By *Robin Gauld of
Analysis - This year's Budget allocation for health echoes most past Budgets. It implies there is significant investment and earmarks some specific areas that will receive additional support.
But in reality, this is a cutback Budget signalling continued austerity.
The government is correct that health receives the largest share of investment among categories, amounting to some $34.2 billion, up from $31b in 2025.
This represents an increase of about 10 percent and makes a good sales pitch.
