Union Budget 2026-27 puts healthcare at the centre, says Dr Devi Shetty

Narayana Health founder welcomes health-focused Union Budget, calls it a long-term national investment in India’s economic and social strength.

Renowned cardiac surgeon and Founder-Chairman of Narayana Health, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, has strongly welcomed the Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying it clearly places healthcare as a national priority.

Reacting to the budget proposals, Dr Shetty said the government has taken a thoughtful and long-term approach towards strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem. He noted that the budget reflects a clear understanding that a strong medical system is fundamental to the country’s economic resilience and social stability.

One of the key announcements praised by Dr Shetty is the ₹10,000 crore ‘Bio Pharma Power’ initiative. He said the programme will help build a robust domestic ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars, significantly reducing dependence on imports. According to him, this move has the potential to improve access to advanced treatments for cancer and rare diseases, making them more affordable for the common public.

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Dr Shetty also welcomed the proposal to develop regional medical hubs through private sector participation. He said this step will strengthen India’s position as a global destination for medical tourism, while also improving prevention, rehabilitation and long-term care models within the country.

Another major highlight, he said, is the decision to increase emergency and trauma care capacity in district hospitals by 50 percent. He described this as a critical reform that will directly improve survival outcomes, especially in accident and emergency cases.

The proposal to establish a second NIMHANS for North India (NIMHANS 2.0), along with regional mental health service centres, was also termed a landmark step. Dr Shetty said these initiatives will address the serious shortage of mental health services and ensure that even people in remote and underserved areas can access quality care.

He further appreciated the government’s focus on upgrading allied health institutions and expanding training in critical medical disciplines. According to him, better-trained healthcare professionals will directly translate into higher clinical capacity and improved quality of patient care.

Dr Shetty also highlighted the decision to rationalise Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on medical-related foreign remittances, calling it a major relief for patients and families seeking treatment abroad.

Summing up his assessment, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty said the 2026-27 budget represents a coherent and forward-looking step towards strengthening India’s healthcare system and reflects a clear vision of building a healthier India for the future.