Union Minister JP Nadda said state governments failed to use healthcare funds effectively at the Health Wealth Summit 2026. He noted that grants under the 15th Finance Commission and the 64,000 crore rupee Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission remain unutilised. Many states struggle to spend money despite central government support.
Speaking at the Health Wealth Summit 2026 organised by the India Today Group, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda addressed India's healthcare roadmap, infrastructure expansion, and public expenditure. Highlighting initiatives under the National Health Policy, Nadda detailed the growth of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, non-communicable disease screenings, and digital healthcare platforms such as ABHA and U-WIN. He reported institutional deliveries reaching 90 per cent alongside decreases in maternal and infant mortality rates. Regarding medical education, he noted the rise of AIIMS facilities to 23 and medical colleges to 860. Addressing public health expenditure, Nadda stated the central government is prepared to allocate up to 2.5 per cent of GDP, but identified state spending capacity as a constraint, citing unutilised grants under the 15th Finance Commission and the 64,000 crore rupee Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. He highlighted cancer drug price caps, Jan Aushadhi and AMRIT pharmacies, Ayushman Bharat grievance redressal committees, and criticised opposition protests.