The Economic Times

Indias 'Healthcare Budget' crossroads: Why the next leap is about design, not just spend

Union Budget 2026: India's healthcare system faces a structural shift from episodic care to lifelong management of chronic diseases. The Union Budget must move beyond incremental spending to architect a resilient system by addressing hospital capacity, insurance viability, human capital development, and digital health integration. A multi-year roadmap is crucial for long-term growth.