The healthcare technology sector anticipates that the Union Budget 2025 will introduce measures to attract investments and foster innovation. Establishing dedicated healthcare technology parks and incubators will provide startups with opportunities to collaborate with research institutions, driving advancements in the sector. Offering tax incentives to investors supporting early-stage health-tech firms can further boost venture capital inflows. Additionally, reducing import tariffs on advanced biomedical devices will ensure that Indian healthcare professionals have access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools, improving patient care outcomes.

A key expectation from the upcoming budget is the reinforcement of the ‘Make in India’ initiative for the MedTech sector. Encouraging domestic manufacturing of medical devices is crucial to reducing reliance on imports and building a self-sufficient ecosystem. By offering incentives and streamlining regulatory approvals, the government can support local production and innovation, creating employment opportunities and positioning India as a global hub for cost-effective, high-quality healthcare solutions. Strengthening supplier collaborations and fostering a robust ecosystem will further enhance efficiency and scalability, making Indian healthcare technology more competitive on a global scale.

Investment in research and development (R&D) is another critical area requiring attention. Increased funding for healthcare R&D, incentives for private sector participation, and public-private partnerships can drive innovation. Policies that promote AI-driven healthcare applications will accelerate advancements in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and operational efficiencies. Additionally, as digital health expands, safeguarding patient data must remain a priority, necessitating government investment in strong security frameworks and technologies such as blockchain to enhance transparency and interoperability.

Finally, expanding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and integrating health-tech solutions within public health services will be vital in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and making quality care more accessible to all.

This move is aimed at providing senior citizens with higher returns on their investments. Union Bank of India announced an increase of up to 0.25% on FD interest rates. According to the bank, deposits held for seven to 14 days will now accrue three percent interest. Meanwhile, deposits ranging from 121 days to 180 days will earn an interest of 4.4%, and those held for a year will yield 6.30%. The bank has further declared that its customers will receive seven percent interest on deposits held for 399 days, while FDs with tenures spanning five to ten years will yield 6.70% interest. Both SBI and Union Bank of India have confirmed that senior citizens will receive an additional 0.50% interest on FDs.