Budget reaction: Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman, Asia Healthcare Holding

Healthy India is core to India’s economic growth reflects in the 137 per cent increase in outlay for health at Rs 2,23,846 crore in budget 2021. The focus on healthcare with Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana with an outlay of Rs 64, 180 crore over six years shows that healthcare capacity building is now a key priority for the government. The Rs 35000 crore earmarked for COVID-19 vaccination drive will create the safety net for the country. The overall capital expenditure increase of 26 per cent should drive infrastructure acceleration much-needed GDP growth driver. Insurance sector which is an important pillar for any country should see exponential growth with an enhancement of FDI limit to 74 per cent from 49 per cent. Overall a forward-looking budget to drive the 11 per cent GDP growth for India in FY22 as pegged in the Economic survey 2020