India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector recorded a total of 78 deals valued at approximately $1.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to a recent industry report. While the number of transactions remained stable, overall deal value saw a moderation due to the absence of large-scale transactions, indicating a more cautious investment environment.

The report highlighted that mergers and acquisitions accounted for 30 deals worth about $915 million during the quarter. Although deal volumes remained consistent, the overall value declined by nearly 40% compared to the previous quarter. This trend was largely driven by smaller transaction sizes and a shift toward more selective investment strategies.

Industry experts noted that private equity activity remained active in terms of participation but continued to focus on smaller investment sizes. Investors are increasingly prioritizing scalable and capability-driven businesses, particularly in segments such as digital health, specialised care, and consumer-focused healthcare services. This reflects a broader strategic shift toward long-term value creation and global competitiveness within the sector.

Domestic transactions continued to dominate the M&A landscape in terms of volume. Most deals were relatively small, typically under $50 million, especially in hospital networks, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. This pattern suggests ongoing consolidation within mid-market healthcare providers, particularly through regional hospital acquisitions and smaller pharma deals.

Private equity and venture capital investments showed strong momentum, with 45 deals collectively valued at $456 million. This marked the highest deal volume since Q2 2022 and represented an increase of around 22% compared to the previous quarter. A significant share of investments flowed into health technology, wellness platforms, AI-enabled diagnostics, preventive healthcare solutions, and digital care services, highlighting strong investor interest in technology-driven healthcare models.

Early-stage funding remained dominant, with pre-seed to Series A rounds accounting for nearly 69% of total deal volume. Additionally, around 95% of all transactions were valued below $50 million, reinforcing the trend toward early-stage and growth-focused investments.

Public market activity remained limited during the quarter. Only one initial public offering was recorded, raising approximately $18 million, while qualified institutional placement activity saw two issuances totaling around $500 million.

Overall, the data reflects a healthcare investment landscape that is becoming more selective, with strong emphasis on digital innovation, mid-market consolidation, and long-term strategic positioning in India’s evolving pharma and healthcare ecosystem.

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 Scientists have developed a promising low-cost blood test that could potentially detect multiple cancers and other diseases using just a single sample. The method analyzes tiny fragments of DNA circulating in the blood, known as cell-free DNA, to identify biological signals linked to disease. Researchers believe this approach could transform early diagnosis by making screening more accessible and affordable.

The test focuses on DNA methylation patterns, which are chemical markers that influence how genes behave and differ depending on tissue type and disease conditions. By studying these patterns instead of searching for direct genetic mutations, the test can capture broader biological changes linked to cancer and other illnesses.

One of the major innovations in this method is its ability to reduce background noise. Most cell-free DNA in the blood comes from normal, healthy cells, making disease detection difficult. The researchers solved this by filtering out a large portion of this background genetic material, allowing them to focus only on the most informative DNA regions. This significantly reduces the need for expensive deep sequencing and brings the estimated cost down to under $20 per sample.

In a clinical study involving more than 1,000 participants, the test demonstrated encouraging results. It was able to detect around 63% of cancers overall and approximately 55% of early-stage cancers while maintaining a high specificity rate of about 98%, meaning very few false positives. In high-risk individuals, particularly those with liver disease, detection rates reached nearly 80%, showing strong potential for targeted screening.

Beyond cancer detection, the test also showed the ability to differentiate between various liver diseases with high accuracy. It could even suggest the likely organ of origin, which may help doctors decide on follow-up imaging or diagnostic procedures more effectively. Researchers believe this could reduce the need for invasive tests such as biopsies in some cases.

Experts involved in the study say the technology could eventually enable a single blood test to screen for multiple diseases before symptoms appear. This would mark a shift from reactive treatment to early preventive healthcare. However, they also emphasize that larger clinical trials are needed before the test can be widely used in hospitals.

Although still in the research phase, this advancement highlights the growing potential of DNA-based blood testing. If further studies confirm its effectiveness, it could significantly change how diseases like cancer are detected and monitored in the future, making early diagnosis faster, cheaper, and more accessible worldwide.

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India’s health insurance industry has demonstrated steady expansion in the financial year 2024–25, with total premium collections surpassing $12.98 billion. The sector recorded growth of more than 9%, reflecting increasing demand for financial protection against rising healthcare costs and improved access to insurance services.

This upward trend has been fueled by greater awareness among consumers about the importance of health coverage, along with evolving healthcare financing options. Structural shifts in healthcare spending patterns have also contributed to the sector’s expansion, as more individuals seek reliable coverage to manage medical expenses worth millions of dollars over time.

A significant role in strengthening the industry has been played by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, which has introduced several reforms aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. These regulatory measures have helped create a more structured and consumer-friendly environment for policyholders.

One of the major improvements has been in the claims settlement process. To ensure faster access to healthcare services, strict timelines have been introduced for cashless claim approvals. Pre-authorization requests are now required to be processed within one hour, while final approvals must be completed within three hours. These measures are expected to significantly reduce waiting times and enhance the overall customer experience.

The sector has also shown progress in claims performance, with the claims paid ratio rising to 87.50% during the financial year. This indicates a higher proportion of claims being successfully settled, boosting consumer confidence in insurance providers.

Grievance redressal mechanisms have improved as well. Out of more than 137,000 complaints registered during the year, nearly 93% were resolved within the same financial period. This reflects a more responsive system and better handling of policyholder concerns.

Overall growth in the health insurance sector has been supported by factors such as an aging population, higher coverage amounts, and enhanced policy features. These developments are positioning the industry for sustained expansion, as it continues to address the financial risks associated with healthcare expenses running into millions of dollars.

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President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday underscored the significant role of AYUSH systems in enhancing public health during her address at the National Arogya Fair in Shegaon, Buldhana district. She emphasised that traditional practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and Siddha have been supporting human health since the early days of modern medicine and continue to play a vital role in maintaining well-being. According to the President, healthy citizens are essential for a strong and thriving nation.

Highlighting the economic and environmental dimensions, she pointed out that India’s farms, kitchens, and forests contain an invaluable collection of medicinal plants and herbs. Promoting the cultivation of these plants not only provides raw materials for traditional medicines but also improves farmers’ incomes, enhances soil quality, and contributes to environmental conservation. The President stressed that supporting AYUSH systems simultaneously benefits people’s physical health, the economy, and ecological balance.

President Murmu noted that Ayurveda and Yoga guide individuals toward a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and these practices are gaining global recognition for stress reduction and disease prevention. She said people around the world are increasingly embracing integrative medicine, with Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments becoming popular for maintaining wellness.

The President also highlighted the importance of scientific validation to strengthen the credibility of AYUSH systems. She mentioned that the Ministry of AYUSH has established general guidelines for research, drug development, and quality control in accordance with international standards. Numerous initiatives are underway to ensure that Ayurveda, Yoga, and other AYUSH practices are recognised as reliable, evidence-based solutions to modern health challenges.

She expressed confidence that by combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific methods, innovation, and global collaboration, AYUSH systems will become more accessible and widely accepted. President Murmu concluded that these efforts will integrate traditional medicine into India’s holistic healthcare framework, promoting sustainable, effective, and culturally rooted health solutions for the future.

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The rapid expansion is being driven by strategic government initiatives including the National Medical Devices Policy, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, the Scheme for Promotion of Medical Devices Parks, and MedTech Mitra. These policy measures aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Despite steady progress, imports continue to account for 70–80 percent of domestic demand, particularly for technologically advanced equipment. In FY25, medical device exports reached $4.1 billion, while imports stood at $8.6 billion. Consumables contributed around 47 percent of exports between April and September FY25, while electro-medical equipment made up nearly 60 percent of imports.

India currently ranks as the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia and is among the top 20 globally. The government aims to significantly boost India’s global market share from 1.6 percent to around 12 percent in the coming years.

Rising income levels, expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing insurance penetration, and growing medical tourism are further fueling demand for both affordable mass-use devices and advanced specialised care solutions.

The domestic manufacturing ecosystem includes approximately 800 manufacturers. Investment momentum is also strengthening, with private equity and venture capital deal sizes rising from $56 million in 2022 to $137 million in 2024. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka are playing a pivotal role by offering shared infrastructure, skilled labour, and robust supplier networks.

Experts also note that the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could provide fresh momentum to the sector, particularly with zero tariffs on medical devices. However, addressing non-tariff barriers remains crucial to unlocking the full potential of international trade.

With sustained policy backing and growing global integration, India’s medical devices sector is poised to become a major force in the global healthcare ecosystem.

The post India’s Medical Devices Market to Hit $50.1B by 2030 first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

T-cell immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell treatment, involve extracting T-cells from a patient’s blood, modifying and multiplying them in controlled laboratory conditions, and then infusing them back into the body to fight cancer. One of the most critical challenges in this process is recovering these cells without damaging their viability or function.

The research team, led by Professor Prakriti Tayalia from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, focused on improving how lab-grown T-cells are retrieved after cultivation. The study highlighted that cell recovery, while seemingly straightforward, often determines whether enough healthy cells are available for effective therapy.

To better replicate the body’s natural environment, the researchers used electrospun scaffolds—thin fibre-based structures resembling dense mesh networks. Jurkat T-cells grown within these scaffolds actively migrated into the fibrous structure and became securely embedded.

The study found that commonly used enzymes such as trypsin caused higher cell death during recovery. In contrast, using a milder enzyme, accutase, resulted in significantly higher cell survival. Cells retrieved with accutase retained key surface proteins, formed healthy clusters, and continued to grow effectively after recovery.

According to the researchers, preserving these surface proteins is essential for immune signalling and activation, directly impacting the therapeutic effectiveness of T-cells used in cancer treatment.

Published in the journal Biomaterials Science, the findings offer a practical improvement that laboratories can adopt while preparing immune cells for advanced therapies. The research underlines that refining each step of cell growth and recovery is crucial to making next-generation cancer treatments safer, more reliable, and accessible to patients.

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The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has emerged as the cornerstone of India’s efforts to build a unified national digital health ecosystem. Since its launch, the initiative has enabled hundreds of millions of citizens to access digital health services through unique health identities, while integrating hospitals, clinics, laboratories, insurers, and healthcare professionals onto a common interoperable platform.

Complementing this effort, the Future Health Districts programme has been launched as a collaborative initiative between India and the World Economic Forum. Designed as a real-world testing ground, the programme supports the implementation and scaling of the digital health architecture envisioned under the Ayushman Bharat framework, allowing innovation to be tested across districts before nationwide adoption.

Experts highlighted that the scale achieved under the digital health mission is unprecedented, with hundreds of millions of health records securely linked and an expanding network of registered healthcare providers and facilities. The interoperable design of the system enables healthcare entities to integrate once and connect seamlessly across the ecosystem, reducing fragmentation and improving efficiency.

The approach has also delivered substantial cost savings. Traditional custom technology integrations often require significant investment in software development, manpower, testing, and oversight. By contrast, a single certified integration under the national digital framework replaces multiple bespoke systems, allowing resources to be redirected toward improving clinical care, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing citizen engagement.

Large hospital networks, diagnostic chains, and integrated care providers have already benefited from reduced duplication of information technology infrastructure and lower long-term maintenance costs. Experts noted that such efficiencies are critical for both public and private healthcare systems operating at scale.

The broader lesson, according to health and policy leaders, is that sustained investment in interoperable digital systems, preventive healthcare, and digital capacity can generate long-term economic and social returns. India’s healthcare transformation, anchored in digital public infrastructure, is increasingly being viewed as a global model for inclusive, scalable, and cost-effective health system reform.

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The funding will support the West Bengal Health System Reform Programme Operation, aimed at improving personalised and patient-centric healthcare services across the state. A key focus of the programme is the early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes through digital tracking and outcome-based monitoring.

The initiative also seeks to enhance the resilience of healthcare facilities against extreme weather events, improve the measurement of health outcomes, and strengthen governance across the state’s health systems. By linking financing to verified results, the programme aims to address systemic gaps that have limited access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, carries a final maturity of 16.5 years, including a grace period of three years. According to the World Bank, the programme will deliver more equitable and higher-quality healthcare services, with measurable benefits for women, adolescents and individuals living with chronic illnesses.

West Bengal has made steady progress in healthcare outcomes over the past two decades. Infant mortality has declined significantly, while life expectancy in the state stands above the national average. Fertility rates have also fallen to among the lowest in the country.

Despite these gains, challenges persist, particularly in reproductive, maternal and adolescent healthcare. Several districts, including Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur, continue to face gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. Adolescent pregnancy rates remain high, contributing to maternal mortality concerns.

The World Bank said the programme is designed to build on the state’s existing strengths while addressing persistent disparities, ensuring that healthcare improvements translate into better economic opportunities and quality of life for citizens.

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The AI clinic is designed to support doctors through advanced data analysis, combining artificial intelligence with genetic screening to detect diseases at an early stage. The facility focuses on identifying conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders, and liver ailments, where timely intervention can significantly improve survival rates and long-term outcomes.

Equipped with AI-powered diagnostic tools, the clinic assists in interpreting X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI reports, and laboratory investigations. By analysing large volumes of clinical data in real time, the system helps enhance diagnostic precision while reducing the time required for assessment.

According to officials at GIMS, the clinic uses artificial intelligence alongside genetic screening to analyse blood tests, imaging scans, and patient health records. This integrated approach enables clinicians to make more informed decisions while maintaining human oversight in treatment planning.

Beyond diagnostics, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for healthcare startups and technology innovators by encouraging collaboration between public hospitals and the health-tech ecosystem. Experts believe such centres could act as testing grounds for scalable digital health solutions.

AI clinics typically function either as dedicated units or as integrated departments within hospitals, where automated systems continuously support clinical decision-making. One of the major advantages of this model is its ability to improve access to quality healthcare in remote and underserved regions, where specialist availability is often limited.

While artificial intelligence tools are already used in select private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, this marks the first dedicated AI clinic established within the government healthcare system. Officials indicate that the model could be replicated across public hospitals in other states, expanding the reach of technology-driven care nationwide.

Artificial intelligence has shown particular promise in pathology, radiology, and cancer screening. In pathology, AI can analyse tissue samples with high accuracy, identifying abnormalities that may be missed by the human eye. In oncology, AI systems have demonstrated the ability to detect early signs of cancers such as breast and lung cancer by reducing false positives and negatives.

The technology also plays a growing role in genomic analysis, helping identify disease-linked biomarkers and predict patient responses to treatment. By analysing medical history, genetic data, and lifestyle patterns, AI can support precision medicine approaches, including customised therapies and drug dosages.

The launch of India’s first government AI clinic reflects a broader push towards technology-enabled governance in healthcare, positioning artificial intelligence as a key pillar in strengthening the country’s public health infrastructure.

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The sector witnessed significant outreach during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where over 9 lakh pilgrims benefited from Ayush OPDs, mobile health units, wellness halls and yoga sessions, expanding access to traditional healthcare services.

A historic milestone was achieved with the World Health Organization’s 2025 update to ICD-11, which introduced a dedicated module for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems. The new module, now live on the WHO Blue Browser, enables systematic global reporting, dual coding and stronger evidence-based policymaking.

India also created global benchmarks by achieving five Guinness World Records during the first phase of the ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’. The campaign recorded over 1.29 crore prakriti assessments, surpassing its target and reinforcing India’s leadership in personalised healthcare.

The 11th International Day of Yoga, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Visakhapatnam, became the world’s largest yoga gathering with nearly 3 lakh participants and celebrations across more than 180 countries.

India’s leadership was further highlighted by the WHO technical brief on “AI in Traditional Medicine”, which recognised innovations such as the Ayush Grid, Ayurgenomics, predictive diagnostics and digital platforms including SAHI, NAMASTE and the Ayush Research Portal.

Strengthening regulatory oversight, the government launched the Ayush Suraksha Portal to counter misinformation and enhance pharmacovigilance within the sector. The 10th National Ayurveda Day, observed on September 23, showcased Ayurveda’s growing global relevance.

To promote investment, the government unveiled the Ayush Nivesh Saarthi portal, aimed at transforming traditional wellness systems into an investment-ready sector. India’s leadership was further reinforced during the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in New Delhi.

The Union Budget for FY26 allocated Rs 3,992.9 crore to the Ministry of Ayush, a 14.2 per cent increase from the previous year. Exports of Ayush and herbal products rose to Rs 5,907 crore in FY25, with volumes increasing over 21 per cent year-on-year.

The Indian Ayush market is projected to grow from $43.3 billion in 2024 to $200 billion by 2030, reflecting rapid expansion and global acceptance of India’s traditional healthcare systems.

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