Nirmala Sitharaman Announces New Health Measures in Union Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening India’s healthcare system. With a focus on cancer treatment, digital health, and preventive care, these measures aim to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all citizens.

Let’s take a closer look at the major health-related announcements in Budget 2025 and their impact on India’s medical sector.

Day Care Cancer Centres in Every District

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s budget is the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years. These centers will:

• Provide specialized cancer treatment without requiring long hospital stays.
• Reduce the burden on major tertiary cancer hospitals.
• Ensure that patients in rural and remote areas receive quality cancer care.

With cancer cases on the rise in India, this initiative will help in early detection and timely treatment, ultimately saving lives.

No Customs Duty on Life-Saving Cancer Drugs

In a major relief for cancer patients, the government has exempted 36 life-saving cancer drugs from customs duty. This move will:

• Make these essential medications more affordable.
• Encourage the import of advanced cancer treatments at lower costs.
• Provide financial relief to thousands of families struggling with high medical expenses.

This exemption is expected to significantly reduce treatment costs and improve survival rates.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare Infrastructure

To improve healthcare accessibility, the budget has allocated substantial funds for:

• Upgrading Primary Health Centers (PHCs) with modern medical equipment.
• Setting up new medical colleges to address the shortage of doctors and nurses.
• Expanding public hospitals and increasing the availability of ICU beds.

By investing in healthcare infrastructure, the government aims to provide better medical services to underserved areas.

Digital Healthcare Revolution

Emphasizing technology-driven healthcare, the budget prioritizes:

• Expansion of telemedicine services to connect patients in rural areas with top doctors.
• Implementation of electronic health records for better patient management.
• Use of AI-based diagnostics for early detection of diseases.

These initiatives will help in bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural India.

Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Immunization

The budget also highlights the importance of preventive healthcare, with a focus on:

• Nationwide awareness programs for diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.
• Expansion of vaccination programs to cover more diseases.
• Nutrition and fitness campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle.

By prioritizing disease prevention, the government aims to reduce the overall healthcare burden.

Boost to Mental Health Services

Recognizing the rising need for mental health support, Budget 2025 introduces:

• Counseling centers in government hospitals.
• Training programs for healthcare professionals in mental health care.
• Increased funding for mental health research and treatment.

With mental health issues on the rise, these measures will provide much-needed support to affected individuals.

Industry Reactions to Budget 2025 Healthcare Measures

The healthcare industry has welcomed these announcements. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, stated:

“The establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in every district is a landmark decision. It will make cancer care more accessible to millions of Indians.”

Pharmaceutical experts have also hailed the customs duty exemption on life-saving cancer drugs, calling it a critical step in reducing treatment costs.

Conclusion: A Big Step for India’s Healthcare Sector

The Union Budget 2025 brings significant improvements to India’s healthcare system by focusing on cancer treatment, medical infrastructure, digital health, and preventive care. These reforms aim to enhance medical accessibility, affordability, and efficiency, ultimately ensuring a healthier India.

With these new measures in place, the country is moving closer to its goal of universal healthcare for all.