NEW DELHI: Over 30 per cent hike in Ayush budgetary allocation in the past two years showcases how India is placing integrative healthcare at the centre of the country’s development journey, said Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav.
Speaking with this paper, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, said, “Ayush is no longer seen merely as a traditional practice - it is now firmly positioned as a vital pillar of our national health ecosystem.”
Highlighting the steady rise in budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush), the minister said that the budget increased by 20.56% from Rs. 3,312 crore in 2024-25 to Rs.3,992.9 crore in 2025–26.
“It further rose by 10.42% from Rs. 3,992.9 crore in 2025–26 to Rs. 4,408.93 crore in 2026–27,” he said.
He said the hike reflects the government’s sustained commitment to strengthening integrative healthcare.
“This steady rise underscores expanding infrastructure, enhanced research capacity, quality assurance mechanisms, and global outreach initiatives. The increased allocation is expected to significantly improve service delivery, promote innovation, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and expand access to Ayush services across rural and urban India,” he told this paper.
“This year’s Budget also reflects the growing global confidence in India’s traditional systems of medicine,” said Jadhav, who is also Union Minister of State for the Union Health and Family Welfare ministry.
The minister also said that over the past decade, Ayush has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure, education, digital outreach, and global recognition.
“This Budget accelerates that momentum - moving from expansion to excellence - ensuring that prevention, lifestyle management, and holistic wellness stand alongside conventional clinical care in shaping a healthier India,” he added.
In the Union Budget 2026-27, Ayush got special focus, with the Union Finance Minister, Niramala Sitharaman, announcing the setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; upgradation of AYUSH pharmacies and Drug Testing Labs for higher standards of certification ecosystem, to make available more skilled personnel; and upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar in Gujarat to bolster evidence-based research, training and awareness for traditional medicine.
To promote India as a hub for medical tourism, Sitharaman also proposed a scheme to support states in establishing five Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with the private sector.
“These Hubs will serve as integrated healthcare complexes that combine medical, educational and research facilities. They will have AYUSH Centres, Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres and infrastructure for diagnostics, post-care and rehabilitation. These Hubs will provide diverse job opportunities for health professionals, including doctors and AHPs,” she said.
Hailing the budgetary announcements of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, five regional medical value tourism hubs with integrated Ayush centres, and the strengthening of allied health and caregiver training, Jadhav said, this “marks a defining moment for India’s healthcare architecture and will further strengthen this robust foundation.”
“The upgradation of Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories will enhance global quality standards, boost exports, and protect consumer trust, while simultaneously benefiting farmers cultivating medicinal plants and MSMEs across the country,” he added.
India’s Ayush sector’s educational base has been expanding substantially, with 932 undergraduate and 254 postgraduate Ayush colleges and institutions currently operational across the country, thus ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals and researchers.
The minister also said that the enhancement of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar further cements India’s leadership in evidence-based traditional medicine and global research collaboration.
“Exports of Ayush and herbal products have grown by 5.8 per cent, rising from USD 651 million in 2023–24 to USD 689 million in 2024–25,” he added.
As per data available on the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) portal, following the establishment of AYUSHEXCIL (Ayush Export Promotion Council), the growth trajectory has further accelerated.
“This reflects enhanced international outreach, improved regulatory facilitation, and rising global demand for India’s traditional medicine and herbal products,” Jadhav added.