Jamnagar (Gujarat), Feb 2 (NationPress) The Central Government has unveiled plans to establish regional medical hubs designed to enhance Medical Value Tourism (MVT) and fortify the AYUSH framework. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare, advancing research, generating employment, and achieving global reach.

During the Union Budget presentation on February 1, 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted several transformative strategies intended to establish India as a premier destination for Medical Value Tourism while expanding the global presence of traditional Indian medicine systems.

The proposed regional medical hubs will be equipped with AYUSH facilities, MVT support centers, and cutting-edge infrastructure for diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and post-treatment care. These hubs are anticipated to greatly enhance the patient experience for both domestic and international visitors while creating substantial job opportunities for doctors, allied health professionals, and other healthcare providers.

Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar, expressed gratitude to the government for the increased budgetary allocation for the AYUSH sector.

“We appreciate the Government of India for announcing a nearly 20% increase for the AYUSH system, demonstrating India’s commitment to global traditional medicine through the WHO,” Dr. Nesari remarked.

A significant element of the budget is the enhancement of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, which operates under the Ministry of AYUSH. This upgrade aims to boost evidence-based research, training, and global recognition of traditional medicine systems.

Dr. Nesari characterized the budget initiatives as “truly groundbreaking,” highlighting that they would help India cater to the rising global demand for AYUSH services.

“The proposed initiatives will enhance quality education, clinical care, and research through the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda,” she added. “Upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories will ensure high-quality standards, certification, and a skilled workforce.”

She further noted that the expansion of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre would solidify India’s leadership in traditional medicine on the global stage.

India’s reputation in traditional healthcare has steadily improved in recent years. Yoga gained international acclaim after being promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations, while Ayurveda has seen renewed global acceptance in the post-COVID period.

The growing international demand for AYUSH products has also benefitted farmers of medicinal plants and youth involved in processing and value addition.

Officials report that the new initiatives intend to merge traditional practices with modern healthcare systems, enhancing India’s soft power and establishing the nation as a reliable global destination for holistic and evidence-based healthcare.

Stakeholders in the AYUSH sector expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav, and AYUSH Ministry Secretary Padma Shri Rajesh Kotecha for their “encouraging and forward-thinking announcements” for Ayurveda and the broader AYUSH ecosystem.