India's Health Budget Grows Amid Persistent Infrastructure and Affordability Challenges

India's health-care spending has increased, with the 2026 budget allocating over ₹1.05 lakh crore, about 0.26% of GDP, including initiatives like the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme and expansion of pharmaceutical and mental health institutes. Despite growth in government health expenditure from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP between 2014-15 and 2021-22, significant gaps remain in infrastructure and service delivery. Out-of-pocket expenses still constitute around 45% of health costs, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving universal affordable healthcare.