The budget has recognised the importance of health in India’s growth story. The total budget outlay for healthcare is Rs 2.23 lakh crore, which is an increase of 137 per cent from last year. This shows the commitment of the government to address not only the healthcare’s immediate and urgent needs but fundamentally develop a programme to strengthen the Indian healthcare system. This budget will set the precedent for future budgets which will use this year’s allocation as a baseline for future initiatives.
An allocation of Rs 35,400 crores for vaccines shows the commitment beyond the initial phase of 30 crore people and that the government may be considering expanding the vaccine programme to cover the poor and the vulnerable.
The government’s plans to bring in a National Allied Healthcare Bill will streamline and support the availability of skilled individuals in healthcare. This is a positive development which again can vastly increase the reach of healthcare in our vast country.
