India’s healthcare spending continues to lag behind that of many developing economies. To build a healthier population and establish India as a global healthcare innovation hub, combined public healthcare expenditure by the Centre and States must be increased to at least 5% of GDP. This should be supported by targeted tax incentives to drive investments into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to quality healthcare remains limited.

Stronger budgetary support is essential for oncology care, early detection programmes, and preventive health initiatives. Equally critical is addressing the needs of India’s growing elderly population through structured long-term and home-based care, with comprehensive coverage under health insurance frameworks.

While advancing the Make in India agenda for medical devices, stricter regulations are required to discourage the use of imported refurbished equipment. Granting Industry Status to healthcare will improve access to capital and help make quality care more affordable.

The Government should also prioritise incentives for digital health adoption, including EMR systems, AI-driven solutions, and cybersecurity infrastructure. Expanding Public-Private Partnerships, particularly in preventive healthcare such as cancer screening and geriatric care, can significantly accelerate national health outcomes.

Finally, sustainability must be embedded into healthcare growth through incentives for renewable energy, green buildings, and efficient waste management systems.