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The Union Budget 2025 has ushered in key reforms aimed at strengthening India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem. One of the most lauded moves is the removal of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, along with reductions on bulk drugs.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of Entod Pharmaceuticals, applauded these changes, stating, “This commendable move will make essential medicines more affordable for patients while boosting local manufacturing and exports. The simplification of customs tariffs further promotes a competitive industry.” However, he also pointed out the absence of increased R&D incentives, particularly for AI-driven drug discovery and contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS), as a missed opportunity.
Rehan A. Khan, managing director of MSD India Region, echoed this sentiment, appreciating the impact of custom duty exemptions on patient assistance programmes and the establishment of district cancer care centres. “These measures will directly benefit countless patients and families. The government’s commitment to a healthier Viksit Bharat is evident in these progressive steps,” he noted.
The healthcare sector also welcomed the government's push for digital connectivity and infrastructure enhancements. Dr Apurba Ganguly, founder and chairman of Nano Phyto Care & bioGAN, emphasized the role of digital health initiatives in bridging gaps between rural and urban areas. “By expanding BharatNet connectivity, healthcare and medical research in remote areas will see significant improvements,” he stated.
Similarly, Abhi Sinha, co-founder of HealSpan, appreciated the focus on AI-driven diagnostics, insurtech innovations, and medical record interoperability. “This budget paves the way for a more inclusive, tech-enabled healthcare ecosystem,” he said.
Sajeev Nair, founder and chairman of Vieroots, praised the emphasis on AI in healthcare, particularly its role in personalized nutrition and wellness. “The Centre of Excellence in AI for health will revolutionize how we approach healthcare and disease prevention,” he said.
Expanding healthcare access through enhanced infrastructure was another key highlight. Dr Saloni Wagh, MD of Supriya Lifescience Ltd., expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to healthcare and women’s empowerment. “The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 schemes will strengthen maternal and child health. The new cancer care centres in district hospitals will provide timely treatment to thousands,” she said.
The increased allocation towards medical education also drew appreciation. Surjeet Thakur, founder and CEO of TrioTree Technologies, emphasized the importance of adding 10,000 new medical seats. “This is a crucial step toward strengthening the medical workforce. With the right policies, India can emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation,” he said.
Karan Bhargava, founder and CEO of Homoeo Amigo, praised the government's long-term vision for medical education. “The plan to add 75,000 medical seats over five years will significantly bridge the gap in healthcare services,” he said.
The budget’s commitment to medical startups and innovation was widely acknowledged. Manun Thakur, founder & CEO of Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, highlighted the Rs. 10,000 crore Fund of Funds as a crucial enabler for health-tech startups. “This initiative will catalyze growth in AI-driven healthcare solutions, positioning India at the forefront of global health innovation,” he said.
Vikram Thaploo, CEO-Telehealth, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, underlined the importance of public-private partnerships and medical tourism initiatives. “The Rs. 1.5 lakh crore allocation will further India’s position as a healthcare hub,” he remarked.
Industry experts also called for more focus on diagnostics and preventive healthcare. Ameera Shah, promoter and executive chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., stressed the need for GST rationalization in healthcare services. “Incorporating outpatient diagnostics into insurance coverage and expanding preventive health check-up benefits will significantly improve accessibility,” she suggested.
While the Union Budget 2025 has laid a strong foundation for growth, experts agree that continued investments in R&D, GST reforms, and greater regulatory simplifications are essential to making India a global healthcare and pharmaceutical powerhouse.
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