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Experts have hailed nationwide clinical trial network, and the strengthening of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), integration of Ayush, mental health, geriatric care and allied health professionals is a strong and forward-looking step for India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.
The Budget’s emphasis on strengthening the CDSCO through a dedicated scientific review cadre and domain specialists is a critical structural reform for India’s export ambitions. Equally significant is the announcement to expand the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) network from seven to ten institutes. This strategic capacity addition will directly augment India’s talent pipeline in regulatory science, quality assurance, biologics manufacturing and clinical research areas where MSME exporters often face structural skill constraints.
According to Ayush Chauhan, executive director, Prakash Hospital, “The Union Budget 2026 is a significant step for India’s healthcare and inclusive development. With 1,000 clinical trial sites and a strengthened CDSCO for faster approvals, along with the Dibyangjan Yojana improving access for people with disabilities, these initiatives position India as a global hub for biopharma, holistic health, and inclusive care, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life nationwide."
He further adds, “Besides this, the Rs. 10,000-crore Biopharma Shakti programme for self-reliance in biologics and biosimilars, three new All-India Institutes of Ayurveda, along with upgrades to seven existing ones, highlight the integration of traditional wellness with modern medical innovation. Five regional medical hubs with Ayush centres, diagnostics, and post-care rehabilitation will create jobs and support medical value tourism.”
Echoing similar views, Dr. Saloni Wagh, MD, Supriya Lifescience Ltd. says, “The proposed expansion of accredited clinical trial sites is particularly significant as global pharma companies increasingly seek reliable, compliant and cost-efficient development partners. Faster and more credible trials can meaningfully shorten development cycles and strengthen India’s standing in the global drug development ecosystem. The Rs. 10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti commitment, spread over five years, signals a clear recognition that global leadership in this space requires sustained investment in research capability, clinical trial infrastructure and manufacturing depth, rather than short-term incentives”.
According to Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences, “Telangana has been setting the direction for the next phase of life sciences growth well ahead of the curve. Guided by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy's long-term vision and D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Commerce and IT passionate leadership, our Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 anticipated this shift by prioritising advanced and complex manufacturing, deep innovation and R&D, and the creation of a strong, globally integrated clinical research and clinical trial network. The Union Budget’s focus on precisely these areas now amplifies this momentum, accelerating our goal of attracting USD 25 billion in investments and generating 500,000 jobs while reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a global life sciences innovation hub.”
Echoing similar views, Aman Gupta, managing partner, SPAG FINN Partners says, "The Biopharma Shakti programme is a signal that India wants to move up the value chain, from volume-based generics to high-value biologics and biosimilars. But manufacturing capacity alone won’t be enough. The emphasis on expanding clinical trial sites beyond the big metros, strengthening CDSCO review timelines, and investing in NIPERs shows an understanding that credibility, speed and global trust are just as important as scale. Equally significant is the integration of Ayush, mental health, geriatric care and allied health professionals into a single continuum of care. This Budget is less about individual announcements and more about building a healthcare ecosystem that can support jobs, innovation, affordability and medical value tourism in a sustainable way."
“DSS Imagetech aligns with the Government of India’s vision of driving national growth through a stronger, more affordable, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem. The Union Budget 2026-27 underscores this commitment by advancing India’s ambition to become a global biopharma manufacturing hub through the Biopharma Shakti initiative, while the full and concessional exemption of life-saving drugs and Patient Assistance Program medicines from Basic Customs Duty will significantly reduce the cost of advanced treatments,” states Ajay Kandhari, managing director, DSS Imagetech Pvt. Ltd.
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