As expectations build around the Union Budget 2026, voices from the medical technology sector are urging policymakers to look beyond surgical intervention and focus on the full continuum of orthopaedic care. Mr. Ajay Bagga, Managing Director and Country Head of Zimmer Biomet India and a member of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), has emphasized the need for systemic reforms that support patients long after they leave the operating room.

According to Bagga, while surgical advancements have significantly improved outcomes, many patients—particularly in non-metro cities and district-level healthcare settings—continue to struggle with delayed recovery. Limited access to structured rehabilitation and post-surgical care closer to home often results in prolonged pain, reduced mobility, and extended dependence on caregivers. These challenges, he notes, can slow a patient’s return to normal, independent life.

“Strengthening orthopaedic care beyond surgery is essential to ensure patients can regain mobility and live pain-free lives,” Bagga said, highlighting that recovery gaps are not just clinical issues but also affect quality of life and productivity.

He pointed out that the upcoming budget presents a critical opportunity to address these gaps by investing in community-level post-procedure care. In particular, Bagga advocated for the adoption of digitally enabled care management platforms that extend clinical support beyond hospital discharge. Such solutions can offer personalized recovery plans, patient education, remote monitoring, and regular clinician follow-ups.

“These digital tools can significantly improve adherence to rehabilitation protocols, allow early identification of recovery-related challenges, and accelerate functional outcomes,” he added. By enabling patients to recover faster and more effectively, these interventions can also support the broader goal of value-based healthcare delivery.

As the government prepares the Union Budget 2026, industry leaders like Bagga argue that prioritizing post-surgical rehabilitation and digital health infrastructure could play a pivotal role in improving orthopaedic outcomes across India, especially in underserved regions.