Union Budget 2026-27 Enhances Funding for Delhi's Premier Government Hospitals
The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 has announced substantial increases in allocations for major central government hospitals located in New Delhi. This move signals a strategic push by the government to bolster tertiary healthcare, advance medical education, and support high-volume patient services in the national capital. The enhanced funding is aimed at addressing the growing demands of these institutions, which serve not only Delhi's residents but also patients from across northern India.
Detailed Breakdown of Hospital Allocations
Among the key beneficiaries, AIIMS New Delhi has been allocated Rs 5,500.9 crore for 2026-27. This represents an increase of Rs 262.2 crore over the previous year's revised estimates. According to officials, the additional funds will be utilized to support advanced clinical care, cutting-edge research initiatives, and comprehensive training programs for medical professionals.
Safdarjung Hospital and the affiliated Vardhman Mahavir Medical College have together received Rs 2,170.7 crore. This allocation is up from Rs 2,045 crore in 2025-26. Safdarjung Hospital continues to be recognized as one of the country's busiest referral centers, handling a significant influx of patients daily.
Significant Increases for Other Major Institutions
A more pronounced rise in funding has been allocated to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences. Their combined outlay has increased to Rs 1,450.7 crore from Rs 1,214.7 crore in the previous year. This substantial hike reflects the expanding services and higher operational needs of these institutions as they strive to meet the healthcare demands of a growing population.
Modest Boosts for Women's and Paediatric Healthcare
Women's healthcare institutions have also seen a modest increase in their budgetary allocations. Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital have been allocated Rs 795.9 crore, compared with Rs 770 crore last year. This increment is expected to enhance the quality of care and facilities available for women's health services.
In the realm of paediatric care, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital has received Rs 182.2 crore, which is slightly higher than the revised estimate of Rs 177 crore from the previous fiscal year. This marginal raise aims to support the specialized needs of child healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
Objectives Behind the Enhanced Allocations
Officials have emphasized that the enhanced allocations are designed to achieve several critical objectives:
- Sustaining the heavy patient inflow that these hospitals experience on a daily basis.
- Upgrading ageing infrastructure to meet modern healthcare standards.
- Addressing rising operational costs associated with providing high-quality medical services.
These hospitals play a pivotal role in the healthcare ecosystem, catering to a vast demographic that extends beyond Delhi to encompass large parts of north India. The increased funding is a step towards ensuring that these institutions can continue to deliver essential services effectively and efficiently.
The Union Budget 2026-27's focus on strengthening Delhi's major government hospitals underscores the government's commitment to improving public healthcare infrastructure. By investing in these key institutions, the aim is to enhance the overall quality of medical care, foster innovation in treatment methods, and build a more resilient healthcare system for the future.
