India’s Budget 2026–27 was presented on February 1 with much celebration and described as a transformative step toward inclusive growth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring access to resources and opportunities for every family and community. Health sector allocations were highlighted as a sign of social development. Yet, a closer reading reveals a troubling gap: primary healthcare—the foundation of any public health system—remains neglected.