Budget 2026: Sitharaman announces 3 All India Institutes of Ayurveda
What's the story
In a major push for Ayurveda, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda in the Union Budget 2026-27. The move comes as part of India's efforts to meet the growing global demand for Ayurvedic medicine. In her speech, Sitharaman highlighted that post-COVID-19, Ayurveda has gained worldwide acceptance, just like ancient Indian Yoga did when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced it at the UN.
Global acceptance
Exporting quality Ayurveda products
Sitharaman emphasized the global recognition of Ayurveda after COVID-19, saying, "Exporting quality Ayurveda products helps farmers to grow the herbs and those who process the products." She added that to meet this growing demand, "a few more steps are being taken," which includes setting up these three new institutes. The first All India Institute of Ayurveda was established in New Delhi as a Center of Excellence for tertiary health care.
Infrastructure enhancement
Upgrading AYUSH pharmacies
Along with the new institutes, Sitharaman also announced plans to upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar. The upgrade aims at raising standards and making more skilled personnel available. The WHO GTMC was set up as a global wellness hub to strengthen evidence-based research, training, and awareness for traditional medicine. It is the world's first global outpost center for traditional medicine, according to the AYUSH ministry.
Educational expansion
Training of health professionals
The Union Budget 2026-27 also announced the introduction of 10 new allied health disciplines, including optometry, anesthesia, applied psychology, and behavioral health. The aim is to train one lakh Allied Health Professionals (AHP) over the next five years. Additionally, there is an initiative to enhance AYUSH services by training 1.5 lakh caregivers for wellness and yoga services and expanding natural Ayurvedic products and centers.