Interim Budget 2024: Check the health highlights

New Delhi: The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently declared the Interim Budget for this year and while bringing good news to medical aspirants across the country, the Minister has announced that the Central Government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilizing the existing hospital infrastructure.

While presenting the Interim Budget for 2024-2025 in the Parliament on Thursday, Minister Sitharaman announced that a committee will be set up for this purpose.

"Several youth are ambitious to get qualified as doctors. They aim to serve our people through improved healthcare services. Our Government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilizing the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. A committee for this purpose will be set-up to examine the issues and make relevant recommendations," the Finance Minister mentioned during her Budget speech.

15 AIIMS in 9 Years: 

Discussing the step taken by the Government to empower the Amrit Peedhi, the Yuva, the Minister informed that the Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and reskilled 54 lakh youth, and established 3000 new ITIs. Further, she added that a large number of new institutes of higher learning including 15 AIIMS and 390 Universities have been set up.

Cervical Cancer Vaccination:

Apart from these, other important announcement made by the Union Finance Minister regarding the healthcare sector includes the Government's decision to promote Cervical Cancer Vaccination.

Minister Sitharaman added that the Union Government will encourage vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of cervical cancer.

Maternal and Child Health Care: 

Focus was also given to maternal and child health care. Addressing the issues in this regard, the Union Finance Minister mentioned that the various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in implementation.

Besides, she also informed that the upgradation process for the anganwadi centres under the "Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0" will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development.

"The newly designed U-WIN platform for managing immunization and intensified efforts of Mission Indradhanush will be rolled out expeditiously throughout the country," Minister Sitharaman further added in her Budget speech.

Ayushman Bharat Benefits for ASHA workers: 

The Finance Minister has announced that the healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all the Asha workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.

Meanwhile, the experts on Thursday gave a thumbs up to the Centre's plans like setting up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure and encouraging cervical cancer vaccination among girls, saying that these demonstrate a holistic commitment to health.

WHO representative to India Dr Roderico H Ofrin said the initiatives announced by the government will help strengthen healthcare services across the country.

"The initiatives announced today, including upgrading existing hospital infrastructure to increase medical colleges, harmonisation of maternal and child care implementation, introduction of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention and the expansion of the U-WIN platform across for managing and intensifying immunisation, will further strengthen systems and healthcare services across the country," Ofrin said.

"The WHO welcomes investments in these areas and will continue to support the government of India in achieving health for all and meeting its disease elimination goals," he stated.

On the extension of healthcare coverage to ASHA and Anganwadi workers under Ayushman Bharat, Ofrin underlined that these people are at the forefront of health and care delivery at the grassroots level.

PTI adds that the Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla also hailed the government's announcements. "I applaud the announcement to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. Let's pledge to prevent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and ensure easy access to vaccination.

"Extending health cover for ASHA and anganwadi workers, setting up more medical colleges and streamlining maternal and child healthcare schemes demonstrate a holistic commitment to health," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman of Apollo Hospitals, welcomed the decision to augment medical education, saying with a rise in the disease burden globally and the acute shortage of trained health manpower, India is well positioned to "heal the world" by harnessing its youth.

"With women-led development as the way forward for India, the numerous initiatives including integration of maternal and child care programmes, extending the cover of Ayushman Bharat scheme for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiative aimed at improving nutrition, and thrust to inoculate young girls against cervical cancer, demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being of India's daughters," he said.

He, however, expressed concern over the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and urged the government to consider increasing the tax exemption for preventive healthcare.

Dr Girdhar Gyaani, founder-director of Association of Healthcare Providers (India), said the inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will strengthen the backbone of India's healthcare system.

"We also commend the government's visionary steps to fortify the healthcare infrastructure by establishing more medical colleges and leveraging existing hospital facilities. The creation of a dedicated committee to address related issues is a strategic move that aligns with our shared commitment to continuous improvement," he said.

Abhishek Kapoor, CEO, Regency Hospital, said the announcement is a recognition of ASHA and Anganwadi workers' "invaluable contribution to community health". This step not only safeguards their well-being but also strengthens the foundation of our healthcare system, he said.

Sugandh Ahluwalia, chief strategy officer of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, said, "The paramount importance lies in capacity building within the realm of public health. A robust focus, particularly through the creation of more medical colleges in the country, is crucial."

Fortis Healthcare MD and CEO Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi said the 2024-25 interim Budget takes a "forward-looking approach to healthcare".

"Establishing a committee to expand medical colleges within the existing hospital infrastructure addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals and strengthens medical education. Additionally, the initiative to combat cervical cancer through HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 in six states is proactive in disease prevention," he said.

Furthermore, the introduction of the U-WIN platform for immunisation management, combined with intensified efforts like Mission Indradhanush, demonstrates a technology-driven approach to vaccination, Raghuvanshi said.

Dr Sunny Jain, senior consultant and head of oncology department, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said, "The cervical cancer vaccine prevents and guards the women against the HPV virus-induced carcinoma cervix. We are happy that the government is making strong efforts towards cancer prevention and has encouraged cervical cancer vaccination for girls between 9 and 14 years of age."

Probal Ghoshal, executive chairman, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, said the government's commitment to enhancing the healthcare infrastructure through the establishment of more medical colleges and by utilising existing hospital infrastructure is a commendable step towards bolstering the nation's healthcare capacity.

As per the latest media report by Pharmabiz, hailing the Interim Budget, Dr. Harshit Jain, the Founder and Global CEO of Doceree, the first global network of physician-only platforms for Programmatic Marketing in New Delhi mentioned that "The FY 2024-25 interim budget announced by the finance minister heralds a transformative phase for all industries, including health-tech.

The allocation of 50-year interest-free loans for technology-supported startups is commendable, poised to inspire youth, fostering innovation for groundbreaking healthcare solutions. The re-emphasis on 'Anusandhan' reflects a push for high-level strategic research, reinforcing the pharmaceutical industry's commitment to tailored treatments for India's diverse population.

Further, the decision to expand medical educational institutions using existing hospital infrastructure underscores the government’s dedication to a skilled healthcare workforce, strengthening our healthcare system. The budget's focus on maternal and early childhood healthcare, backed by new schemes, also promises improved outcomes. As a leader in healthcare transformation, Doceree wholeheartedly welcomes India's persistent efforts to enhance healthcare efficacy through technology-driven initiatives."

Commenting on the Interim Budget, Dr Charit Bhograj, Founder and CEO of Tricog Health in Mumbai mentioned that "Interim Budget 2024 presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman promises a boost for healthcare in India. The proposed measures include broadening health insurance coverage, reinforcing immunization efforts, investing in maternal and child health, and prioritizing rural healthcare. These initiatives will enhance medical service accessibility in vulnerable regions. The budget reflects a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and establishing a robust healthcare foundation for all citizens, signaling a significant move toward strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in the country."

Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Ltd in Lucknow opined that the initiatives outlined in the Interim Budget 2024, especially those addressing women and children's health signify a concerted effort to strengthen India's healthcare system by prioritizing preventive care, expanding access to essential services, and leveraging innovation for better health outcomes.

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