New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 has significantly increased funding for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to Rs 1,06,530.42 crore, marking an 8.96 percent rise compared to the Revised Estimates of FY 2025-26, as confirmed by the Ministry.

In her address to Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a detailed strategy aimed at healthcare reform, underscoring the government's dedication to universal health coverage and inclusive growth.

According to the Ministry's official statement, “The increased allocation, which includes enhanced financial support for the Department of Health Research (DHR) totaling Rs 4,821.21 crore, signifies a cumulative boost of over 176 percent, equating to an additional Rs 63,677.89 crore compared to the health budget of FY 2014-15.”

The Ministry also noted that the scheme component has seen a rise of Rs 6,175.96 crore (10.78 percent), while the non-scheme segment increased by Rs 2,500.96 crore (6.32 percent) from the Revised Estimates of FY 2025-26.

Moreover, the Budget introduced notable enhancements across various flagship healthcare initiatives.

The allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has been boosted to Rs 9,500 crore, marking an increase of Rs 500 crore. This funding increase aims to broaden beneficiary coverage, enhance service quality, and fortify hospital networks.

Similarly, the National Health Mission (NHM) has received an increased budget of Rs 39,390.00 crore, reflecting a rise of Rs 2,289.93 crore. This funding will further enhance primary healthcare services, maternal and child health initiatives, and disease control measures across various States and Union Territories.

With an allocation of Rs 4,770 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the development of healthcare infrastructure has been significantly prioritized.

The Budget also emphasizes upgrading and expanding healthcare facilities and medical education.

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

This enhanced funding will facilitate the construction of new AIIMS, operational support for existing institutions, and improvements to government medical colleges.

Additionally, the government has set aside Rs 3,477 crore for the National AIDS and STD Control Programme in BE 2026-27, which includes dedicated support for blood transfusion services with a provision of Rs 275 crore, an increase of Rs 75 crore.

The Ministry stated that this enhanced funding aims to improve blood safety, availability, and quality standards nationwide.

A phased plan with an outlay of Rs 980 crore over three years has been allocated for expanding and strengthening the education of allied and healthcare professionals.

The Human Resources for Health and Medical Education sector has been allocated Rs 1,725 crore, which includes the establishment of new medical colleges, upgrading undergraduate and postgraduate seats, and enhancing nursing education.

The allocation for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has been increased to Rs 350 crore in BE 2026-27. This funding will support the expansion of digital health records, interoperability frameworks, telemedicine services, and integrated hospital information systems, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and citizen-focused healthcare delivery throughout the nation.

Lastly, the Union Budget provides a substantial boost to medical research and innovation through the Department of Health Research. The allocation for the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), located in New Delhi, has increased to Rs 4,000 crore in BE 2026-27, marking a rise of Rs 850 crore, which is an increase of 26.98 percent over the Revised Estimates of FY 2025-26.