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Budget 2026 Boosts Pharma: 24% More Health Research, 1000 New Trial Sites

The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced major initiatives to transform India's pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. ICMR Director General Rajiv Bahl highlighted a significant 24% increase in funding for the Department of Health Research. Key measures include the new 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' scheme and a plan to establish 1000 clinical trial sites across the country. Union Minister JP Nadda also praised the budget's visionary focus, including making healthcare more affordable.

Key Points: Budget 2026 Pharma Push: 24% More Health Research Funding

  • 24% boost to Health Research budget
  • 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' scheme launched
  • Plan for 1000 new clinical trial sites
  • Customs duty exemption for cancer drugs
2 min read

Union Budget 2026 takes major steps to overcome shortcomings in Pharma sector, says ICMR DG

ICMR DG hails Budget 2026's focus on pharma, with a 24% rise in health research funds, 1000 new clinical trial sites, and the 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' scheme.

"A big step has been taken to overcome the shortcomings in the regulator in the pharma sector. - Rajiv Bahl"

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, February 2

Speaking on the Union Budget 2026-27, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Rajiv Bahl noted that the government has initiated a significant push to transform the country's pharmaceutical landscape by addressing regulatory gaps and enhancing research infrastructure. Speaking toon Sunday, Bahl said, "A big step has been taken to overcome the shortcomings in the regulator in the pharma sector."

Bahl said that the Budget particularly focuses on innovation and research in the pharmaceutical sector, healthcare, and drug manufacturing, all of which are critical.

"The allocation for the Department of Health Research has increased from Rs 3,900 crore to over Rs 4,820 crore, a 24% increase. The 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' announced in the Budget will be very important in taking forward the dream of Viksit Bharat. This scheme aims to further develop the country's biopharma sector. A big step has been taken to overcome the shortcomings in the regulator in the pharma sector."

Bahl added that ICMR, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Department of Pharmaceuticals will contribute towards the transformation and revolution in biopharma.

Another major initiative involves the expansion of clinical research capabilities across the country. "Another big step taken is to establish 1000 clinical trial sites in the country under the Indian Council of Medical Research," he said.

This network is expected to strengthen the ecosystem for testing and developing new medical treatments domestically.

Bhal highlighted that the ICMR, CDSCO and Department of Pharmaceuticals will contribute to India's push in transforming the biopharma sector. "ICMR, CDSCO and the Department of Pharmaceuticals will contribute towards the transformation and revolution in biopharma. Medicines for cancer treatment have been exempted from customs duty," Bahl noted.

Union Minister JP Nadda on Sunday called the Union Budget 2026-27 "visionary," underlining that it has a special focus on mental health and combating mental illness. The provisions made in sectors such as healthcare, services, manufacturing, semiconductors, textiles, pharma, digital governance, education, and skill development will strengthen India's global competitiveness and help achieve the goal of "Developed India 2047."

The Union Minister stressed that the centre is committed to making the healthcare sector more affordable, highlighting that over Rs 1.5 lakh crore of funding has been allocated towards the healthcare sector, which is at least 9 per cent more than the previous year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the budget increase, but the real test is on-ground implementation. The CDSCO needs serious reform to speed up approvals and ensure quality. Hope this 'Bio-Pharma Shakti' scheme has clear accountability and doesn't get lost in bureaucracy.
A
Aman W
Exempting cancer drugs from customs duty is a big relief for middle-class families. Treatment costs are brutal. This, along with more clinical research, should help bring down prices in the long run. A much-needed humane touch in the budget. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone working in healthcare, the emphasis on mental health is very encouraging. Often overlooked in India. Combining pharma innovation with better mental health services could be transformative. Hope the funds reach the grassroots.
V
Vikram M
'Viksit Bharat' needs a strong, self-reliant pharma sector. We are the pharmacy of the world, but for advanced biologics and new drug discovery, we lag. This push for biopharma and research is the right direction. Make in India for the world!
K
Kriti O
The 1000 clinical trial sites sound ambitious. My concern is about ethical oversight and patient safety. We must ensure the highest standards are met so people have trust in 'Made in India' medicines. Regulation is as important as innovation.

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