New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced that the government will upgrade existing institutions for allied health professionals and establish new ones in both the private and government sectors. The initiative aims to train one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years across 10 selected disciplines, including optometry, radiology, anaesthesia, OT technology, applied psychology, and behavioural health.
While presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, the Finance Minister said the government will also develop a strong care system covering geriatrics and allied care services. A range of National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned programmes will be introduced to train multi-skilled caregivers by combining core care with allied skills such as wellness, yoga, and the operation of medical assistive devices. Over the coming year, 1.5 lakh caregivers will be trained.
“In health, existing institutions for allied health professionals will be upgraded, and new AHP institutions established in both the private and government sectors. This will cover 10 selected disciplines and one lakh AHPs will be trained over the next five years. A strong care system covering geriatrics and allied care services will be developed,” Sitharaman said.
In a bid to promote India as a hub for medical tourism, the government will launch a scheme to support states in establishing five regional hubs across the country in partnership with the private sector. These hubs will function as integrated healthcare complexes combining medical, educational, and research facilities.
The regional hubs will include AYUSH centres, medical value tourism facilitation centres, and infrastructure for diagnostics, post-care, and rehabilitation. They are expected to generate diverse job opportunities for healthcare professionals, including doctors and allied health professionals.
“To promote India as a hub for medical tourism services, I propose to launch a scheme to support states in establishing five regional hubs across the country in partnership with the private sector,” Sitharaman added.
Further, the government will establish NIMHANS 2.0, a premier mental health institute in North India. The Finance Minister also announced the setting up of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to meet growing global demand for Ayurvedic medicine.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said Ayurveda has gained significant global acceptance in the post-COVID-19 period. She noted that ancient Indian Yoga received mass global recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to the United Nations.
“Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurveda products helps farmers grow medicinal herbs and supports those involved in processing these products. To meet growing global demand, I propose three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda,” she said.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi was established as a Centre of Excellence for Ayurveda tertiary healthcare. Sitharaman also proposed upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing laboratories to ensure higher standards and availability of skilled personnel.
“To upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs for higher standards and make available more skilled personnel. Three, upgrade the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar,” she added. (ANI)
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