The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, included the announcement of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda. This initiative aims to bolster research, education, and healthcare capabilities in Ayurveda across the nation, aligning with the growing global interest in traditional medicine.
Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the increasing global acceptance of Ayurveda, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that just as Yoga has gained worldwide recognition, Ayurveda is also being embraced for its holistic wellness benefits. The establishment of these new institutes is intended to meet the rising global demand for quality Ayurveda products, which in turn, supports farmers cultivating medicinal herbs and those involved in processing these products.
In addition to the new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, the budget proposes upgrades to existing AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) pharmacies and drug testing labs to ensure higher standards. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, will also receive upgrades. The GTMC is envisioned as a global hub for wellness, promoting evidence-based research, training, and awareness in traditional medicine on a global scale. It is the first and only global center of its kind for traditional medicine.
The Union Budget 2026-27 also focuses on expanding allied healthcare education. The government plans to introduce ten new allied health disciplines, including optometry, anaesthesia, applied psychology, and behavioral health. The goal is to train one lakh Allied Health Professionals over the next five years.
Furthermore, the budget includes provisions for skill development in traditional wellness systems. There is a plan to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in yoga and Ayurveda-based services. This initiative aims to improve access to wellness care and generate large-scale employment opportunities.
Other key announcements in the Union Budget 2026-27 related to education and healthcare include:
- Support for five university townships near major industrial logistics centers.
- A loan-linked capital subsidy support scheme for veterinary colleges, hospitals, and diagnostics laboratories.
- Establishment of one girls' hostel in every district of the country to ensure safe accommodation for female students and reduce dropouts.
- Strengthening funding for girls' education under initiatives such as the Vigility Girls' Fund.
- Establishment of a National Institute of Hospitality to strengthen professional training in hospitality and tourism.
- Setting up a new design institute in the eastern region.
These measures reflect the government's commitment to strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure, promoting traditional medicine, and enhancing education and skill development across various sectors.
