Healthcare executives are pushing the government to reconsider India’s health spending as Union Budget 2026 draws near, putting more emphasis on prevention, affordability, and long-term system building than on reactive treatment. India’s healthcare system is changing, but it still has to deal with an increase in chronic illnesses, air pollution, and a labor shortage. Calls for increased investment are prompted by the fact that public health spending is still below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP.
In order to lower out-of-pocket costs and promote domestic medical device manufacture, experts emphasize the necessity of bolstering public hospitals, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities. As pollution-related ailments including asthma, COPD, and heart disease continue to rise, doctors are increasingly pushing for the treatment of air pollution as a public health emergency. Along with payments for necessary medical equipment, significant initiatives include bolstering primary healthcare, educating community health workers, and connecting data on air pollution with health outcomes.
Experts warn that late diagnoses are driving up costs and mortality rates in cancer care, making it a critical issue. Improving access to cancer treatment could be achieved by expanding cancer infrastructure beyond metropolitan areas using hub-and-spoke models and public-private partnerships. Additionally, doctors highlight that the greatest return on investment comes from prevention, early screening, and stronger tobacco control measures.
Cardiologists are promoting early intervention for diabetes and heart disease, especially in youngsters, through financial measures such increased taxes on sugar-filled goods and school-based health education. The underfunding of mental health, particularly children and adolescents, has led experts to advocate for specialized funding and organized care systems.
