Dr. Azad Moopen,

Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare

“The Union Budget 2025 strengthens India’s commitment to a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all.

The addition of 75,000 new medical seats over will address the long-standing healthcare workforce shortage. This effort will help close access gaps in underserved areas, ensuring both the availability and quality of care are improved.

The establishment of 200 cancer daycare centres in district hospitals represents a proactive move towards decentralising cancer treatment, making care more accessible. These centres will not only enhance accessibility but also improve outcomes by enabling timely interventions while customs duty exemptions on cancer drugs and 36 life-saving medicines will make critical treatments more affordable.

Further, the decision to exempt 36 life-saving medicines from basic customs duties, along with reduced duties on six additional medicines, is a decisive action aimed at removing financial barriers to essential treatments. This initiative is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from chronic and rare diseases, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making healthcare more affordable for the most vulnerable.

The e-Shram healthcare insurance for gig workers and increased investment in medical research and genetic studies demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to public health. Additionally, easing visa norms for medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative strengthens India’s position as a global healthcare destination, benefiting both patients and the economy.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward building a future-ready healthcare system that prioritizes both immediate needs and long-term advancements.”

RAJIV NATH
Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) .

”Mr. Rajiv Nath appreciated the overall macro-economic and policy direction measures announced in the Union Budget 2025. There are many key features in the Budget announcements that will strengthen the economy and propel the GDP growth.

Some of the important steps that are in the right directions are setting up of Manufacturing Mission and support measures for the MSMEs & Startups. The measures to boost R&D and innovation in the domestic industry are also a welcome move. Government’s intention to have a trust-based light regulatory mechanism and decriminalization of several laws further is also a correct and much-needed approach.

Mr Nath, on behalf of the medical devices industry, expressed disappointment over the fact that there is no mention of any investment promotion measures for the imports dependent sector in the main speech and had hoped that there will be some measures to boost the sector in the fine print.

He said, “The Industry is disappointed that expectations of Medical Devices sector and many of which had been supported by Dept of Pharmaceutical too as an investment enabler under the National Medical Device 2023 policy finds no mention in the speech. We were hoping to see the finance minister speak about Medical Devices as make in India enabler and address the 70% import dependence due to inadequate tariff protection with duties at zero to 7.5% in most cases and a ever rising imports bill that is expected to cross 75000 Cr Rs this year .
The Indian Medical Devices Industry’s expectations were:
1) Increase in Custom Duty to a nominal 10% to 15% (and as a Predictable Tariff Policy).
2) Correction of Inverted Duty by levying Health Cess of 5% custom duty on balance Medical Devices (In 2020 this was applied to only 5 of the 4 Digit HS Codes and balance 22 HS Codes are pending).
3) Trade Margin Capping by monitoring MRP of Imports (if found over 10 to 20 times of CIF price).
4) Income Tax benefits for CAPEX and R&D investments in Medical Devices.
5) The government can consider standardising the GST rate of 12% across all medical devices as it would simplify the tax structure, ensuring consistency and ease of doing business.

We are however pleased to note the budget allocation for schemes to promote medical devices manufacturing has bed increased to Rs 5200 Cr up from Rs 3300 Cr”

Jatin Mahajan, Secretary,

Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI)

”The Union Budget 2025 presented by FM Nirmala Sitaraman has directly positively impacted the masses, especially the middle class with zero-income tax till INR 12.75 earning. This puts more money in the hands of the individuals, a part of which will also be spent on preventive healthcare.

The Union Budget 2025 does not specifically address the IVD-MedTech industry and any of its numerous grouse-points. Thus, there is no direct positive impact on the IVD-MedTech industry.

But various announcements made by the FM, will have a positive impact on the IVD-MedTech industry as part of the overall Indian ecosystem

1. There is a notable focus on preventive healthcare, with allocations for health screenings and awareness programs to mitigate disease prevalence. Setting up 200 Cancer Daycare Centers and focusing on Medical Tourism will strengthen preventive healthcare by improving early diagnostics.
2. The loan terms have been made easy for the startup and MSME segment. Access to easy capital will drive manufacturing and exports and will include the MedTech industry
3. The budget allocates additional funds for R&D in the healthcare sector, which can foster innovation in IVD technologies.
4. Increase in public health spending will also increase the spending on preventive healthcare and diagnostics.
5. Establishing Centers for Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (for agriculture and health) with a corpus of INR 500 cr will further enhance the availability of new-age solutions that are being developed by Indian entrepreneurs. This will also drive the availability of quality diagnostics in tier 2 and 3 cities
6. Creation of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across Government schools will drive curiosity and inculcate the spirit of research and innovation in young minds. This will lead to better skill availability in the mid-term.
7. The capacity enhancement of IITs and IISCs and 10,000 fellowships under the PM Research initiative will also result in availability of skilled resources
8. Better internet connectivity for PHCs will drive the adoption of AI and technology-driven diagnostics solutions

The Union Budget 2025 introduces several initiatives that positively impact domestic manufacturing and technological innovation. However, certain industry expectations, such as tax rationalization and reductions in customs duties, remain unaddressed, potentially limiting the full potential of these sectors.

The following aspects have not been touched on in the budget, and thus leave a lot of unfulfilled expectations

• Separate regulatory body for medical devices distinct from pharmaceuticals.
• GST rates remain unchanged. We were looking forward to some aspect of rationalization
• Inverted duty correction to lower raw material imports taxes.
• Dedicated technology transfer grants for MedTech innovation.
• Higher RoDTEP rates from 0.6%-0.9% to 2%-2.5% for exports.
• Fast-track approvals for new diagnostic technologies.
• Subsidized loans for domestic MedTech manufacturers.
• Tax incentives for preventive health check-ups under Section 80D.
• Public-private partnerships for research and infrastructure.
• Subsidies for CE/FDA certifications to boost exports.
• Import duty waivers on critical IVD equipment components.
• Grants for indigenous development of imaging technologies.
• Government procurement preference for Indian MedTech products.
• Subsidized training programs for medical lab technicians.
• Tax breaks for telemedicine expansion in rural areas.
• Strengthened Make-in-India push for self-reliant MedTech growth.

If we are to drive Indian MedTech and Indian healthcare, the Government must address these issues since they are pivotal in driving innovation, improve accessibility, and ensure quality healthcare for its citizens.”

Anjan Bose,

Founding Secretary General, NATHEALTH
Former President of Philips Healthcare & Consumer Lifestyle,India/South Asia
Currently Advisor/Mentor to eminent organisations

”Overall it’s a balanced and positive Budget with significant focus on Healthcare sector, some of the interesting takeaways are Day care cancer centres in all district hospitals, exemption of basic customs duties for 36 life saving drugs covering cancer and other severe ailments and also Patient assistance programs. Very encouraging to see the focus on the essential areas of Medical Education, Medical Tourism/Heal in India and excellence in Artificial Intelligence.

Last but not least, the support to the Start-up domain and PPP initiatives can help in creating more innovative and enabling Healthcare solutions resulting in optimisation in access, affordability and availability

Dr. Vivek Desai,

Founder & Managing Director, HOSMAC

“The government’s continued focus on expanding the healthcare workforce is a welcome move, with 75,000 additional medical seats to be added to existing 1.1 lacs, including 10,000 in this financial year. Whilst increasing the number of doctors is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that the quality of medical education is not compromised, especially given concerns around faculty shortages.

Dr GSK Velu,

Chairman & Managing Director, Neuberg Diagnostics, Maxivision Eye Hospitals, Trivitron Healthcare

”The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, is being acclaimed as visionary and progressive, with strong potential to boost economic growth and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

“The 2025 Union Budget reflects a strong commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem, particularly in cancer care and accessibility to life-saving medicines. The establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals is a crucial step towards decentralizing cancer treatment and ensuring timely interventions for patients across the country. Additionally, the exemption and concessional duty on 36 life-saving drugs, along with expanded patient assistance programs, will significantly reduce the financial burden on those battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses.

The promotion of medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative is another progressive move that will enhance India’s position as a global healthcare destination. By fostering private sector collaboration, streamlining visa norms, and investing in capacity building, the government is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system.

Overall, these initiatives align with our vision of delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare to all. As healthcare providers, we welcome these reforms and look forward to working alongside the government to make specialized treatment accessible to every patient in need.”

Sanjaya Mariwala,

President of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Executive Chairman & Managing Director of OmniActive Health Technologies

“The Union Budget delivered today showcases a clear vision for India’s economic future. The reforms in income tax structure will put more money in the citizens’ pockets, creating a cycle of spending and growth. What is particularly encouraging is the focus on agricultural and MSME improvements. The Finance Minister signalled a strong commitment to enhance crop diversification, self-reliance and agriculture productivity. Furthermore, the Government’s focus on streamlining business processes and enhancing manufacturing by providing policy support to industries will boost job creation and enhance productivity.

In terms of medical care, the addition of 10,000 seats and opening of daycare centres for cancer in all districts highlight an increasing emphasis on accessible and premium medical care. Additionally, skilling programs including the setting up of National Centres of Excellence in AI education will ensure that our youth can compete in the global economy.

These measures, rooted in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, ensure inclusive progress, balancing economic expansion with social upliftment. Aligning seamlessly with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, driving India towards sustained prosperity and global leadership.”

Malavika Kaura Saxena
CMO, Rusan Pharma

“The scale-up of Cancer Care centres in Budget 2025 is a transformative step toward improving accessibility and easing the burden on overstretched healthcare infrastructure. We urge policymakers to ensure these centres integrate pain management and palliative care, which are critical to holistic cancer treatment. The tax exemptions for life-saving drugs and rare disease therapies is a move in the right direction, as they will enhance affordability and availability for patients. These measures align with Rusan’s mission to prioritize patient-centric, accessible healthcare solutions. Rusan Pharma remains committed to supporting initiatives that bridge gaps and foster equitable health outcomes.”

Pavan Choudary
Chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI)

”The government’s initiatives, including the establishment of five major skill development centers, would help meet the target of 300,000 healthcare workers India aims to export annually.

Also, simplifying visa procedures for medical tourists is a timely priority to cope with the shocks that current geo-politics especially with respect to Bangladesh, has given to our medical tourism market. Overall this cross-border flow of patients and healers will expand the market and create more proficient healthcare workers.

Day-care cancer centers were much needed as chemotherapy for Cancer cannot be administered at home because of the potential risks associated with handling potent medications, the need for close monitoring of side effects, and the risk of accidental exposure to other household members.

The budget is well-informed and thoughtfully attuned to current needs. We are reading the fine print and hope to see some reductions in customs duties on medical devices which are not import substitutable in the near term.”

Dr. Puja Kapoor,
Pediatric Neurologist, Director, and Co-Founder of Continua Kids

”The healthcare industry appreciates the Union Budget 2025, introduced by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. This year’s budget is particularly significant for its emphasis on empowering women, fostering rural development, and supporting the nation’s youth. A key provision is the exemption of 36 life-saving medications for cancer and rare diseases from basic duties, which will enhance accessibility for patients in need.

Moreover, initiatives such as medical tourism and the Heal in India program will be fostered through collaborations with the private sector, capacity development, and streamlined visa processes. The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiatives will deliver vital nutritional support to 80 million children, 10 million mothers, and 2 million adolescent girls, focusing on the needs of lactating women, adolescent girls, and young children. Additionally, gig workers will gain access to healthcare services under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), benefiting approximately 10 million workers.

While these measures are commendable, I had hoped for greater attention to children’s health, particularly for autistic children, who continue to face social stigma. It would have been beneficial if the financial burden had been shared by including the cost of therapy under some scheme. I hope that future budgets will address this crucial aspect of healthcare.”

Dr.Tarang Gianchandani ,

CEO- Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai

“Government’s focus to strengthen India’s healthcare landscape with a strategic focus on cancer care and medical education has continued in Union Budget 2025 as well. Recognizing the need to reduce financial strain of life-threatening diseases, the full exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, including those for cancer and rare diseases shall ensures that critical treatments remain within reach for countless patients and their families and there is hope.

Moreover, the decision to establish daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 hospitals set to be operational by 2026, marks a transformative step in making cancer care more accessible to all strata of society near their homes. This initiative will be a lifeline for patients across the country, ensuring they receive timely and quality care without the need to travel long distances.

Equally significant is the government’s focus on nurturing the next generation of medical professionals. With 10,000 additional medical seats to be introduced this year and an ambitious goal of adding 75,000 seats over the next five years, as it would help in bridging the gap in healthcare expertise. These measures will not only strengthen our medical ecosystem but also reinforce India’s position as a global healthcare leader, ensuring that quality healthcare is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for all.”

Ms. Ameera Shah,

Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

“Budget 2025-26 marks a significant step forward for India’s healthcare sector, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat. Key reforms—expanding medical education, strengthening Heal in India, promoting medical tourism, allowing 100% FDI in insurance, extending PM-JAY to gig workers, enhancing cancer care affordability, and equipping primary healthcare with broadband connectivity—are crucial strides toward greater accessibility and equity. With a strong focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and ease of doing business, the budget also underscores the critical role of private sector collaboration in making healthcare a foundational pillar of a developed India.

However, to establish India as a global healthcare leader, greater emphasis on innovation in diagnostics is essential. Advancing precision medicine, strengthening preventive care, and improving access to diagnostic testing will accelerate progress. The expansion of broadband in primary health centres is a welcome move, enabling telemedicine to bridge rural-urban healthcare gaps.

While the budget lays a strong foundation, critical areas like GST rationalisation in healthcare require urgent attention. Increasing the tax exemption for preventive health check-ups, extending benefits to multiple family members, and integrating outpatient diagnostics into insurance packages will significantly enhance affordability and encourage proactive health management. We look forward to continued dialogue and effective implementation to build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready healthcare system.”

Dr. Mandeep Singh Basu,

Director-Dr. Basu Group

“We are really encouraged by the recent budget, as it addresses key areas in both healthcare and MSMEs. The proposal to add 10,000 medical seats and create 75,000 over the next five years will help meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals, while the establishment of 200 cancer centers in FY 2025-26 will significantly improve cancer treatment access across the country. On the MSME front, the budget is a big boost, with the investment and turnover limits being enhanced, benefiting over 5.7 crore MSMEs that employ 7.5 crore people and account for 36% of manufacturing and 45% of exports. Additionally, the increase in credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore will make ₹1.5 lakh crore in credit available over the next five years. This budget is truly a step forward in supporting growth and innovation in these critical sectors.”

Mr. Raj Gore, CEO,

Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited & Lead FICCI Cancer task force

”The 2025 budget presents a series of promising initiatives that will significantly impact cancer care in India. The full exemption of customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer medications, is a key highlight. This will lower the cost of critical treatments, making them more accessible to a wider range of patients, and help address the financial burden that many families face when fighting cancer and other severe illnesses.

Satish Kannan,

Co-founder & CEO, MediBuddy

  “The Union Budget 2025-2026 takes some progressive steps toward strengthening India’s healthcare and startup ecosystem. The addition of 10,000 medical education seats in the next year and expansion plans for 75,000 seats over the next five years will help bridge the doctor-patient ratio gap, ensuring better healthcare access. Furthermore, the inclusion of 36 life-saving drugs under full customs duty exemption and healthcare coverage for gig workers under PM Jan Arogya Yojana will make quality medical treatment more affordable.

The launch of AI Centres of Excellence, including those focused on healthcare, aligns with MediBuddy’s mission of leveraging AI-driven solutions for telemedicine, diagnostics, and personalised patient care. The increase in FDI limits for the insurance sector to 100% is a game-changer. This move will attract greater investment, foster innovation, and enhance the accessibility of insurance products, ensuring more Indians are covered under robust health insurance schemes. By allowing insurers to reinvest within the country, it will expand coverage, especially in underpenetrated segments of the population. This will enable digital healthcare platforms to collaborate more effectively with insurers, ensuring seamless access to health policies and cashless treatment.

Additionally, the ₹10,000 crore expansion of the Fund of Funds for startups and the five-year extension for incorporation benefits provide much-needed capital and policy support. These measures will empower Indian startups to develop cutting-edge healthcare solutions, improve insurance penetration, and enhance digital healthcare accessibility.

As India’s leading digital healthcare company, MediBuddy welcomes these forward-looking reforms and remains committed to making high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people.”

Mr. Amit Mookim, CEO, Immuneel Therapeutics

”The Union Budget 2025 demonstrates a strong commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability. The government’s move to add 36 life-saving drugs to the list of those fully exempt from basic customs duty and introduce concessional duties for six others is a welcome relief for cancer, rare disease, and chronic condition patients. These steps will ensure that critical therapies remain affordable and accessible to those who need them the most.

In addition, the focus on setting up day-care cancer centers across all districts, with 200 centers to be established in FY 2025-26, will significantly improve access to timely cancer care, especially in underserved regions. This initiative is a major step toward building a more inclusive healthcare system.

The expansion of medical education, with plans to add 75,000 new seats over the next five years, will help address the growing demand for skilled professionals in specialized treatments, including cell and gene therapy, strengthening India’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

The government’s focus on promoting medical tourism, along with initiatives to ease visa norms and involve the private sector, will further position India as a global hub for high-quality, affordable healthcare. With advanced personalized therapies like CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment, India is set to become a key destination for medical tourism, accelerating its position as a leader in cutting-edge treatments worldwide.”

Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor,

Co-founder, Pristyn Care

  ”The Union Budget 2025 takes significant steps in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem. The addition of 10,000 medical seats this year, with a vision to reach 75,000 in five years, will help bridge the healthcare workforce gap. The establishment of 200 day-care cancer centers in FY 2025-26 is a crucial step toward making specialized treatments more accessible, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The launch of five national centers of excellence for skilling will further enhance healthcare capacity, ensuring high-quality care nationwide. Additionally, the push for medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, along with streamlined visa norms, positions India as a global healthcare hub. To truly transform healthcare delivery, we urge further investment in insurance reforms and increased budget allocation to ensure accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all.”

Mr. Abhay Soi, President NATHEALTH & Chairman Managing Director Max Healthcare

  “The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant milestone for the healthcare sector, with its central focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and ease of doing business. It also underscores the crucial role of private sector collaboration in making healthcare a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat. NATHEALTH welcomes the key priorities outlined by Hon. FM in this budget, including the expansion of medical education, the launch of Heal in India, 100% FDI in insurance, the extension of PMJAY to the gig economy, enhanced ease of doing business, affordable cancer care, and broadband connectivity to strengthen primary healthcare and bridge the urban-rural digital divide. NATHEALTH thanks the Government of India for supporting several of its core sectoral recommendations and looks forward to a trusted partnership in implementing these transformative measures—laying the foundation for our Hon. PM’s vision of Health for All.”