Pollution Emergencies To Cancer Care: Reasons Why Union Budget 2026 Must Back AI Teleconsults

The Union Budget for 2026 will be presented at 11 AM on February 1. This time, the healthcare sector will be closely watching the budget in order to understand whether government policies will address

the growing pressure on India’s health system.

But there is another focus this year: digital health and teleconsultations. It is because stakeholders are looking for measures that can improve access, control costs and strengthen healthcare delivery across urban and rural India.

What Do Healthcare Experts Expect From Union Budget 2026?

Among the top expectations from the government are: higher public spending, better infrastructure, and a focus on preventive care. There are also concerns around rising medical inflation and the shortage of medical professionals. They expect that the budget will address these challenges.

How Much Increase In Healthcare Spending Is Being Expected?

Healthcare spending is expected to rise to between 2.5-5 per cent of GDP in line with National Health Policy targets and signals seen in previous budgets. Industry leaders are also pushing for the creation of a dedicated Healthcare Infrastructure Fund.

Higher allocations for primary care centres are being sought to reduce the health impact of pollution-related illnesses.

What Are The Demands Related To Digital Health In Union Budget 2026?

Several preventive health measures are being flagged as priorities ahead of the budget. These include tax deductions for preventive health check-ups and subsidies for essential tools such as inhalers and health monitoring devices.

On the digital front, stakeholders expect stronger support for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission particularly for telemedicine services and AI-based diagnostics. Proposals also include launching a national air quality-health monitoring programme and making digitised health check-ups mandatory to support early detection and data-driven care.

What Role Is Digital Health And Teleconsultations Expected To Play In Union Budget 2026?

Experts believe the budget could strengthen teleconsultations through increased digital health funding, deeper AI integration and expanded rural outreach under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

There are expectations for dedicated allocations to scale ABDM, support AI-enabled diagnostics, expand telemedicine services and ensure interoperable digital health records across providers.

Healthcare leaders also see potential in enhanced telemedicine models such as “hospital-at-home” services and hub-and-spoke networks. These systems are viewed as ways to improve rural access and reduce travel costs.

What Do Healthcare Leaders Say About Digital Health Priorities?

Healthcare leaders believe the Union Budget 2026 is an opportunity to rethink how India funds and builds its health system especially in the context of technology-led care. Dr Vivek Desai, Founder and Managing Director of HOSMAC, pointed to the need for policies that support Make-in-India medical technology, expand nursing and paramedical education and create longer-term financing options for hospitals.

According to him, digital tools and AI-driven care models can help hospitals extend services to semi-urban and rural areas while managing costs more effectively.

“Targeted support for hospitals in semi-urban and rural areas, more investment in digital health and AI-led telemedicine, and a sharper focus on geriatric care are all essential,” Dr Desai told India Today.

Highlighting another critical gap, Dr Jothi Neeraja, Founder and Managing Director of People Tree Hospitals and Maarga Mind Care, said mental health continues to receive a very small share of public health funding even as demand rises sharply.

“Direct mental health spending was around 1,004 crore, making it just 1 per cent of the health budget,” she says.

Dr Neeraja believes digital and tele-mental health services can play a key role in widening access especially in areas with limited specialist availability.

“Continued emphasis on digital and tele-mental health services and integrated care pathways will be crucial in turning policy intent into real impact,” Dr Neeraja told the outlet.

Why Are Industry Bodies Emphasising Digital Health At A Broader Level?

Industry leaders from hospital networks and healthcare associations stress the need to connect thousands of primary care centres through teleconsultations. This approach is seen as a way to improve preventive care and lower overall treatment costs.

Digital health is expected to help transform fragmented systems into patient-centric models with data sharing, remote consultations and personalised care pathways.

Can Cancer Patients Receive Medical Advice Through Teleconsultations In India?

Yes, several hospitals and initiatives already offer remote oncology consultations. These include diagnosis discussions, treatment planning, follow-ups, symptom management and palliative care support.

Major cancer centres such as Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCIRC) and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) provide video or audio teleconsultations for both new and existing patients. These services align with demands to scale ABDM for better cancer care access, early detection and AI integration.

Can Digital Health Improve Care For Pregnant Women?

Digital health systems under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are expected to support maternal care indirectly. Experts say digital platforms can help monitor pregnancies remotely especially for women who find it difficult to access hospitals frequently.

Teleconsultations could allow doctors to track high-risk pregnancies, review reports online and guide expectant mothers without repeated travel.