Archives February 2026

New Delhi, Feb 01: The Union Budget 2026 has been widely welcomed by India’s healthcare industry for its strategic emphasis on long-term preparedness, research, emergency care, and integrated healthcare systems. Industry leaders highlight that the measures announced in the Budget position India as a global hub for advanced, affordable, and holistic healthcare.

Dr. (Prof.) Purshotam Lal, Chairman, Metro Group of Hospitals, said,

“The ₹10,000 crore commitment to establish a national Biopharma Hub and strengthen non-communicable disease control is both timely and visionary. The proposal to set up trauma centres in every district hospital will enhance emergency response, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. The creation of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites bridges the gap between innovation and patient access, while regulatory strengthening enhances India’s credibility in global healthcare.”

Echoing this view, Mr. Abhishek Kapoor, CEO, Regency Healthcare, stated,

“Budget 2026 builds a framework for a more balanced healthcare ecosystem by investing in district-level infrastructure, expanding clinical research networks, and addressing the shortage of allied healthcare professionals. This integrated approach ensures that advanced care and innovation are accessible beyond major urban centres, improving patient outcomes and trust in both public and private healthcare systems.”

Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman, SPARSH Group of Hospitals, added,

“The establishment of five new Medical Hubs integrated with AYUSH centres marks a major boost for medical tourism and the ‘Heal in India’ initiative. By linking infrastructure, research, and system-wide capacity building, the Budget strengthens India’s position as a global destination for high-quality, affordable treatment.”

Dr. Alok Khullar, Group CEO, RJ Corp Healthcare, commented,

“Budget 2026 demonstrates a strategic vision for healthcare as a driver of economic growth. Expanding clinical trial networks and streamlining regulatory processes will accelerate innovation, improve patient access to advanced therapies, and strengthen India’s global healthcare credibility.”

Mr. Baldev Raj, Founder & CEO, Prius Healthcare, and Vice Chairman, Public Relations Council of India (Delhi Chapter), said,

“The integration of AYUSH centres within five Medical Hubs signals a new era where healthcare is not only a social sector but a pillar of economic growth and global competitiveness. The Budget ensures that infrastructure, skilled manpower, and innovation converge to build a trusted, world-class healthcare system that extends beyond metropolitan centres.”

Key Highlights Welcomed by Industry Leaders:

• ₹10,000 crore for a national Biopharma Hub and non-communicable disease control

• Trauma centres in every district hospital to enhance emergency care

• 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to accelerate research and innovation

• Integration of AYUSH centres within five new Medical Hubs to boost medical tourism

• Emphasis on allied healthcare professionals and skill development

• Regulatory strengthening to improve compliance, safety, and global credibility

Collectively, these measures are expected to improve healthcare access in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, strengthen India’s research and medical tourism capabilities, and reinforce the country’s position as a global healthcare leader.

From a civil society perspective, the real test will be how effectively these initiatives reach to the people on ground. Meaningful partnerships, strong and strategic implementation, and fair access through community-based and grassroots organizations will be essential to ensure that growth translates into lasting impact. This year’s budget laid out a clear push for economic growth along with the importance of inclusion.”

Santosh Agarwal, CFO & Executive Director, Alpha Corp Development Limited

“The Union Budget 2026 is a definitive blueprint for a ‘New Urban India.’ By scaling public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore, the government isn’t just building roads it’s building the future of our Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This ₹5,000 crore annual commitment to emerging urban hubs is a masterstroke for balanced growth. For the real estate sector, this translates to more than just connectivity; it enhances ‘liveability’ as a core asset, turning rising cities into primary economic engines. We are moving away from metro-centricity toward a more inclusive, high-growth urban reality.”

Mr. Abhinav Saxena, Founding Partner at Saxenas And Kumar Law Chambers LLP

“The Union Budget 2026 is a definitive step towards de-clogging India’s legal and regulatory arteries. We specifically welcome the proposal to implement a comprehensive New Income Tax Act to replace the six-decade-old law. For the legal fraternity and our corporate clients, this simplification is a long-awaited reform that will drastically reduce interpretation disputes and compliance friction.

Furthermore, the focus on digitizing NCLT tribunals and the introduction of a Customs Amnesty Scheme signal a clear shift towards a Trust-Based governance model. By smoothing out the insolvency process and reducing legacy tax litigation, the Government is allowing firms to focus on value creation rather than courtroom battles. For startups and MSMEs, this Ease of Doing Business is the most valuable capital of all.”

By:- Mr. Hiren Shah, Managing Director, Jyoti Global Plast

We welcomed the Union Budget 2026, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on strengthening the MSME ecosystem and advancing manufacturing-led growth. He noted that the Budget delivers a decisive structural push by improving access to capital, enhancing liquidity, and easing compliance—three long-standing challenges faced by MSMEs.

“The ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund, along with the enhanced allocation to the Self-Reliant India Fund, directly addresses the risk-capital gap for micro and small enterprises. Mandatory participation of CPSEs on TReDS, backed by credit guarantees for invoice discounting and securitisation of TReDS receivables, is a significant reform that will materially improve cash-flow certainty for MSMEs,” he said.

He further added that the integration of GeM with TReDS and the introduction of ‘Corporate Mitras’ to support compliance readiness will enhance transparency and ease of doing business. “Coupled with sustained public capital expenditure and infrastructure development across tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the Budget lays a strong foundation for a scalable, resilient, and competitive MSME sector—enabling Indian manufacturers to emerge as global value-chain leaders.”

By:- Supreme kothari, Partner, Economic Laws Practice.

”Budget 2026 has provided significant relief for Indians planning to travel abroad, with a major proposal to reduce the Tax Collected at Source on overseas tour packages to 2% from the existing slab-based rates of 5% and 20%, with no minimum limit. This move is expected to make international bookings cheaper, simpler, and more accessible, easing the financial burden on travelers while encouraging more Indians to explore foreign destinations. By standardizing the TCS rate and eliminating minimum thresholds, the Budget also simplifies compliance for both travelers and tour operators, potentially boosting outbound tourism and benefiting allied sectors such as airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. Experts believe this reform aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting ease of travel and transparency in pricing, making international vacations more financially feasible for families, students, and young professionals alike. Overall, the reduction in TCS is a tourism-friendly measure that not only supports travelers but also strengthens India’s global tourism footprint”

Dr. Puneet Dhawan Hails Budget 2026: “AYUSH-Integrated Medical Hubs to Make India the Global Holistic Healthcare Capital”

New Delhi, Feb 01: Dr. Puneet Dhawan, Co-Chair of the PHDCCI AYUSH Committee and renowned Ayurvedic specialist, today welcomed the government’s announcement in Budget 2026 to establish five new Medical Hubs across India. The initiative aims to integrate AYUSH centers with modern medical infrastructure, promoting holistic healthcare and boosting India’s Medical Value Tourism (MVT) ecosystem.

“This is a transformative step toward ‘Heal in India’,” said Dr. Dhawan. “By integrating AYUSH within these hubs, the long-standing challenge of fragmented care is addressed. International patients can now access both modern diagnostics and traditional healing under one roof.”

Dr. Dhawan highlighted the strategic benefits of the initiative:

• Scientific Validation: Building a data-driven environment for Ayurvedic clinical outcomes.

• Global Trust: Leveraging private-sector efficiency and international accreditation for traditional medicine.

• Economic Growth: Enhancing foreign exchange inflow through specialized wellness and rehabilitation tourism.

“The integration of AYUSH into modern medical hubs not only strengthens India’s healthcare capabilities but also positions the country as a global leader in holistic wellness,” he added.

By:- Snhkumar Purohit, Chief Strategist, EVM India.e

Most MSMEs struggle because cash cycles are tight and balance sheets are stretched. Too much debt leaves little room to absorb shocks or invest in growth. The ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund finally recognises this gap by bringing equity into the picture. The ₹2,000 crore addition to the Self-Reliant India Fund supports businesses that are ready to scale, not just start. This helps MSMEs move from managing liabilities to building capability. This addresses a real structural constraint on the ground.

MENA region outpaces Europe as second-fastest-growing market in global wellness real estate boom

Dubai, UAE, Feb 1: Dubai has become the regional hub in a trend reshaping the luxury real estate market as wealthy global buyers make quality of life their main investment goal.

The global wellness real estate market, which has more than doubled since 2019, is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029, with the Middle East playing its own part in this transformation.

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the MENA region is the second fastest-growing market worldwide, expanding at just over 22% annually, just behind Latin America–Caribbean (24%), and ahead of Europe (22.4%).

“Over the last few years, there has been a big change in the way luxury real estate is defined and valued,” says Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand. “No longer is it just driven by well-known names, size, or prestige. Today, buyers seek homes to improve their health and wellbeing.”

“They are now asking, ‘Is this home going to make me healthier? Will it help me sleep better, improve my mood, my family’s well-being? Will it connect me to nature, and give us all the quality of life we need?”

“This was our motivation in developing Keturah Reserve as the first community of its kind in the region where wellness science shapes every architectural decision.”

Interiors across the AED5.7 billion luxury Keturah Reserve development in Meydan feature natural materials and rich greenery to promote daily wellness. Bio-living features include sophisticated air and water purification systems, as well circadian lighting to improve sleep, mood, and energy levels.

Dubai’s luxury market is shifting from volume-driven growth to innovation-led development, with new projects addressing real lifestyle and health needs that challenge conventions, capture global attention, and reinforce the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination.

Most luxury buyers are long-term (5+ years) or medium-term (2-4 years) investors, though the distinction is increasingly based on purpose rather than timeframe, with two distinct profiles emerging.

“The lifestyle investor acquires a unit as a primary or secondary residence, considering it as a long-term sanctuary,” says Talal. “They are committed to holding for at least five years because they are investing in their family’s health and happiness, not merely capital appreciation.

“The strategic investor acknowledges the scarcity value of wellness-focused luxury assets, and recognizes that as the wellness real estate market grows annually in this region, early entrants will appreciate significantly. Generally, they hold for 3-5 years before exiting with substantial returns.”

Both categories of investors are quality-focused and prepared to pay a premium. They also seek assurances that the developer will deliver, that the asset will appreciate, and that they will have viable exit options.

As Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to flourish, rather than worrying investors, they perceive it as evidence of the market’s vitality and Dubai’s standing as a global luxury destination.