Technology takes centre stage in health budget

Two new digitally underpinned schemes have been announced Technology has taken a centre stage for the health sector in the General Budget presented in the Parliament by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Two new digitally underpinned schemes have been announced which indicate the key role that digital technology is playing in expanding the access of health and medical care across the country. A new open platform for the National Digital Health Ecosystem will be rolled out. It will comprehensively consist of digital registries of health providers and health facilities, unique health identity, consent framework, and shall provide universal access to health facilities. The Union Finance Minister acknowledged that the pandemic has accentuated mental health problems in people of all ages. In order to provide better access to quality mental health counselling and care services, a ‘National Tele Mental Health Programme’ has been announced today. This will include a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence, with NIMHANS being the nodal centre. The International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB) will provide the technology support.

PIB