‘There aren’t any major reforms announced for the entire health industry’

Overall, the health market players may not be too happy since there aren’t any major reforms announced for the entire health industry. We have again failed to make the government realise that it is important to address the increasing health issues. Various non-communicable and communicable diseases are taking a toll on the nation’s health and overall growth.

The free diagnosis services under ‘Health for All’ will encourage more people to undergo healthcare checkups which will further help in early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The opening of AIIMS and 12 medical colleges will ensure better medical facilities, tertiary care and trained medical professionals but this however may solve sectorial problem only. Nationally the concern for health can’t be addressed with this number. Increased GDP allocation on healthcare will make good healthcare services almost affordable to the lower income groups. This would also include spending more on public health services and making health insurance available to all. The tax benefit offered in general will be of a great help for the disposable income earners to invest in preventive healthcare.

Increase of tax by 60-70 per cent on cigarette will decrease the consumption rate, hence the risk of cancer can be reduced due to smoking and tobacco consumption.

– Amol Naikawadi, Joint MD, Indus Health Plus