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1. Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati Chairman & Managing Director, Granules India Limited”

Exempting 36 life-saving pharmaceuticals from basic customs duty and adding six essential medicines under a concessional 5% duty will significantly enhance access to critical therapies. Extending full exemption and concessional tariffs to bulk drugs used in their manufacturing will further improve affordability and availability. The expansion of medical education with 10,000 additional seats and the establishment of 200 daycare cancer centers in FY 2025-26 will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling, along with global skilling collaborations, will equip India’s workforce with the expertise needed to drive pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. These strategic initiatives reinforce India's commitment to providing accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions said Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati Chairman & Managing Director, Granules India Limited”

2. Mr. Yatharth Tyagi, Director, Yatharth Group of Hospitals

The Union Budget 2025-26 is a well-thought and strategic move, laying a transformative foundation for an inclusive and resilient healthcare ecosystem. The establishment of 200 daycare cancer centers with a three-year district hospital rollout plan is a welcome intervention. This initiative, along with customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving drugs and 13 new patient assistance programs, will improve access to specialized treatment and reduce the financial burden of cancer care.  The commitment to add 10,000 medical seats, aiming for 75,000 in five years, and the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for skilling are strategic steps to address critical workforce gaps in healthcare delivery. At Yatharth Hospitals, our recent expansion, particularly in advanced cancer care infrastructure, positions us well to leverage these progressive reforms. These policy measures align perfectly with our mission to make quality healthcare accessible to every Indian, supporting the government's vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'"

3. Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma Limited and Chairman, Pharma Committee, FICCI

"The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a solid foundation for India’s pharmaceutical sector and enhances healthcare accessibility. The exemption of Basic Customs Duty on 36 life-saving drugs makes critical treatments, especially for oncology and rare diseases, more affordable, aligning with the government’s vision of a self-reliant India. The establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres and expansion of Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) will further improve patient access to essential treatments. The budget’s focus on 5% concessional duties on essential medicines and bulk drug exemptions will optimize production costs, boost domestic manufacturing, and drive innovation. The commitment to adding 75,000 medical college seats and the creation of a Centre of Excellence in AI further strengthens the healthcare ecosystem. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, combined with streamlined medical tourism policies, positions India as a global healthcare hub, driving demand for high-quality, affordable medicines. These reforms are a significant step toward making India a global leader in pharmaceuticals, and we at Mankind Pharma are excited to support and contribute to this transformation."

4. Mr Saumyajit Roy, CEO and Co-Founder, Emoha

“The 2025 Budget's commitment to expand medical education with 10,000 additional seats and the goal of adding 75,000 seats in the next 5 years is a critical step toward addressing India's healthcare workforce needs. With our rapidly aging population, this expansion isn't just about numbers – it's about building a healthcare ecosystem that understands and responds to the unique needs of our seniors.

The announcement of a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds scheme for startups is particularly significant for healthtech innovation. This fresh capital injection will catalyze the development of specialized solutions for elderly care, especially as we see increasing intersection between healthcare delivery and technology. For those of us building in the senior care space, this represents both validation and opportunity to scale our impact.

I'm particularly encouraged by the initiative to establish Day Care Cancer Centers in all District Hospitals, which will significantly improve accessibility to specialized care for our elderly population. As someone deeply involved in senior care innovation, I see this as a game-changing move that aligns perfectly with the evolving healthcare needs of our aging demographic.

However, while expanding medical education and infrastructure is crucial, the quality of care ultimately depends on the quality of carers. More needs to be done to promote and support organizations that supply trained carers, ensuring that our seniors receive the compassionate, skilled assistance they deserve.”