India’s Union Budget has taken a bold step towards positioning the country as a powerhouse in medical value tourism, with a sharp focus on fortifying the AYUSH ecosystem. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled ambitious plans in her February 1 presentation to create regional medical hubs equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure for diagnostics, treatment, post-care, and rehabilitation. These hubs will integrate AYUSH centers and specialized facilities, promising enhanced experiences for both international and domestic patients while generating thousands of jobs for doctors, health professionals, and support staff.
Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, hailed the announcements as a game-changer. She expressed gratitude for the nearly 20% budget hike for AYUSH systems and India’s reinforced commitment to global traditional medicine via the WHO. A standout feature is the upgrade of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, under the AYUSH Ministry, aimed at advancing evidence-based research, training, and worldwide awareness.
Dr. Nesari emphasized that these initiatives will empower India to meet soaring global demand for AYUSH services. The establishment of three new All India Ayurveda Institutes will elevate quality education, clinical care, and research. Upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs will ensure top-tier standards, certifications, and skilled manpower. This expansion of the WHO centre will further cement India’s leadership in traditional medicine on the world stage.
Recent years have seen India’s global stature in traditional health soar, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for yoga at the UN to Ayurveda gaining renewed acceptance post-COVID. The rising international demand for AYUSH products is benefiting farmers cultivating medicinal plants and young entrepreneurs in processing and value addition. Officials underscore that these measures blend ancient wisdom with modern healthcare, amplifying India’s soft power and establishing it as a trusted destination for holistic, evidence-based wellness.
Stakeholders in the AYUSH sector have warmly welcomed the government’s visionary support, crediting the leadership for these forward-thinking declarations that promise a brighter future for traditional healing systems.