NATHEALTH seeks increased public health spending, industry reforms in Union Budget 2024 – 25 recommendations

NATHEALTH-Healthcare Federation of India for the Union Budget 2024-25 has submitted a blueprint designed to change the country’s healthcare system in line with the Health for All agenda and the goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

 In its recommendations, NATHEALTH has called on the government to implement transformative measures that focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and making strategic investments to address both demand and supply-side challenges, while raising the public health expenditure to above 2.5 per cent GDP.

 NATHEALTH in its submission emphasised on increasing PMJAY/CGHS acceptability of the scheme among frontline quality providers in private sector, unlocking private capital to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), easing compliance under ease of doing business using digital tools, and promoting the Medtech & supply value chain eco system to innovation and localisation.

 With India becoming a preferred choice globally, policies to promote India as a preferred destination full stack of medical product, services & solution is the need of the hour. NATHEALTH further advocated for rationalising GST with a uniform 5 per cent rate slab for healthcare and full input tax credit eligibility, addressing the issue of unused MAT credits, and reviewing health access policies for MedTech to ensure affordability. Additionally, NATHEALTH recommended declaring healthcare a National Priority status to facilitate better financing and offering tax incentives to encourage private sector investment in healthcare infrastructure, manufacturing, digital health, exports and education across India at par with SEZ policies available across other sunshine sectors.

 Abhay Soi, President, NATHEALTH and Chairman & Managing Director, Max Healthcare Institute, said, “As the nation progresses toward achieving a USD 5 trillion economy, providing quality healthcare for the entire population is a pre-requisite. Addressing healthcare challenges will require an estimated 2 billion square feet of advanced healthcare infrastructure. To meet these needs, increasing GDP spending on healthcare to 2.5 per cent is crucial for enhancing social insurance, expanding facilities in tier 2 and 3 cities, and advancing digital health services.”

 “The upcoming budget must focus on healthcare infrastructure, innovation, skill development for medical professionals, and strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure improved access and quality across the nation. Prioritising research and development will drive medical innovation and address emerging health challenges,” he added.