Dr. Sandip Shah, Joint Managing Director, Neuberg Diagnostics

"The diagnostics industry anticipates that the Union Budget 2025 will prioritize increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on strengthening diagnostic capabilities across urban and rural areas," said Dr. Sandip Shah, Joint Managing Director at Neuberg Diagnostics.

Reduced GST on diagnostic services and equipment, financial incentives to encourage the development of cutting-edge diagnostic technology, and increased funding for government-led screening programs for infectious and non-communicable diseases are some of the main goals. The industry also looks for incentives for research and development in molecular diagnostics and AI-driven technologies, funding for public-private partnerships to increase access to reasonably priced diagnostic products, and projects to develop laboratory networks in underserved areas. The development of a strong diagnostics ecosystem and the advancement of India's healthcare system depend on policies that promote digital integration and easy data sharing."

Abhishek Sinha, Co-founder, HealSpan

"In order to promote a more egalitarian approach to healthcare, we implore the Finance Minister to give comprehensive healthcare funding top priority under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. Investing in pharmaceutical innovation is also essential, particularly since the nation is tropical and research should concentrate on preventing tropical diseases. Strengthening our healthcare system is essential in light of recent global health issues in order to improve accessibility for all residents and better resist future crises. In addition, it is necessary to rationalize GST rates using a data-driven methodology in order to lessen the bureaucratic obstacles that have infiltrated current decision-making procedures."

Rakesh Menon, Founder and CEO, Previu Health

"Cancer care must be prioritised in India's 2025-26 budget. With one in every nine Indians at risk of cancer and 75-80 percent of cases discovered in the late stages, immediate action is required to address this rising epidemic. Cancer care must be prioritised in the 2025-26 Budget to reduce its destructive impact on individuals and the economy.

Investing in cancer prevention through vaccinations, such as cervical cancer, as well as awareness programs, is critical to reducing the disease's incidence. Early detection using modern technologies is equally important for improving outcomes and lowering treatment costs.

While initiatives such as the Ayushman Card have improved healthcare affordability, the emphasis must shift beyond affordability to prevention and early detection. These steps will save lives, alleviate financial and logistical constraints on families, and relieve pressure on the hospital system."

Dr. Sameer Bhati, Director, Star Imaging & Path Labs

"With the Union Budget 2025-2026 approaching, the diagnostics sector is optimistic about financing healthcare and expanding accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of early disease detection and management through diagnostics. Rural populations have a disadvantage as two-thirds of diagnostic facilities are located in urban areas.Transformative diagnostics play a crucial role in advancing healthcare. With 0.7% of GDP spent on R&D (compared to the global average of 2.2%), expenditures in research can lead to transformational technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics and gene-based testing for greater precision and efficiency. Tax exemptions and subsidies on diagnostic services can help make preventative healthcare more affordable in India, where 48% of healthcare spending is out-of-pocket. Telepathology and AI are examples of digital health technologies that improve accuracy and accessibility. AI diagnostics can identify problems with up to 95% accuracy, leading to improved results."