Affordable treatment for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cancer has emerged as a key healthcare priority in the Union Budget 2026, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlining a major push to strengthen India’s biopharma ecosystem.

Presenting the Budget, Sitharaman announced the BioPharma Shakti initiative short for BioPharma Strategy for Health Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation with a proposed outlay of Rs10,000 crore over the next five years. She said biologic medicines are critical to improving longevity and quality of life while keeping treatment costs affordable.

Under the initiative, the government aims to develop India into a global biopharma manufacturing hub. Measures include strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to meet global regulatory standards and speeding up drug approvals through a dedicated scientific review process and specialist-driven evaluation.

Sitharaman also said the Budget is guided by three “Kartavya”, noting that it is the first Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan. The first Kartavya focuses on accelerating and sustaining economic growth by boosting productivity, competitiveness and resilience amid global volatility. The second seeks to fulfil the aspirations of citizens by building their capabilities and making them active partners in India’s growth journey. The third, aligned with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, aims to ensure equitable access to resources for every family, community, region and sector.