Reactions to #Budget2015: Gautam Khanna, CEO – P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center

The health budget started with a good intent, but there were no specifics as regards to backing the proposal. A clear action plan of how this intent will be achieved is missing.

• The proposal to set up more AIIMS is a good long term plan but does not address the short term requirements at all.
• Increase in the limit of deduction of health insurance premium is a good step for people who already have health insurance but at the same time does not help increase health insurance coverage.
• Increase in service tax will ultimately result in the increase in cost of care as the input cost will go up for the providers.
• There is no significant increase in the total amount (Rs 33152 crores; approx.) dedicated to healthcare in India in comparison to the last financial year.