Healthcare – India’s push to integrate traditional systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare has gathered fresh momentum, with government spending on the Ayush sector climbing by more than 30 percent over the past two years. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, said the sustained increase reflects the government’s long-term strategy to position integrative healthcare at the heart of national development.
Budget Allocation Shows Consistent Growth
According to Jadhav, financial support for the Ministry of Ayush has steadily expanded over three consecutive budget cycles. The allocation rose by 20.56 percent, increasing from Rs. 3,312 crore in 2024–25 to Rs. 3,992.9 crore in 2025–26. It then climbed another 10.42 percent to reach Rs. 4,408.93 crore in 2026–27.
The minister described the rise as evidence that traditional medicine is no longer viewed as peripheral to India’s healthcare system. Instead, it is being strengthened as a core component of public health delivery. He emphasized that higher allocations are expected to boost infrastructure, research capacity, regulatory oversight, and international collaboration.
Focus on Infrastructure and Global Standards
In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined several initiatives aimed at reinforcing the Ayush ecosystem. These include the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies, and improvements to drug testing laboratories to enhance certification and quality benchmarks.
A significant proposal also involves strengthening the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The move is intended to expand evidence-based research, professional training, and global awareness related to traditional medicine.
Jadhav noted that improving laboratory standards and certification systems would help Indian herbal products meet international requirements. He added that these measures are expected to benefit farmers cultivating medicinal plants as well as small and medium enterprises engaged in processing and exports.
Regional Medical Hubs to Boost Medical Tourism
The budget also includes a plan to support states in developing five Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with the private sector. These centres are designed to function as integrated healthcare complexes, bringing together medical treatment, education, and research under one umbrella.
Each hub is expected to house AYUSH centres, medical value tourism facilitation services, and advanced diagnostic and rehabilitation facilities. Officials believe this initiative will strengthen India’s position as a destination for medical tourism while generating employment opportunities for doctors, allied health professionals, and caregivers.
Jadhav described the combined measures as a defining step in shaping a more comprehensive healthcare framework that balances preventive and lifestyle-based approaches with conventional medical care.
Education and Workforce Expansion
The educational footprint of the Ayush sector has also expanded considerably. At present, 932 undergraduate and 254 postgraduate Ayush colleges are operational across India. The growing network of institutions is expected to ensure a steady supply of trained practitioners and researchers to meet rising demand.
Over the past decade, the sector has witnessed improvements not only in physical infrastructure but also in digital outreach and international engagement. Government officials argue that the current budgetary boost marks a shift from simple expansion toward improving quality and excellence in service delivery.
Exports and International Outreach
India’s exports of Ayush and herbal products have also shown steady growth. Shipments rose by 5.8 percent, increasing from USD 651 million in 2023–24 to USD 689 million in 2024–25, according to official trade data.
The formation of the AYUSHEXCIL has further supported international trade by improving regulatory facilitation and expanding overseas outreach. Officials say the upward trend indicates growing global confidence in India’s traditional medicine systems.
Jadhav maintained that continued investment will strengthen research, innovation, and regulatory systems, while expanding access to services in both rural and urban regions. With sustained funding and new institutional support, the Ayush sector appears set to play a larger role in shaping India’s evolving healthcare landscape.
