Union Budget Pushes India Toward Becoming a Global Hub for Biopharma, Ayurveda and Medical Tourism

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday unveiled a series of major initiatives aimed at transforming India into a global manufacturing powerhouse for biopharmaceuticals and ayurveda-based medicines, while simultaneously positioning the country as a leading destination for medical tourism.

While presenting the Union Budget, the Finance Minister announced the launch of a new scheme to establish five Regional Medical Hubs across the country in partnership with the private sector.

These hubs will function as integrated healthcare ecosystems, combining medical services, education, research, and patient support infrastructure under one roof.

Regional Medical Hubs: A New Healthcare Ecosystem

According to Sitharaman, the proposed hubs will include:

• AYUSH centres offering traditional systems of medicine
• Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres to assist international patients
• Advanced diagnostic facilities
• Post-treatment care and rehabilitation services

These complexes are expected to create extensive employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, technicians, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals, significantly boosting the health sector workforce.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare infrastructure, promote medical value travel, and generate high-skilled jobs.

Ameera Shah, President of NatHealth, welcomed the announcement, stating that the creation of five regional medical tourism hubs will firmly establish India as a global healthcare destination.

She added that integrating AYUSH centres within these hubs will highlight India’s strength in holistic and traditional healing systems.

Strengthening India’s Medical Tourism Potential

Dr Ajay Swaroop pointed out that India already has strong fundamentals for medical tourism, including world-class doctors, affordable treatment, and advanced medical technology.

However, he noted that the sector currently lacks a formal government framework and relies largely on private players.

“If the government officially promotes medical tourism, it will bring global recognition along with significant economic benefits,” he said.

He also stressed the need for:

• Ethical pricing structures
• A centralised patient database to track medical travel trends
• Better planning to establish specialised healthcare centres in high-demand regions

Such measures, he said, would ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term growth of the sector.

Big Boost for Ayurveda and AYUSH Sector

The Finance Minister also announced the establishment of three new branches of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, along with the upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to improve quality assurance and global credibility.

Additionally, Sitharaman revealed that the World Health Organisation’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar will be upgraded to strengthen evidence-based research, training, and awareness around traditional medicines.

Referring to the post-COVID period, the Finance Minister noted that Ayurveda has gained widespread international acceptance and trust. She highlighted that exporting high-quality ayurvedic products benefits:

• Farmers cultivating medicinal herbs
• Youth involved in processing and manufacturing
• The broader rural economy

“To meet the growing global demand for traditional medicine, several additional steps are being taken,” she said.

Ayush Moving into the Mainstream

Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, described the Budget measures as a decisive move toward integrating Ayush into India’s mainstream healthcare, education, research, and economic systems.

He said the government is transitioning Ayush from a complementary healthcare approach into a structured, globally competitive sector through:

• Institutional expansion
• Quality standardisation
• International research collaboration
• Digital initiatives
• Workforce development

Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor in Ayush, added that with non-communicable diseases rising sharply, strengthening Ayurveda and yoga is crucial for long-term public health. He praised the Budget for recognising their role in preventive healthcare and wellness.

Long-Term Benefits for India

Experts believe these initiatives will deliver multiple benefits for India, including:

• Enhanced global leadership in traditional and modern healthcare
• Increased foreign exchange earnings through medical tourism
• Massive job creation in healthcare and allied sectors
• Growth of pharmaceutical and herbal product exports
• Improved public health outcomes

With integrated healthcare hubs, expanded ayurveda infrastructure, and international collaboration, India is poised to emerge as a world leader in holistic health, affordable treatment, and medical innovation.

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