Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026-27 Makes Health Services a Top Priority
In a significant move to bolster public health, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced a massive allocation of Rs 23,747 crore for the health sector in its Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented the budget in the State Assembly on Wednesday, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for all citizens.
Substantial Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure
Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Devda stated, "Health is the capital of humanity. Our government is committed to strengthening services and ensuring quality treatment for every citizen." This substantial financial commitment underscores the state's focus on building a robust healthcare system.
The budget highlights the current healthcare infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh, which includes:
- 55 district hospitals
- 158 civil hospitals
- 348 community health centres
- 1,442 primary health centres
- 256 sub-health centres
This extensive network provides a combined capacity of approximately 48,000 beds, serving millions of residents. To further expand access, new district hospitals are being established in Maihar, Mauganj, and Pandhurna. Additionally, the government has set up 228 maternity waiting rooms specifically designed to support high-risk pregnant women, ensuring safer deliveries and better maternal care.
Major Expansion in Medical Education and Training
The budget outlines significant progress in medical education, with rapid expansion over the past two years. Key developments include:
- Opening of 5 new government medical colleges
- Increase in MBBS seats from 2,275 to 2,850
- Substantial rise in postgraduate seats from 262 to 1,468
Furthermore, medical colleges in Indore, Rewa, Seoni, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Gwalior have undergone upgrades, improving both educational standards and clinical services. To address staffing needs, recruitment is actively underway for 3,850 doctors and 1,256 nursing officers, aiming to strengthen the healthcare workforce across the state.
Public-Private Partnerships and Ayushman Bharat Enhancements
The government is actively exploring public-private partnerships (PPP) to establish new medical colleges. Contracts have already been signed for projects in Dhar, Baijnath, and Panna, with plans for 9 additional colleges across various districts. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the development of medical infrastructure and increase the availability of specialized healthcare services.
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the state has issued more than 4.46 crore health cards, including 15.48 lakh special cards for citizens above 70 years of age. The scheme is now linked with 1,118 government hospitals and 720 private hospitals, ensuring comprehensive coverage. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, a provision of Rs 2,139 crore has been allocated to support and expand this vital health insurance program.
Support for Traditional Medicine and Holistic Healthcare
In addition to modern medical services, the budget also supports traditional medicine systems. The government is establishing 8 new Ayurvedic colleges and hospitals across Madhya Pradesh, promoting holistic healthcare and integrating Ayurveda into the state's overall health strategy. This initiative reflects a balanced approach to healthcare, combining contemporary medical advancements with time-tested traditional practices.
The Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026-27 demonstrates a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to healthcare, focusing on infrastructure development, medical education expansion, workforce strengthening, and inclusive health coverage through schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
