New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her presentation of the 2025-26 Union Budget on Saturday, made a landmark announcement aimed at transforming India’s healthcare landscape. In a significant move, the government will establish daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with a remarkable 200 centers set to open in the fiscal year 2025-26 alone. This initiative will make cancer treatment more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas.
In addition, Sitharaman revealed plans to expand medical education in the country by adding 10,000 seats in medical colleges and hospitals next year, as part of a larger goal to add 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. This step aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in India.
The government also introduced a major welfare measure for gig workers, announcing that they will be provided healthcare benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY), benefiting nearly 1 crore workers.
Moreover, Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to improving education and healthcare infrastructure, announcing that broadband connectivity will be provided to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centres, bridging digital divides and enhancing access to essential services.
