Prices of cancer, diabetes medicines to come down; Centre announces scheme for medical tourism

NEW DELHI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme for medical tourism in the third full Budget of the third Modi government. She said medical hubs will be developed in five regions of the country, in partnership with the private sector. The initiative is expected to create more employment opportunities for those working in the medical sector.

To promote Ayurveda, the Budget includes support for cultivating and processing medicinal plants. Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda will be set up on the model of AIIMS. The prices of medicines for cancer and diabetes will be reduced. Customs duty has been waived on 17 cancer medicines, contributing to the price reduction.

The Finance Minister said the healthcare initiatives are also aimed at increasing skill-based employment opportunities for India’s youth. Fields such as radiology, anaesthesia, OT technology, applied psychology, and behavioural health will be modernised. A strong care system providing better services will be developed, and special training will be provided for caregivers.

The training program will include wellness, yoga, and the operation of medical support devices. Over the next year, 1.5 lakh trained caregivers will be created under this program, the Finance Minister announced.