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New Delhi: To further strengthen the health system of the country, the Central Government has started working rapidly on the health projects announced in the Budget 2026-27. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, while reviewing the progress of major schemes of the ministry on Thursday, directed the officials to complete the work in a time bound manner and ensure that the impact of the schemes is visible on the ground.

Assessment of 613 district hospitals done, focus on 160 first

The biggest focus in the meeting was on the plan to increase emergency and trauma care capacity in district hospitals by 50 percent. Based on Indian public health standards, gap analysis of 613 district hospitals of the country has been done. Of these, 160 hospitals have been included in the first phase, which are targeted to be strengthened by March 2027. 203 district hospitals will be taken up in the second phase and 250 in the third phase.

1.5 lakh caregivers will be ready

To increase trained human resources in the health sector, 1.5 lakh multi-skilled caregivers will be prepared in the next one year. Under this, training to wellness, yoga and operation of medical and assistive devices is being given. The training of initial batches has also started.

One lakh professionals will join the allied health sector

The government plans to add one lakh new allied health professionals in selected 10 sectors in the next five years. For this, discussions are being held with states, hospitals, educational institutions, industry and regulatory bodies.

Drug approval system will also get a new structure

The plan to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in line with global standards was also reviewed in the meeting. The committee of experts has submitted its report regarding scientific review cadre, number of posts, salary level and arrangement of permanent and flexible employees.

Big stake on mental health too

The government is preparing to expand mental health services with the establishment of NIMHANS-II. The proposed institute will have a capacity of 1,000 beds. At the same time, Central Psychiatry Institute of Ranchi and Regional Mental Health Institute of Tezpur will also be strengthened with state-of-the-art psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery facilities. Bengaluru-based NIMHANS will provide guidance to both the institutions.

Medical tourism will get a new flight

It is proposed to develop five regional medical hubs to make the country a major hub of global medical value tourism. In these, facilities like medical education, research, AYUSH, investigation, post-care and rehabilitation will be combined together with treatment.

Big expansion in clinical research also

Under 'BioPharma Shakti', work is going on to create a network of more than 1,000 recognized clinical trial sites across the country. For this, under the proposed initiative of about Rs 500 crore, emphasis is being laid on research, digital system and standardization of trial sites.

The minister said that work should be seen on the ground, not on paper.

Health Minister Nadda gave clear instructions to the officials that budget announcements should not be limited to files and meetings only. Expert opinions, institutional assessments and gap analysis should be translated into concrete projects and visible results on the ground. He also stressed on better coordination and regular monitoring among all departments, ministries, states and concerned institutions. The meeting was attended by the Ministry of Health, Department of Health Research, National Health Mission, Indian Council of Medical Research and central institutions.