Union Budget 2026 Reactions Healthtech: From biopharma innovation to caregiver capacity

The Union Budget 2026 places healthcare firmly at the intersection of technology, talent, and long-term capacity building. With the INR10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti programme, expanded investments in advanced pharmaceutical R&D, and a major push to train 1.5 lakh caregivers, the Budget signals a dual focus on innovation-led growth and strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

HIGHLIGHTS

• INR10,000 crore Bio Pharma Shakti programme
• Three new national institutes & upgradation of seven existing institutes to strengthen advanced pharmaceutical skills & R&D
• Proposal to train 1.5 lakh caregivers

The Tech Panda asked healthtech leaders what these measures mean for India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Sakshi Shah, Founder, Goodlives

“The positive market response, with the Nifty Pharma and BSE Healthcare Index rising by 1.7 – 2%, reflects strong confidence in the government’s vision of positioning India as a global bio-pharma development hub. Beyond capital markets, the proposal to ...