As Budget 2026 introduces several progressive measures under its strategy for healthcare advancement through knowledge, technology, and innovation, the focus on strengthening geriatric care and allied health services has emerged as a key highlight for India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder and Managing Director of Athulya Senior Care, emphasised that the future of healthcare in India extends far beyond hospitals and infrastructure. He pointed out that caregivers, allied health professionals, and geriatric specialists form the backbone of a system that ensures continuity, dignity, and quality of care, particularly for the country’s rapidly growing ageing population.

Commenting on the budget’s direction, Dr. Karthik Narayan R said, “India's healthcare future will be shaped not just by hospitals, but by the people who deliver care every day. The budget's emphasis on geriatric care, allied health professionals and caregivers, is a timely step towards ensuring a dignified, continuum of care focusing on quality of life for the aging population.”

With increasing life expectancy and a rising senior demographic, the demand for long-term care, rehabilitation services, and skilled caregivers is growing steadily across India. The budget’s recognition of geriatric care and allied health professionals signals a shift towards a more inclusive healthcare model that values preventive care, rehabilitation, and daily support alongside acute medical treatment.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R further highlighted that empowering caregivers and allied professionals through structured training, technology integration, and policy support will play a crucial role in building a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem. Such an approach not only improves patient outcomes but also ensures that seniors receive compassionate, personalised care that enhances their overall quality of life.

The emphasis laid out in Budget 2026 reflects a broader vision of healthcare that balances innovation with human-centric care delivery. By strengthening the geriatric care framework and supporting the workforce behind it, India moves closer to a resilient healthcare system that prioritises dignity, continuity, and long-term well-being for its ageing population.

Ms. Valluru Kranthi, IAS, Managing Director of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), visited the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 at the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Gachibowli, highlighting Telangana’s growing focus on culinary tourism.

During her visit, she toured the IIHM campus, interacted with participating student chefs, and reviewed dishes prepared by contestants from countries including France, Scotland, Switzerland, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Belarus. She was accompanied by Mr. J. Earnest Immanuel, Director, IIHM Hyderabad.

Addressing the media, Ms. Kranthi said culinary tourism plays a vital role in the tourism ecosystem and noted Telangana’s strong potential driven by its diverse food heritage. She highlighted the launch of India’s first Culinary Experiential Tourism Accelerator, aimed at empowering rural and women entrepreneurs while reviving forgotten regional cuisines.

She also pointed to Hyderabad’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, adding that Telangana Tourism plans to leverage this through food festivals and by encouraging home chefs across the state. On homestays, she said the government is moving towards online registrations to boost participation in key tourist destinations.

The regional round of YCO 2026 is currently underway in Hyderabad, with finals scheduled in Kolkata on February 6, where the winner will receive a ₹15 lakh cash prize.

Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.

In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.

Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.

Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.

Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.