHM) has increased to ₹39,390 crore, strengthening primary healthcare services across rural and urban areas.
3. Medical Infrastructure Strengthening
   1. The allocation for Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) has increased to ₹11,307 crore, supporting expansion of tertiary healthcare infrastructure.
   2. The allocation for PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has increased significantly to ₹4,770 crore, strengthening disease surveillance and public health infrastructure.
4. Disease Control Programmes
   1. The allocation for the National AIDS and STD Control Programme has increased by over 30%, reflecting the government’s focus on communicable disease control.
   2. The allocation for Blood Transfusion Services has increased by 37%, improving emergency healthcare response capacity.

3. Digital Health Ecosystem

1. The allocation for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has increased, supporting the creation of a nationwide digital health ecosystem.
2. The mission promotes digital health IDs, interoperability of medical records, telemedicine services, and electronic health data exchange, thereby improving accessibility and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

4. Strengthening Medical Education and Workforce

1. The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes training one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years.
2. It also proposes training 1.5 lakh caregivers, which will help address shortages in the healthcare workforce.
3. Increased allocation for Human Resources for Health and Medical Education will strengthen the availability of trained medical professionals across the country.

5. Customs Duty Exemption on Cancer Drugs

1. The government has announced 100% customs duty exemption on 17 new cancer drugs, which will significantly reduce treatment costs for cancer patients.
2. This initiative will improve access to affordable cancer treatment across the country.

6. Expansion of AYUSH and Traditional Medicine

1. The Union Budget proposes establishing three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to strengthen education and research in traditional medicine.
2. The budget also proposes upgrading the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, positioning India as a global leader in traditional healthcare systems.
3. The integration of AYUSH systems into regional medical hubs will strengthen medical value tourism and global outreach of traditional medicine.

7. Focus on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

1. The Economic Survey 2025–26 highlights that non-communicable diseases account for 57% of total deaths in India during 2021–23.
2. The government is strengthening the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to identify high-risk individuals and provide timely treatment.

8. Support to Medical Research Institutions

1. The allocation for the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has increased significantly, supporting research in vaccines, diagnostics, and biomedical innovation.
2. Increased funding for research institutions will strengthen India’s preparedness for emerging public health challenges.

Importance for Viksit Bharat 2047

1. Increased health sector investment will support progress toward universal health coverage.
2. Strengthening digital health infrastructure will improve efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services.
3. Expansion of medical workforce capacity will address shortages of trained professionals.
4. Increased focus on non-communicable diseases will improve long-term health outcomes.
5. Promotion of AYUSH systems will enhance India’s global health leadership and soft power.

Challenges in India’s Healthcare Sector

1. Infrastructure Gaps: India continues to face shortages of hospitals, beds, diagnostic facilities, and medical equipment, particularly in rural areas. The availability of hospital beds per thousand population remains inadequate in several states.
2. Rural–Urban Healthcare Divide: A large proportion of India’s population lives in rural areas where access to specialists and quality healthcare facilities remains limited. Urban hospitals are often overburdened due to increased patient inflow from surrounding regions.
3. Shortage of Medical Professionals: India continues to face shortages of doctors, nurses, and specialists relative to population requirements. This shortage leads to long waiting times and delays in treatment for patients.
4. Skill Deficit in Healthcare Workforce: Many healthcare professionals lack training in advanced diagnostic tools and modern treatment technologies. Limited skill development opportunities affect quality of service delivery in public healthcare institutions.
5. Low Public Health Expenditure: Public expenditure on healthcare remains lower compared to global standards. High out-of-pocket expenditure continues to impose financial burdens on households.
6. Inter-State Healthcare Disparities: Significant disparities exist among states in terms of infrastructure availability and per-capita healthcare expenditure. These disparities affect equitable healthcare access across regions.
7. Accessibility and Affordability Constraints: The number of community health centres remains insufficient relative to population requirements. Several states lack adequate drug testing laboratories and diagnostic facilities. Health insurance coverage remains limited in many parts of the country.

Way Forward

1. Increasing Public Health Expenditure: The government should increase public health expenditure to achieve the target of 2.5% of GDP on healthcare spending.
2. Strengthening Rural Healthcare Infrastructure: Expansion of primary health centres and community health centres should be prioritised to improve rural healthcare accessibility.
3. Expanding Healthcare Workforce Capacity: Increasing medical education seats and strengthening training programmes for healthcare professionals will improve service delivery.
4. Promoting Digital Health Technologies: Wider adoption of telemedicine, artificial intelligence-based diagnostics, and electronic health records will improve efficiency of healthcare services.
5. Strengthening Preventive Healthcare Strategy: Greater emphasis should be placed on early screening, lifestyle disease prevention, and nutrition interventions.
6. Expanding Insurance Coverage: Expanding coverage under public health insurance schemes such as PM-JAY will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.
7. Promoting Public–Private Partnerships: Public–private partnerships can support infrastructure development, diagnostics expansion, and pharmaceutical innovation.

Conclusion: The Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens healthcare as a central pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047 by expanding infrastructure, workforce capacity, digital health systems, disease prevention strategies, and traditional medicine integration. Addressing persistent gaps in accessibility, affordability, and regional disparities will be essential for achieving equitable and resilient healthcare outcomes across the country.

Question: The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects India’s commitment towards strengthening healthcare as a pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047.” Discuss key initiatives, challenges, and the way forward.

Source: PIB