In the Union Budget 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to focus on improving access to essential medicines for chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, given their rising prevalence in India. Some of the possible measures could include:
Subsidized Medicines: The government may announce the subsidization of life-saving drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. These could include insulin for diabetes patients and chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients, to reduce the financial burden on individuals, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.
Price Control Measures: There could be a proposal to include price control mechanisms on essential medications under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). This would make critical diabetes and cancer drugs more affordable and accessible across the country.
Public health Initiatives: The budget could also include allocations for public health programs aimed at early detection, prevention, and treatment of chronic diseases, with a focus on raising awareness about the importance of regular screening for both diabetes and cancer.
Support for cancer Research & Development: Funding for R&D in cancer treatments may see a significant increase, with efforts to support innovative therapies and immunotherapy. india is making strides in affordable and effective cancer care, and the budget could aim to foster homegrown drug development.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure: A potential focus on expanding cancer treatment centers and diabetes care clinics in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This could include enhancing the capacity of public health systems to cater to the growing demand for these treatments.
Impact
Such proposals could benefit millions of diabetes and cancer patients, lowering their medical expenses and increasing access to quality care. It would be a significant step toward making healthcare more inclusive and affordable, aligning with India’s push toward universal healthcare and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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