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Health sector gets shot in the arm with `99,858 crore allocation

The budget includes plans to enhance medical education by adding 10,000 new medical seats immediately, with a goal of 75,000 seats over the next five years, aiming to improve the doctor-patient ratio across the nation
12:59 AM Feb 02, 2025 IST | ZEHRU NISSA
health sector gets shot in the arm  with  99 858 crore allocation
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Srinagar,  Feb 1: In the Union Budget for 2025-26 presented today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant allocation of `99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, marking a substantial investment in India's health infrastructure and a notable increase from previous years.

GoI's flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has been allocated Rs 4200 crore to enhance coverage of vulnerable populations. The total budget allocation for the Health Sector has increased by 9.8 percent from the previous fiscal year when it was Rs 89287 crore.

The budget includes plans to enhance medical education by adding 10,000 new medical seats immediately, with a goal of 75,000 seats over the next five years, aiming to improve the doctor-patient ratio across the nation.

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A key focus of this year's budget is on cancer care, with provisions for establishing daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals, targeting the addition of 200 such centers in the fiscal year 2025-26. This initiative seeks to make cancer treatment more accessible, especially in rural areas. The budget also includes full customs duty exemptions for 36 critical life-saving drugs, which should significantly lower treatment costs for patients. In addition six drugs will have slashed 5 percent customs duty.

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Further, there's an emphasis on digital health, with measures like broadband connectivity to primary health centers to expand telemedicine, and promoting medical tourism by fostering partnerships with the private sector.

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J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Masood reacted to the Budget with cautious optimism mixed with concern. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, the Health Minister said, "J&K needs staff; allocating and opening just cancer centers will not serve the purpose. We have a dearth of paramedics, nurses, and equipment for cancer care. We need funds for that." She acknowledged the positive aspect of the increase in MBBS seats, noting, "The MBBS seats increase that we may get is a positive step. We have sought extra seats from the Union government, and it may address the lop-sided doctor-patient ratio in J&K, especially in rural areas."

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However, she emphasised the broader need for healthcare personnel, stating, "However, we need more doctors as specialists to cater to the needs of specialist care. Our major tertiary care hospitals are struggling with a gross shortage. We need funds for strengthening J&K's healthcare with human resources at every level."

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