Union Budget 2026-27: Health Sector Allocation and New Regional Medical Hubs Scheme

Key facts

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been allocated ₹1,06,530.42 crore for the 2026–27 fiscal year, marking a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.
• The government announced a new scheme to establish five regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector to function as integrated healthcare, education, and research complexes.
• A dedicated allocation of ₹1,000 crore has been made for Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) to add 100,000 professionals over the next five years across 10 disciplines, including Optometry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, OT technology, Applied Psychology, and Behavioural Health.
• The allocation for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been increased to ₹9,500 crore from the previous ₹8,995 crore.
• Funding for the National Health Mission (NHM) has been raised to ₹39,390 crore for the 2026–27 period, up from ₹37,100.07 crore.
• The government plans to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in the coming year for geriatric and allied care services, covering skills such as wellness, yoga, and the operation of medical devices.
• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, received an increased allocation of ₹5,500.92 crore.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been allotted ₹4,821.21 crore, reflecting an increase of approximately 10 per cent.
• A second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS 2) is planned for North India to prioritise mental health.
• The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has been earmarked ₹350 crore, while the National Tele Mental Health Programme allocation rose to ₹51 crore.