Expansion of health insurance coverage, preventive care, digital health, and investment in medical research are also likely to be among the key priorities of this budget.
Will Budget 2026 transform the health sector? What are the expectations, and where could the focus be?
Union Budget 2026: The health sector has high expectations from the upcoming Union Budget, as it plays a key role in determining the direction and quality of the country's healthcare services. Experts believe that a significant increase in the government's health budget will strengthen primary healthcare services and improve infrastructure, modern equipment, and the availability of medicines in government hospitals. Incentive schemes are expected to address the shortage of doctors and trained healthcare workers, particularly in rural and remote areas, thereby increasing equitable access to healthcare.
What are the expectations from the health sector?
Expanding health insurance coverage, investing in preventive care, digital health, and medical research are also likely to be key priorities in this budget. According to Dr. N.K. Soni, increased allocations for healthcare infrastructure, technology, and preventive services will improve patient outcomes, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Greater access to digital health and insurance will not only make treatment affordable but also reduce the financial burden on patients, leading to a strong and sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
There is also widespread expectation for special attention to women's and children's health. Mansi Bansal Jhunjhunwala says that increased spending on maternal health, nutrition, timely screening, and newborn care will improve society's health in the long term. Additionally, investments in telemedicine, digital platforms, and modern medical technology will facilitate better diagnosis and access to quality treatment for patients.
Need to focus on women's health.
Women's health experts also agree that a focus on preventive and specialized care is the need of the hour. According to Dr. Sandeep Sonara, increasing access to facilities such as timely diagnosis, advanced imaging technology, and minimally invasive surgery in both urban and rural areas will lead to better outcomes for complex diseases like endometriosis and reduce the long-term social and economic burden.
Overall, the upcoming Union Budget is strongly expected to deliver structural reforms, technological innovations, and inclusive policies in the health sector. If the government strengthens primary, preventive, and specialized healthcare in a balanced manner, it will significantly improve access, quality, and affordability, enabling India to rapidly progress towards a future-ready and equitable healthcare system.
