BUDGET 2024-25 ELICITS MIXED INDUSTRY RESPONSE

Indian healthcare leaders gave a host of mixed reactions to India's postelection Budget. While some moves are hailed, there also are voices of disappointment.

India’s Union Budget 2024-25 evoked a host of mixed reactions for this post-election Budget. We present key points from the reactions shared by healthcare industry leaders below. While many healthcare leaders highlighted their positive reception of the FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget for the current financial year, there also are voices of discontent.

Highlighting increased healthcare allocation, duty reductions on cancer drugs, and support for innovation, these insights provide valuable perspectives on the Budget’s impact on the healthcare sector going forward. Get a nuanced understanding of the Budget’s benefits and the industry leaders’ recommendations for further improvement.

Abhishek Sinha, Co-Founder, HealSpan

• Budget emphasizes employment, sanitation, and infrastructure.

• Boost to SMB manufacturing and revised mining policy benefits renewable energy and electronics.

• Simplified income tax and abolished Angel Tax are appreciated.

Abrarali Dalal, Director and CEO, Sahyadri Hospitals

• Budget increases healthcare allocation and reduces duties on cancer drugs and medical equipment, improving affordability and accessibility.

• Increased research funding through ‘Anusandhan National Research Fund’ will foster innovation.

• Government should do more to boost healthcare infrastructure.

Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson and Whole Time Director, Metropolis Healthcare

• Targeted skilling programs for women to boost workforce participation is the right move.

• Encouraging women’s involvement in the industry progress is a good step and is important from healthcare sector's perspective.

Amit Gandhi, Founder and CEO, Insight Tribe