Budget 2026 has clearly signalled strong support for traditional medicine as the Ayush Ministry allocation rises to Rs 4,500 crore. This is more than a 10 percent increase from last year. The focus is on Ayurveda, yoga, research, quality control and global reach. The move shows the government wants Ayush to grow faster and stronger.
Ayush Budget Sees Clear Jump This Year
The Union Budget 2026-27 has increased funding for the Ministry of Ayush to around Rs 4,500 crore. This jump is significant when compared to the previous financial year. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the rise reflects the fast growth of the Ayush sector across the country.
He pointed out that the Ayush industry is expanding at a large scale. Demand for Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy and other traditional systems is rising, not only in India but also abroad. The higher budget is expected to support this momentum in a steady way.
New Ayurveda Institutes Announced
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setting up of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda. These institutes will focus on advanced education, research and tertiary healthcare services. The aim is to improve quality and capacity in Ayurveda.
With these new institutes, students will get better training opportunities. Patients will also benefit from improved treatment facilities. This step may help Ayurveda move closer to mainstream healthcare, especially for chronic and lifestyle-related conditions.
Focus On Quality And Standards
Another key announcement is the upgradation of Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories. These facilities will be raised to higher certification standards. This move is meant to strengthen quality assurance across Ayurvedic and traditional medicine products.
Better testing and certification can help build trust among users. It also creates demand for skilled professionals in manufacturing, testing and regulation. Over time, this can improve the overall credibility of Ayush medicines, both in India and global markets.
WHO Centre At Jamnagar Gets Upgrade
The Budget also proposed upgrading the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine at Jamnagar. This centre will play a bigger role in evidence-based research, training and awareness. According to Jadhav, the upgrade will help generate strong scientific evidence.
Working closely with the World Health Organization will help traditional Indian medicine gain wider global acceptance. Research backed by data can improve standards and open doors for international collaboration. This step is seen as important for long-term global recognition.
Ayush Enters Medical Tourism Space
One of the most interesting announcements is the plan to establish Ayush centres in five proposed Regional Medical Value Tourism Hubs. These hubs will combine diagnostics, treatment, post-care and rehabilitation. Ayush therapies will be integrated into these centres.
Treatments will include yoga, naturopathy and Ayurveda-based therapies. Patients from abroad will be able to access these services under a proper framework. The government is also working on rules and guidelines for these centres.
Ayush Visa And Foreign Exchange Push
The government plans to allow foreign patients to enter India on an Ayush visa. This step is expected to boost medical and wellness tourism. With more international patients coming for treatment, foreign exchange earnings are likely to rise.
Jadhav said that for the first time such a substantial budget has been allocated to Ayush. The focus is not only on healthcare but also on positioning India as a global wellness destination. This could benefit hospitals, practitioners and local economies.
Why Budget 2026 Matters For Ayush
Budget 2026 shows a shift in how traditional medicine is viewed. It is no longer seen as an alternative option only. With better funding, research support and global partnerships, Ayush is moving towards a more structured and scientific approach.
The increased allocation may help improve infrastructure, research output and international credibility. For practitioners, students and patients, this budget brings new opportunities. For India, it strengthens the image of being a global leader in traditional and holistic healthcare.
Overall, the Ayush push in Budget 2026 looks planned, focused and growth-oriented. The coming years will show how well these announcements turn into real impact on ground.