Budget 2026's Medical Hub Initiative Offers New Hope for Kolkata's Struggling Health Sector
The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed the establishment of five regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector, a move that has ignited optimism in Kolkata's healthcare industry. This initiative comes at a critical time for the city's medical sector, which has been grappling with significant challenges since 2024, particularly the decline in patient inflow from Bangladesh.
Integrated Healthcare Complexes to Transform Medical Landscape
The proposed hubs are envisioned as comprehensive integrated healthcare complexes that will combine medical facilities, educational institutions, and research centers. A key feature will be the inclusion of Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres equipped with advanced infrastructure for diagnostics, post-operative care, and rehabilitation services. Healthcare stakeholders in Kolkata believe this strategic development could serve as a catalyst for reviving medical tourism in the city.
Stakeholders Express Optimism About Regional Impact
Prashant Sharma, Chairperson of the Indian Chamber of Commerce healthcare committee and Managing Director of Charnock Hospital, emphasized the untapped potential of Eastern India's geographical advantages. "I think the focus should be on wellness. East India has great geographies, but it is not well utilized. That is where I think there's a major scope for expansion," Sharma remarked, highlighting the region's opportunities for healthcare growth.
MS Purkait, Medical Superintendent at Techno India DAMA Hospital, noted Kolkata's strategic position serving patients from Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and the entire Northeast region including Bangladesh and neighboring states like Bihar, Assam, and Odisha. "Kolkata is strategically placed to be one of the hubs which will help a multitude of patients, and hopefully revive the flow from Bangladesh at some stage. This initiative will be a boon for patients from the entire region," Purkait stated optimistically.
Specialized Services and Economic Boost Expected
Debasish Bhattacharya, Chairman and Managing Director of Disha Eye Hospitals, expressed confidence that the medical hubs would rejuvenate Kolkata's healthcare industry. "This initiative will help in reviving the healthcare industry in Kolkata by boosting both the facilities and the economy. We're hopeful that the hubs will focus more on specialized healthcare services, including eye care also. It will include advanced infrastructure and an enriched research and development wing to attract patients from other countries also," Bhattacharya explained.
Comprehensive Healthcare Ecosystem Development
Rupak Barua, CEO of Woodlands Hospital and President of the Association of Hospitals of Eastern India, pointed out that the medical hubs could significantly expand diagnostic capabilities, rehabilitation services, and medical travel facilities. Meanwhile, Parthiv Neotia, Joint Managing Director of Ambuja Neotia Healthcare Venture Limited, highlighted the budget's foundation for creating a world-class medical tourism ecosystem.
"By integrating advanced care facilities, research, and Ayush-centric offerings, the budget laid the foundation for a world-class medical tourism ecosystem that could attract global patients, create high-value employment, enhance private sector collaboration, and improve access to advanced therapies," Neotia elaborated, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of the initiative.
The Union Budget 2026's medical hub proposal represents a significant opportunity for Kolkata to reclaim its position as a premier healthcare destination in Eastern India, potentially reversing the downturn in medical tourism while creating new economic opportunities and improving healthcare access for regional populations.
