Budget 2025: Experts call for focus on mental health, medical device duties, and healthcare access

Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI:

“The high customs duty regime significantly increases the cost of medical devices, which undermines the government’s efforts to make affordable healthcare accessible to the masses through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY). Hence, we urge the government to consider reducing customs duty rates for products where domestic alternatives are not yet readily available”

Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA:

“ To boost investments in the hospitals sector, tax incentives for private sector investments in modernising medical facilities and developing greenfield hospitals in rural areas is a key requirement. Further, given increasing medical inflation, increased allocation towards and price increases under the PMJAY scheme would also be a welcome move.”

Tarun Gupta, Co Founder at Lissun (Mental Health Platform):

“At Lissun, we view the 2025-26 Union Budget as a vital opportunity to reshape India’s mental health framework. We hope for increased funding in awareness, accessibility, and affordability, alongside integrating mental health into primary healthcare. Investments in digital solutions, incentives for innovative startups, and targeted skill development to address the professional shortage are essential. Key priorities include insurance coverage for mental health, enhanced research funding, and a national mental health database. We particularly emphasise increased support for early intervention programs for children with autism and neurodevelopmental challenges and expanding university courses to produce more qualified therapists. Additionally, incorporating mental health education into schools and workplace wellness programs is crucial. With these measures, the budget can drive meaningful progress in mental health care, innovation, and accessibility across India.”

Dev Tripathy, Head of Finance, Philips Indian Subcontinent:

 “Building a future where advanced healthcare is both accessible and affordable to the larger strata of society requires strategic initiatives, and we recognise the continued commitment of the Indian Government in transforming the Indian Healthcare landscape. Over the past years, initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare, advancing medical infrastructure and promoting affordable Healthcare solutions have laid a strong foundation for the Nation’s well-being. The upcoming budget presents an opportunity to also address some of the challenges as India continues to play a pivotal role in the global Healthcare ecosystem. Reducing import duties and taxes on lifesaving devices and high-end medical equipment would be a transformative measure, significantly enhancing access to care and improving public health outcomes.”