The Government’s focus on ‘Health for All’ is visible by provision for free drugs and free diagnostic services. Establishment of 15 model rural health research centers for better healthcare facilities in rural India is a step in right direction.
Four more AIIMS with Rs 500 crores allocation and 12 more medical colleges in government sector will not only improve healthcare but will improve doctor: population ratio which is extremely low in India.
Increase in taxes on tobacco by 10 per cent and sweetened beverages by five per cent is a small but definite step to discourage consumption of these by masses in long run.
Besides, the insurance penetration of India is very poor. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), in its annual report for 2012-13, said insurance penetration stood at 3.96 per cent, which is extremely low.
The Government has raised FDI limit in insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent. I believe that a stronger insurance framework will be the single largest contributor to universal healthcare and I look forward to the passing of this bill in Parliament, and subsequent implementation.
Overall, Modi Government’s first budget is fundamentally sound- it looks at reforms to revive growth, while avoiding the temptation to “spend beyond the country’s means.”
– Dr Ramen Goel, Senior Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, Hinduja Healthcare