The Union Budget 2026-27, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM, is poised to shape India’s growth trajectory amid global uncertainties and domestic priorities. As stakeholders across healthcare, financial inclusion, textiles and apparel, coworking spaces, and more share their expectations, the focus is on infrastructure upgrades, affordability, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive policies to drive employment, investment, and sectoral resilience.
Industry leaders emphasize targeted reforms to position India as a global hub in key areas while addressing challenges like accessibility, talent development, and ease of doing business. Here are the prominent pre-Budget expectations and recommendations.
Positioning India as a Global Healthcare Leader and Medical Tourism Hub
India’s healthcare sector aims to capture a larger share of the $20 billion medical tourism market, currently led by Turkey and Thailand. Experts call for visa reforms, infrastructure funding, and incentives to boost quality care and innovation.
Dr. Roy Patankar, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and Director of Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur, outlines a comprehensive roadmap:
“To make India a magnet for medical tourism… visa-on-arrival facilities for patients and their relatives should be introduced… Strengthening healthcare infrastructure through cheaper, easier loans and funding… Incentives for research in medical institutions, tied to publications and innovations like China’s model… Indian MedTech companies should also be supported through Production-Linked Incentives… Offering a three-year tax holiday for PPP hospitals with more than 200 beds in Grade B towns…”
Dr. Sunil Kutty, Director of NewEra Hospitals and Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, stresses affordability and infrastructure:
“Increased investment in public and private healthcare, support for advanced medical technology, and incentives for preventive care… Policies that encourage skill development for healthcare professionals and reduce the cost burden on patients…”
Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), highlights stroke-specific priorities:
“Higher funding for strengthening stroke-ready infrastructure, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities… Increased support for public awareness campaigns… Investment in training healthcare professionals and promoting preventive health screenings…”
These measures could reduce disease burden, enhance accessibility in underserved areas, and attract international patients.
Empowering Young Investors and Financial Inclusion
With a new generation of digital-native investors (18-28 years old) entering markets via UPI and apps, policies should encourage early wealth creation and bring experimentation onshore.
Vedant Gupte, Founder & CEO of Trackk, advocates youth-focused reforms:
“First-time investor incentives, SIP-linked tax credits for long-term holdings, youth-focused equity savings accounts, or even GST relief on verified financial education… Clarity around digital asset taxation and rational TDS… smoother KYC rules so participation isn’t limited to salaried urban India.”
Such steps could foster inclusive wealth building and strengthen India’s financial ecosystem.
Strengthening Textiles, Apparel, and Manufacturing MSMEs
The apparel and textile sector seeks continued momentum in scale, logistics, and sustainability to enhance domestic and export competitiveness.
Abhishek Dua, Co-Founder of Showroom B2B, notes:
“Measures that improve ease of doing business for MSME manufacturers including smoother access to working capital and support for technology adoption… Continued investment in logistics, warehousing and digital supply chains… A consistent focus on sustainability, skill development and organised retail participation…”
Promoting Sustainable Coworking and GCC Growth
Green coworking hubs are gaining traction for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), offering energy savings and agility.
Mr. Sparsh Khandelwal, Founder & CEO of Stylework, highlights:
“Eco-friendly flex spaces… delivering 25–40% energy cost savings… reducing setup timelines by nearly 50%… the upcoming Budget will further accelerate this momentum through targeted incentives such as enhanced tax benefits for sustainable workspace upgrades, GST rationalisation on flex and coworking leases, and policy support for ESG-compliant commercial infrastructure.”
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches on February 1, these expert insights reflect a shared vision for policies that balance immediate relief with long-term structural changes. Priorities like healthcare accessibility, youth financial empowerment, MSME support, and sustainable infrastructure could unlock investments, create jobs, improve quality of life, and reinforce India’s global standing. Stakeholders await announcements that align with ambitions for Viksit Bharat and inclusive, resilient growth.
Last Updated on: Friday, January 23, 2026 7:19 pm by Business Byte Team | Published by: Business Byte Team on Friday, January 23, 2026 7:19 pm | News Categories: Economy, Business
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