New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) The Union Budget has set the groundwork for enhancing the allied health workforce, boosting infrastructure, and promoting Ayush on an international platform, as stated by the government on Monday.

The latest budget has increased funding for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by 10 percent for the fiscal year 2025-26, totaling over Rs. 1,06,530 crore. This initiative includes global integration of AYUSH, the establishment of NIMHANS-2 in Northern India, and more, according to an official announcement.

This funding marks a remarkable 194 percent increase over the last 12 years, with the Department of Health Research receiving Rs 4,821.21 crore. Such rising government investment signifies a strong dedication to universal healthcare and innovation in medical research, the statement emphasized.

Among the noteworthy allocations is a 100 percent customs duty exemption on 17 newly introduced cancer medications. The budget also aims to train 1 lakh allied health professionals and 1.5 lakh caregivers within the upcoming five years.

Additionally, the proposal includes the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to meet the increasing global demand and enhance the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar.

The initiatives within the AYUSH sector are designed to fortify education, clinical training, and research capabilities, both for domestic healthcare and global partnerships, while improving regulatory standards and certification systems to position Indian AYUSH products in international markets requiring scientifically validated solutions.

Funding for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri‑Jan Arogya Yojana has seen a steady increase, with the scheme offering coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh annually to each eligible household, benefiting over 12 crore vulnerable families.

"Despite significant advancements in addressing maternal and child health and raising life expectancy from 49.7 years in 1973 to 70.3 years in 2023, the nation now confronts an escalating health crisis: non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, obesity, and cancers," the statement highlighted.

In 2021-23, NCDs accounted for 57 percent of fatalities in the country. To address this issue, the government has implemented the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to systematically identify high-risk individuals and connect them with suitable care and treatment.

aar/pk