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The Hindu Editorial • February 06, 2026 • Read Original

More, and less: On Budget 2026 and health-care spending

The health-care component of Budget 2026 is a mixed bag

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The Hindu Read Original
8 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 06, 2026

More, and less: On Budget 2026 and health-care spending

The health-care component of Budget 2026 is a mixed bag

Budget 2026Health CareBiopharma SHAKTIGDP SpendingNational Health Mission
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 14
English Original

While this year’s health-care allocations are aggressive in certain key sectors, it has failed expectations that Budget 2026 would be a milestone for increased health-care spending as a percentage of GDP.

Present Perfect Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object Main and Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
While this year’s health-care allocations are aggressive in certain key sectors
Even though the government has planned to spend a lot of money on some specific parts of health care this year.
Subject Who/What
it
This budget or the decision-making process.
Verb What is happening
has failed
Did not meet or fulfill.
Object What receives action
expectations that Budget 2026 would be a milestone for increased health-care spending as a percentage of GDP
The hope that this year’s budget would be a major historical point where more money is spent on health compared to the country’s total income (GDP).
Context and Background
Public Health Spending in India

The National Health Policy 2017 set a target to increase India’s public health spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025. Currently, it remains stagnant between 1.1% and 1.6%, which is much lower than the global average and developed nations.

Sentence 2 of 14
English Original

The total allocation this year is over ₹1.05 lakh crore, marking an increase of about 10% over the previous year’s revised estimates.

Simple Present S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The total allocation this year
The total amount of money kept for health in this year’s budget.
Verb What is happening
is
Equals or stands at.
Complement Completes meaning
over ₹1.05 lakh crore
More than 1,05,000 crore rupees.
Adjunct Additional info
marking an increase of about 10% over the previous year’s revised estimates
Showing that this amount is about 10 percent higher than the updated figures of what was likely spent last year.
Context and Background
Budget Estimates vs. Revised Estimates

The Indian budget has three figures: Budget Estimates (planned), Revised Estimates (actual expected during the year), and Actuals (final spending). Comparing with ‘revised estimates’ gives a more realistic picture of the increase or decrease in funding.

Sentence 3 of 14
English Original

However, experts have pointed out that the 2026 health budget is approximately 1.9% of the total government expenditure, and about 0.26% of GDP.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + O Main and Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
However
But, looking at another side of the facts.
Subject Who/What
experts
Knowledgeable people like economists or researchers.
Verb What is happening
have pointed out
Have shown or mentioned clearly.
Object What receives action
that the 2026 health budget is approximately 1.9% of the total government expenditure, and about 0.26% of GDP
That the health fund is only a very small portion (less than 2%) of the government’s total spending and a tiny fraction of the nation’s total income.
Context and Background
India

The 0.26% of GDP figure for health is one of the lowest in the world. For comparison, most developed countries spend over 5-7% of their GDP on public health, while the global average is around 6%.

Sentence 4 of 14
English Original

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman fronted the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme, among the projects with the single highest budgetary allocations this year.

Simple Past S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The government official who manages India’s money and budget.
Verb What is happening
fronted
Led or presented formally.
Object What receives action
the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme
A new government program focused on making medicines using biological technology.
Adjunct Additional info
among the projects with the single highest budgetary allocations this year
One of the programs that got the most money in the 2026 budget.
Context and Background
Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme

The Biopharma SHAKTI scheme is a landmark initiative with a ₹10,000 crore outlay over five years. It aims to boost India’s capacity to produce biologics (like vaccines and insulin) and biosimilars, reducing import dependence.

Sentence 5 of 14
English Original

This ₹10,000 crore government initiative will transform India into a manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars over the next five years, she said.

Simple Future S + V + O + C + Adjunct + S + V Reported Speech Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This ₹10,000 crore government initiative
This new 10,000 crore rupee plan by the government.
Verb What is happening
will transform
Will completely change or turn.
Object What receives action
India
Our country.
Complement Completes meaning
into a manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars
Into a major global center for making advanced medical drugs and their generic versions.
Adjunct Additional info
over the next five years
During the time period of the next five years.
Subject Who/What
she
The Finance Minister.
Verb What is happening
said
Stated or told.
Context and Background
What are Biologics and Biosimilars?

Biologics are large, complex molecules (like vaccines or monoclonal antibodies) used to treat serious diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Biosimilars are ‘generic’ versions of these biologics, offering the same therapeutic benefits at a lower price.

Sentence 6 of 14
English Original

A pan-country clinical state-of-the-art trial infrastructure will also be created, through a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites.

Simple Future Passive Subject + Verb + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
A pan-country clinical state-of-the-art trial infrastructure
A very modern, nationwide system for testing new medicines on humans.
Verb What is happening
will also be created
Will also be set up or built.
Adjunct Additional info
through a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites
By using a group of 1,000 officially approved places for conducting medical tests.
Context and Background
Clinical Trials in India

Clinical trials are essential for drug development. Creating a large network of 1,000 accredited sites helps India become more self-reliant in research and speeds up the process of bringing new, safe medicines to the market.

Sentence 7 of 14
English Original

No doubt, this will take care of an angle that has long been languishing in India — research and development.

Simple Future Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
No doubt
Certainly or without any question.
Subject Who/What
this
This new plan and the infrastructure being built.
Verb What is happening
will take care of
Will solve or address a problem.
Object What receives action
an angle that has long been languishing in India — research and development
A part of the health system that has been neglected for many years, which is the discovery and creation of new medicines (R&D).
Sentence 8 of 14
English Original

Additionally, the government will set up three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and modernise seven existing units, besides establishing a second NIMHANS campus in north India and two upgraded national mental health institutes.

Simple Future Adjunct + S + V + O + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Additionally
Also; in addition to the plans already mentioned.
Subject Who/What
the government
The central government of India.
Verb What is happening
will set up
Will build or establish.
Object What receives action
three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
Three new top-level national colleges that focus on research and training in the field of medicine-making.
Verb What is happening
and modernise
And will improve what already exists with new technology.
Object What receives action
seven existing units
Seven NIPER centers that are already working.
Adjunct Additional info
besides establishing a second NIMHANS campus in north India and two upgraded national mental health institutes
Along with setting up a new branch of the famous mental health institute (NIMHANS) in North India and improving two other mental health centers.
Sentence 9 of 14
English Original

The government has set itself a target of training one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years, while another 1.5 lakh care workers will also be trained to take care of the health needs of the elderly; this is appreciable at a time when India is well on its way towards becoming a grey nation, with fertility levels falling.

Present Perfect and Simple Present S + V + IO + O + Adjunct ; S + V + C + Adjunct Compound-Complex Compound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The government
The central government.
Verb What is happening
has set
Has made or decided on.
Indirect Object To/For whom
itself
For the government’s own goal.
Object What receives action
a target of training one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years
A goal to teach one lakh medical support staff (like lab technicians) in the next five years.
Adjunct Additional info
while another 1.5 lakh care workers will also be trained to take care of the health needs of the elderly
And at the same time, 1,50,000 more workers will be taught how to look after old people’s health.
Subject Who/What
this
This entire plan of training workers.
Verb What is happening
is
Is (present state).
Complement Completes meaning
appreciable
A good thing that we should be happy about.
Adjunct Additional info
at a time when India is well on its way towards becoming a grey nation, with fertility levels falling
Because right now, India’s population is getting older and fewer babies are being born.
Context and Background
India

India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has recently dropped below the replacement level of 2.1. This means the population will eventually start aging faster. By 2050, it is estimated that one out of every five Indians will be over the age of 60.

Sentence 10 of 14
English Original

In the area of making care affordable, the government has exempted 17 cancer medicines and several treatments for rare diseases from customs and import duties, while also reducing the tax collected at source on medical and educational remittances from 5% to 2%.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct + Adjunct Main and Participle Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In the area of making care affordable
Concerning the topic of making health care cheaper for common people.
Subject Who/What
the government
The central government.
Verb What is happening
has exempted
Has removed the tax or fee that was previously required.
Object What receives action
17 cancer medicines and several treatments for rare diseases
17 types of drugs used for cancer and many ways of treating uncommon diseases.
Adjunct Additional info
from customs and import duties
From the taxes usually paid when these medicines are brought into India from other countries.
Adjunct Additional info
while also reducing the tax collected at source on medical and educational remittances from 5% to 2%
And also lowering the tax on money sent abroad for medical treatment or studies from 5 percent to 2 percent.
Context and Background
Impact of Duty Exemptions

Imported life-saving drugs for cancer and rare diseases are often extremely expensive. Removing customs duties (which can be as high as 10-20%) can significantly lower the final price for patients, making life-saving treatments more accessible.

Sentence 11 of 14
English Original

For patients suffering from these conditions, and their families, this will no doubt lead to better affordability for treatments.

Simple Future Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
For patients suffering from these conditions, and their families
For the people who have these diseases and for their relatives who have to pay for the care.
Subject Who/What
this
The decision to remove taxes and duties mentioned earlier.
Verb What is happening
will no doubt lead to
Will surely result in.
Object What receives action
better affordability for treatments
Patients being able to find and pay for the medicines and care they need more easily.
Sentence 12 of 14
English Original

Primarily under fire was the Union government’s stodgy refusal to increase the allocation for health care to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as committed in the National Health Policy of 2017.

Simple Past Complement + Verb + Subject Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Complement Completes meaning
Primarily under fire
Mainly being criticized or attacked by people.
Verb What is happening
was
Represents the state of things.
Subject Who/What
the Union government’s stodgy refusal to increase the allocation for health care to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as committed in the National Health Policy of 2017
The central government’s stubborn behavior in not giving more money to health (which was supposed to be 2.5% of the total economy by 2025), even though they promised it back in 2017.
Context and Background
The 2.5% GDP Goal

The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 aimed to increase public health spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025. This was considered essential to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in India. However, spending has remained stagnant at around 1.3-1.6% of GDP.

Sentence 13 of 14
English Original

Public health activists have lambasted the drop in funding for the National Health Mission, despite the fact that funds have been consistently well utilised here.

Present Perfect S + V + O + Adjunct Main and Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Public health activists
People who work to improve the health and well-being of the whole population.
Verb What is happening
have lambasted
Have criticized very severely and publicly.
Object What receives action
the drop in funding for the National Health Mission
The decrease in money allocated to India’s primary public health program.
Adjunct Additional info
despite the fact that funds have been consistently well utilised here
Even though the money given to this program has always been used very effectively for its goals.
Context and Background
National Health Mission (NHM)

The NHM is India’s largest public health program. It includes the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). It is responsible for critical areas like maternal health, child health, and the prevention of diseases.

Sentence 14 of 14
English Original

While fiscal devolution has enabled States to invest more heavily in the health sector, there are concerns, however, that the Centre steadily reducing its share will result in patchy outcomes, not even improvements, in the health-care sector of the country.

Present Perfect and Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C + Adjunct + O Main and Subordinate Clauses Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
While fiscal devolution has enabled States to invest more heavily in the health sector
Even though the sharing of tax money has allowed state governments to spend more on health care.
Subject Who/What
there
Introduces the existence of something (worries).
Verb What is happening
are
Exist or are present.
Complement Completes meaning
concerns
Worries or doubts.
Adjunct Additional info
however
But at the same time.
Object What receives action
that the Centre steadily reducing its share will result in patchy outcomes, not even improvements, in the health-care sector of the country
That the central government’s plan to slowly give less money will lead to inconsistent health results (good for some, bad for others) rather than making things better for everyone.
Context and Background
Fiscal Devolution and Health

Under Indian federalism, health is primarily a state subject. The Finance Commission decides the share of taxes given to states. While states now have more money, health experts argue that the central government must still lead and fund national health goals to ensure equality across all states.

Sentence 1 of 14
Sentence 1 of 14
While this year’s health-care allocations are aggressive in certain key sectors, it has failed expectations that Budget 2026 would be a milestone for increased health-care spending as a percentage of GDP.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While this year’s health-care allocations are aggressive in certain key sectors
Even though the government has planned to spend a lot of money on some specific parts of health care this year.
Subject
it
This budget or the decision-making process.
Verb
has failed
Did not meet or fulfill.
Object
expectations that Budget 2026 would be a milestone for increased health-care spending as a percentage of GDP
The hope that this year’s budget would be a major historical point where more money is spent on health compared to the country’s total income (GDP).
Sentence 2 of 14
The total allocation this year is over ₹1.05 lakh crore, marking an increase of about 10% over the previous year’s revised estimates.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The total allocation this year
The total amount of money kept for health in this year’s budget.
Verb
is
Equals or stands at.
Complement
over ₹1.05 lakh crore
More than 1,05,000 crore rupees.
Adjunct
marking an increase of about 10% over the previous year’s revised estimates
Showing that this amount is about 10 percent higher than the updated figures of what was likely spent last year.
Sentence 3 of 14
However, experts have pointed out that the 2026 health budget is approximately 1.9% of the total government expenditure, and about 0.26% of GDP.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
However
But, looking at another side of the facts.
Subject
experts
Knowledgeable people like economists or researchers.
Verb
have pointed out
Have shown or mentioned clearly.
Object
that the 2026 health budget is approximately 1.9% of the total government expenditure, and about 0.26% of GDP
That the health fund is only a very small portion (less than 2%) of the government’s total spending and a tiny fraction of the nation’s total income.
Sentence 4 of 14
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman fronted the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme, among the projects with the single highest budgetary allocations this year.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The government official who manages India’s money and budget.
Verb
fronted
Led or presented formally.
Object
the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme
A new government program focused on making medicines using biological technology.
Adjunct
among the projects with the single highest budgetary allocations this year
One of the programs that got the most money in the 2026 budget.
Sentence 5 of 14
This ₹10,000 crore government initiative will transform India into a manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars over the next five years, she said.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This ₹10,000 crore government initiative
This new 10,000 crore rupee plan by the government.
Verb
will transform
Will completely change or turn.
Object
India
Our country.
Complement
into a manufacturing hub for biologics and biosimilars
Into a major global center for making advanced medical drugs and their generic versions.
Adjunct
over the next five years
During the time period of the next five years.
Subject
she
The Finance Minister.
Verb
said
Stated or told.
Sentence 6 of 14
A pan-country clinical state-of-the-art trial infrastructure will also be created, through a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
A pan-country clinical state-of-the-art trial infrastructure
A very modern, nationwide system for testing new medicines on humans.
Verb
will also be created
Will also be set up or built.
Adjunct
through a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites
By using a group of 1,000 officially approved places for conducting medical tests.
Sentence 7 of 14
No doubt, this will take care of an angle that has long been languishing in India — research and development.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
No doubt
Certainly or without any question.
Subject
this
This new plan and the infrastructure being built.
Verb
will take care of
Will solve or address a problem.
Object
an angle that has long been languishing in India — research and development
A part of the health system that has been neglected for many years, which is the discovery and creation of new medicines (R&D).
Sentence 8 of 14
Additionally, the government will set up three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and modernise seven existing units, besides establishing a second NIMHANS campus in north India and two upgraded national mental health institutes.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Additionally
Also; in addition to the plans already mentioned.
Subject
the government
The central government of India.
Verb
will set up
Will build or establish.
Object
three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
Three new top-level national colleges that focus on research and training in the field of medicine-making.
Verb
and modernise
And will improve what already exists with new technology.
Object
seven existing units
Seven NIPER centers that are already working.
Adjunct
besides establishing a second NIMHANS campus in north India and two upgraded national mental health institutes
Along with setting up a new branch of the famous mental health institute (NIMHANS) in North India and improving two other mental health centers.
Sentence 9 of 14
The government has set itself a target of training one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years, while another 1.5 lakh care workers will also be trained to take care of the health needs of the elderly; this is appreciable at a time when India is well on its way towards becoming a grey nation, with fertility levels falling.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The government
The central government.
Verb
has set
Has made or decided on.
Indirect Object
itself
For the government’s own goal.
Object
a target of training one lakh allied health professionals over the next five years
A goal to teach one lakh medical support staff (like lab technicians) in the next five years.
Adjunct
while another 1.5 lakh care workers will also be trained to take care of the health needs of the elderly
And at the same time, 1,50,000 more workers will be taught how to look after old people’s health.
Subject
this
This entire plan of training workers.
Verb
is
Is (present state).
Complement
appreciable
A good thing that we should be happy about.
Adjunct
at a time when India is well on its way towards becoming a grey nation, with fertility levels falling
Because right now, India’s population is getting older and fewer babies are being born.
Sentence 10 of 14
In the area of making care affordable, the government has exempted 17 cancer medicines and several treatments for rare diseases from customs and import duties, while also reducing the tax collected at source on medical and educational remittances from 5% to 2%.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In the area of making care affordable
Concerning the topic of making health care cheaper for common people.
Subject
the government
The central government.
Verb
has exempted
Has removed the tax or fee that was previously required.
Object
17 cancer medicines and several treatments for rare diseases
17 types of drugs used for cancer and many ways of treating uncommon diseases.
Adjunct
from customs and import duties
From the taxes usually paid when these medicines are brought into India from other countries.
Adjunct
while also reducing the tax collected at source on medical and educational remittances from 5% to 2%
And also lowering the tax on money sent abroad for medical treatment or studies from 5 percent to 2 percent.
Sentence 11 of 14
For patients suffering from these conditions, and their families, this will no doubt lead to better affordability for treatments.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
For patients suffering from these conditions, and their families
For the people who have these diseases and for their relatives who have to pay for the care.
Subject
this
The decision to remove taxes and duties mentioned earlier.
Verb
will no doubt lead to
Will surely result in.
Object
better affordability for treatments
Patients being able to find and pay for the medicines and care they need more easily.
Sentence 12 of 14
Primarily under fire was the Union government’s stodgy refusal to increase the allocation for health care to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as committed in the National Health Policy of 2017.
Phrase Breakdown
Complement
Primarily under fire
Mainly being criticized or attacked by people.
Verb
was
Represents the state of things.
Subject
the Union government’s stodgy refusal to increase the allocation for health care to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as committed in the National Health Policy of 2017
The central government’s stubborn behavior in not giving more money to health (which was supposed to be 2.5% of the total economy by 2025), even though they promised it back in 2017.
Sentence 13 of 14
Public health activists have lambasted the drop in funding for the National Health Mission, despite the fact that funds have been consistently well utilised here.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Public health activists
People who work to improve the health and well-being of the whole population.
Verb
have lambasted
Have criticized very severely and publicly.
Object
the drop in funding for the National Health Mission
The decrease in money allocated to India’s primary public health program.
Adjunct
despite the fact that funds have been consistently well utilised here
Even though the money given to this program has always been used very effectively for its goals.
Sentence 14 of 14
While fiscal devolution has enabled States to invest more heavily in the health sector, there are concerns, however, that the Centre steadily reducing its share will result in patchy outcomes, not even improvements, in the health-care sector of the country.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While fiscal devolution has enabled States to invest more heavily in the health sector
Even though the sharing of tax money has allowed state governments to spend more on health care.
Subject
there
Introduces the existence of something (worries).
Verb
are
Exist or are present.
Complement
concerns
Worries or doubts.
Adjunct
however
But at the same time.
Object
that the Centre steadily reducing its share will result in patchy outcomes, not even improvements, in the health-care sector of the country
That the central government’s plan to slowly give less money will lead to inconsistent health results (good for some, bad for others) rather than making things better for everyone.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Budget 2026 Health Care

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about health-care allocations in Budget 2026.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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