The government’s short-term priorities are reflected in its Budget allocations, indicating that the healthcare sector has been given a backseat. To illustrate this disappointing trajectory, take the spending on defence that has increased by INR 16,952 crores (from INR 3,68,418 crores to INR 3,85,370 crores) against the health sector, which has only a marginal increase of INR 691 crores (from INR 86,606 crores to INR 85,915 crores). It is, therefore, apparent that a radical change in direction is required to reprioritize expenditure in health and allied services and, in so doing, resolve the problem of inequality. Given India’s aim to become self-reliant in healthcare, the need of the hour is to ensure a big push for the health sector in the Budget’s allocation of funds and provide tax incentives for stakeholders engaged in the pharma and healthcare industry. Such salutary measures are vital to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all, especially with the life-changing crisis that Covid has brought to health management.