Sitharaman reveals massive investment in Ayurveda and mental health infrastructure
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget for 2026, has unveiled a robust roadmap to transform India's traditional medicine and mental health landscape. The central government aims to blend ancient wisdom with modern standards by establishing three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda. This move is designed to make high-quality traditional healthcare accessible to more citizens while fostering advanced research.
A significant portion of the Union Budget 2026 Healthcare plan focuses on quality control. To ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatments, the government will upgrade existing Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories. This initiative will create a stronger certification ecosystem, ensuring that medicine quality meets global benchmarks. By modernizing these facilities, the government also expects to generate employment for a large number of skilled professionals within the Ayush sector.
Expanding India’s footprint on the global stage, the Finance Minister proposed the upgradation of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This move highlights India's ambition to lead the world in holistic wellness. Additionally, the government will assist states in developing five specialized hubs for medical tourism, positioning the country as a premier destination for international patients seeking both modern and traditional treatments.
Mental health and emergency services also received a significant boost. Addressing the lack of specialized facilities in North India, the Minister announced the creation of NIMHANS-2. Furthermore, existing mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur will be elevated to regional apex centers. To protect vulnerable families from sudden medical expenses, emergency and trauma care capacities at district hospitals will be increased by 50%. These comprehensive steps reflect a balanced approach to physical, mental, and traditional well-being in the latest budget.
With Agency Inputs
