Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, proposed a new scheme to help States build five regional medical hubs with private sector support. These hubs will be integrated healthcare centers combining medical care, education, and research. They will feature AYUSH centres, medical value tourism facilitation, diagnostics, post care, and rehabilitation services. "These hubs will provide diverse job opportunities for health professionals, including doctors," Ms. Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27. Highlighting Ayurveda's global acceptance post-Covid, the Finance Minister announced the setting up of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to boost research. She said, "Ancient Indian yoga, already respected in several parts of the world, was given a mass global recognition when the prime minister took it to the UN." The Budget also proposes upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs for better certification. To promote traditional medicine further, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine centre in Jamnagar will be enhanced for research and training. Ms. Sitharaman emphasized exploring quality Ayurveda products, noting benefits for farmers and youth involved in herb cultivation and product processing. This move aims to give a fresh boost to medical tourism and the traditional healthcare sector in India.