In her Budget 2025 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a series of healthcare-focused initiatives aimed at improving access to medical services and promoting India as a hub for medical tourism. The government will promote medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, aiming to ease visa processes and collaborate with the private sector. Sitharaman emphasized the growing importance of medical tourism, highlighting India’s world-class medical infrastructure and affordable treatment options.
The Finance Minister also announced a significant step in the fight against cancer, revealing plans to set up 200 cancer daycare centres in government hospitals across all districts by 2028. This initiative aims to provide easy access to cancer treatment, especially for those in rural areas.
In a bid to make life-saving medicines more accessible, Sitharaman proposed the exemption of basic customs duties on 36 critical cancer and rare disease drugs. Additionally, 37 other essential medicines will also be fully exempt from basic customs duties, easing the financial burden on patients.
To strengthen India’s healthcare system, the Budget outlined a substantial expansion in medical education. Sitharaman stated that 10,000 additional medical seats will be added next year, with plans for 75,000 new seats over the next five years. This expansion is expected to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals and meet the growing demand for medical services.
As part of the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure, broadband connectivity will be extended to all government schools and primary healthcare centres, facilitating telemedicine consultations, particularly for rural patients.
Sitharaman also focused on healthcare coverage for gig workers, announcing that they will be included under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which will provide them with comprehensive health insurance.
The Budget reflects the government’s commitment to the health sector, as evidenced by the allocation of Rs 90,658.63 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant increase in funding. Of this amount, Rs 87,656.90 crore will go to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, while Rs 3,301.73 crore will be allocated to the Department of Health Research.
Sitharaman also announced a focus on mental well-being, with the Economic Survey 2025 urging attention to lifestyle choices affecting mental health. It emphasized the importance of building close family bonds and reducing time spent on social media for better mental well-being, particularly for the youth.
With these healthcare initiatives, Budget 2025 promises to make significant strides toward improving access to affordable treatment, expanding medical education, and making India a leading destination for medical tourism.
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