Shares of Max Healthcare Institute and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise traded firmly higher on Sunday, February 1, after a major healthcare announcement in Union Budget 2026 lifted sentiment across hospital stocks.
While presenting the Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman said India plans to develop five hubs for medical value tourism, signalling a policy push to position the country as a global destination for high-quality and affordable healthcare services.
As of around 11:35 AM IST, Max Healthcare shares were trading at Rs 991.40, up 4.07%, gaining Rs 38.80 in the session. Apollo Hospitals shares were trading at Rs 7,010.50, up 3.08%, adding Rs 209.50 from the previous close.
The proposed medical value tourism hubs are expected to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve international patient facilitation, and enhance India’s competitiveness in specialised treatments. Hospital operators with established tertiary and quaternary care networks are seen as key beneficiaries of the initiative.
Market participants are now awaiting further clarity on the location of the hubs, implementation framework, and potential incentives for hospitals and allied services, which are expected to be outlined in detailed Budget documents and subsequent policy notifications.
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