Post-Budget reaction: Navneet Bali, Regional Director, Narayana Health-North

Union Budget 2023 looks progressive and inclusive for the healthcare sector. The government has taken a holistic approach by focusing on the ‘Sapt Rishi’ Model and our sector is aligned with all the seven pillars mentioned by the finance minister in her speech. We were expecting some measures on capacity building in the sector and it is promising to note that the government has announced setting up 157 new nursing colleges. This would enhance our capacity and fill the gap in terms of human resources. The proposed Mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047 is a very positive step.

Experts pointed out that the government has given priority to public- private partnership (PPP) as facilities of select Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) labs will be made available for research by public and private medical college faculty. With this private sector R &D teams for encouraging collaborative research and innovation.