Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026 has announced a significant expansion of government support for Ayurveda and India’s broader AYUSH ecosystem, signalling a renewed emphasis on traditional medicine systems alongside modern healthcare.
As part of the initiative, the Centre has proposed the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, aimed at scaling up education, research, and clinical services. These institutes are expected to strengthen human resource capacity and help produce Ayurveda professionals with global competencies.
The Budget also outlines a comprehensive upgrade of the AYUSH ecosystem, including:
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Modernisation of AYUSH pharmacies
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Upgradation of drug testing laboratories
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Introduction of higher certification and quality standards
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Expansion of the skilled workforce across traditional medicine disciplines
A key international component of the plan involves a major upgrade of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The proposed enhancements will focus on evidence-based research, structured training programmes, and increasing global awareness and acceptance of traditional medicine systems.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget address, emphasised the government’s intent to integrate ancient medical knowledge with modern scientific validation, positioning India as a global hub for traditional medicine research and practice.
The announcements come amid growing global demand for alternative and complementary medicine, and are expected to have long-term implications for healthcare education, research, and exports from the AYUSH sector.
-OdishaAge
