New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Union Budget for 2026-27 presented on Sunday has significantly increased the funding for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to Rs 1,05,530.42 crores, marking an impressive growth of 8.96 percent compared to the Revised Estimates from FY 2025-26, according to the Ministry.

In her presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid out a thorough plan for healthcare reforms, emphasizing the government’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage and promoting inclusive growth.

“This increased allocation, which includes enhanced financial backing for the Department of Health Research (DHR) totaling Rs 4,821.21 crores, translates to a cumulative increase exceeding 176 percent, equating to an additional Rs 63,677.89 crores compared to the health budget from FY 2014-15,” the Ministry explained in an official statement.

“The scheme segment of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been boosted by Rs 6,175.96 crores (10.78 percent), while the non-scheme segment has seen an increase of Rs 2,500.96 crores (6.32 percent) when compared to the Revised Estimates of FY 2025-26,” it further detailed.

The Budget also introduced major scheme-specific enhancements across vital flagship initiatives.

Allocations for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) have been increased to Rs 9,500 crores in BE 2026-27, reflecting a rise of Rs 500 crores.

This increase aims to broaden beneficiary coverage, enhance service quality, and fortify hospital networks, according to the Ministry.

In addition, the funding for the National Health Mission (NHM) has been raised to Rs 39,390 crores, which is an increase of Rs 2,289.93 crores. This will further bolster primary healthcare delivery, maternal and child health services, and disease control initiatives across States and Union Territories.

Furthermore, an allocation of Rs 4,770 crores in BE 2026-27 to the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) signifies a strong commitment to healthcare infrastructure development.

The Budget has also prioritized the enhancement and expansion of healthcare infrastructure and medical education.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which includes funding for the establishment of new AIIMS, the total allocation for FY 2026-27 stands at Rs 11,307 crores.

The enhanced funding will facilitate the construction of new AIIMS, the operationalization of existing institutions, and the upgrading of government medical colleges, as stated by the Ministry.

Moreover, the government has earmarked Rs 3,477 crores in BE 2026-27 for the National AIDS and STD Control Programme, which includes enhanced support for blood transfusion services with an allocation of Rs 275 crores, marking an increase of Rs 75 crores.

This boost in funding is “designed to improve blood safety, availability, and quality standards across the nation,” the Ministry noted.

A phased plan outlay of Rs 980 crores over three years has been designated for the expansion and strengthening of allied and healthcare professionals’ education.

The Human Resources for Health and Medical Education has been allocated Rs 1,725 crores, which includes provisions for the establishment of new medical colleges, the enhancement of undergraduate and postgraduate seats, and the improvement of nursing education.

The funding for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has been increased to Rs 350 crores in BE 2026-27.

“This will facilitate the expansion of digital health records, interoperability frameworks, telemedicine services, and integrated hospital information systems, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and citizen-centric healthcare delivery across the country,” it added.

The Union Budget also offers a substantial boost to medical research and innovation under the Department of Health Research.

“The allocation for the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, has been raised to Rs 4,000 crores in BE 2026-27, reflecting an increase of Rs 850 crores, which is a 26.98 percent rise over the Revised Estimates of FY 2025–26 of Rs 3,150.50 crores,” the Ministry stated.