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Healthcare Demands Higher Spending, Ayushman Bharat Rate Hike in Budget 2026

A leading hospital director has urged the government to increase healthcare expenditure from 1.9% to 2.5% of GDP in the upcoming Union Budget. He also called for a revision of reimbursement rates under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to encourage wider private hospital participation. The statement highlights the need for a larger paramedical and nursing workforce alongside doctors. The budget is historically significant as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her ninth consecutive budget.

Key Points: Budget 2026: Healthcare Seeks More Funds, Ayushman Bharat Revisions

  • Boost health spending to 2.5% of GDP
  • Revise Ayushman Bharat reimbursement rates
  • Expand paramedical and nursing workforce
  • Nirmala Sitharaman presents historic 9th budget
2 min read

Gem Hospital director seeks higher health spending, rate revision under Ayushman Bharat in Union Budget

GEM Hospital director calls for health spending boost to 2.5% of GDP and revised Ayushman Bharat rates in the Union Budget 2026.

"I expect the government to bridge this gap so that the benefits of increased funding can reach everyone. - P Senthilnathan"

Chennai, February 1

Healthcare professionals are eagerly awaiting the Union Budget 2026, with expectations centred around increased funding and reforms.

GEM Hospital Director P Senthilnathan on Sunday hoped for a boost in healthcare expenditure from 1.9% to 2.5% of GDP, aligning with the National Health Policy 2017 target.

"As we approach the budget announcement, those of us in the healthcare profession have specific expectations. To begin with, I am looking for a significant increase in healthcare spending as a percentage of our GDP. While it stood at 1.9% last year, the National Health Policy has set a target of 2.5% by 2025. I expect the government to bridge this gap so that the benefits of increased funding can reach everyone," P Senthilnathan told ANI.

He also said that while the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been successful, hospitals are being paid inadequate rates and these should be revised to encourage greater participation from private hospitals and ensure better care for economically weaker sections.

"The government's flagship insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, is undoubtedly performing well. However, we expect the reimbursement rates to be revised. This would encourage more corporate and private hospitals to participate, ensuring quality healthcare for downtrodden people."

Highlighting the need for a larger health workforce, Senthilnathan said that although the number of MBBS, postgraduate, and super-specialisation seats has increased significantly in recent years, healthcare is not dependent on doctors alone.

"While there has been a tremendous increase in MBBS, postgraduate, and super-specialisation seats for doctors recently, healthcare does not rely on doctors alone. We require a robust team of paramedical and nursing staff," he said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be making history today when she presents her 9th consecutive Union Budget. This achievement makes her the first Finance Minister in India to deliver nine consecutive budgets, surpassing her own record.

With this ninth consecutive budget, Sitharaman moves closer to the overall record of 10 budgets held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, though Desai's presentations were not all consecutive.

Notably, she will surpass P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee to become the second-highest-budget holder in Indian history. She's the first Finance Minister to present 9 consecutive budgets, showcasing her steady leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2019.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Absolutely correct about the paramedical staff! We focus so much on doctors, but nurses and technicians are the backbone. Their salaries need a boost too. Hope the budget addresses this holistic need.
R
Rohit P
While increasing spending is good, where will the money come from? We need to see a clear plan. Also, just throwing money isn't enough - we need better management and less corruption in the health system. The intent is right, but execution is key.
S
Sarah B
As an expat, I'm always impressed by Indian doctors' skills. But the infrastructure in smaller towns is a concern. Hope the increased funding focuses on rural healthcare and building more medical colleges in tier-2 cities.
V
Vikram M
The director is spot on. Ayushman Bharat is a great scheme, but if private hospitals don't join fully, the burden on government hospitals will remain huge. Revised rates will benefit the poor the most. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
My mother is a nurse, and I can tell you the working conditions are tough. More seats for doctors is good, but what about training and retaining good nursing staff? They are the real heroes, working long hours for less pay. This budget must look at them.

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