The Union Budget 2026 has placed Ayush firmly at the centre of India’s evolving healthcare framework, marking a decisive shift toward integrative and holistic health systems. The announcements reflect the government’s intent to elevate traditional systems of medicine as a vital pillar of preventive healthcare, economic growth, and global wellness leadership.
A Major Boost to India’s Traditional Medicine Ecosystem
Shri Jadhav stated that the Budget announcements significantly strengthen the Ayush ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a holistic, inclusive, and globally competitive healthcare system. According to him, Ayush is no longer viewed merely as a complementary option but as an integral component of India’s healthcare future.
Over the past decade, Ayush has witnessed rapid institutional expansion, increased global recognition, and notable progress in research and digital outreach. The latest Budget, he noted, builds on this foundation by focusing on consolidation, quality enhancement, and global integration.
Three New All India Institutes of Ayurveda
A landmark announcement in Budget 2026 is the proposal to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs). These institutions aim to expand access to high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education, promote advanced research, and strengthen tertiary healthcare services in Ayurveda.
Building on the success of existing national institutes, the new AIIAs are expected to raise academic standards and support evidence-based integrative care across the country, further professionalising traditional medicine education.
Quality Assurance and Export Readiness
The Budget also proposes upgrading Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to meet higher certification and quality standards. This move is intended to enhance consumer confidence, ensure product safety, and improve export readiness of Ayush medicines.
These measures are expected to benefit farmers cultivating medicinal plants, as well as MSMEs engaged in processing and manufacturing, thereby linking healthcare policy with rural livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening Global Leadership in Traditional Medicine
Further reinforcing India’s global role, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar will be upgraded to deepen international research collaboration, training programmes, and policy dialogue. This step positions India as a global knowledge hub for traditional medicine.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader objective of shaping global standards and evidence-based practices in traditional and integrative healthcare.
Ayush and Medical Value Tourism
In a significant step toward economic integration, Ayush Centres will be included within five proposed Regional Medical Value Tourism Hubs. These hubs aim to create integrated healthcare destinations that combine advanced medical treatment with traditional therapies, wellness services, and rehabilitation support.
The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities for Ayush practitioners, therapists, yoga trainers, and allied professionals, while enhancing India’s appeal as a global wellness destination.
Skill Development and Care Economy
The Budget also integrates yoga and wellness competencies into NSQF-aligned caregiver training programmes. Targeting around 1.5 lakh caregivers in the coming year, this initiative mainstreams Ayush-linked skills within the expanding care economy.
This focus is expected to strengthen preventive healthcare, geriatric care, and community-based wellness services, while creating sustainable employment pathways.
Ayush as an Economic and Social Driver
Highlighting the broader impact, Shri Jadhav noted that the Budget links healthcare policy with export growth, youth employment, and innovation. By supporting entrepreneurship and skilled workforce development, Ayush is being positioned as both a health and economic driver.
He emphasised that these measures support India’s emergence as the world capital of evidence-based holistic healthcare.
