Union Health Budget 2023: Govt Shifts its Focus to Nursing Colleges
New Delhi: After setting up several medical colleges under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Central Government has now shifted its focus in setting new nursing colleges across the country and this was reflected in the Union Budget 2023, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
"157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-location with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014," the Finance Minister announced in the Parliament today.
Minister Sitharaman commenced her Budget speech for 2023-2024 by saying that "This Budget hopes to build on the foundation laid in the previous Budget, and the blueprint drawn for India@100."
Discussing about the rising global profile of India, Sitharaman referred to several accomplishments including unique world class digital public infrastructure, e.g., Aadhaar, Co-Win and UPI; and Covid vaccination drive in unparalleled scale. Referring to the COVID vaccination drive, she informed that 220 crore Covid vaccination have been given to 102 crore persons.
Here are the Health Highlights promised in the Union Budget 2023-2024:
157 New Nursing Colleges:
After setting up 157 new medical colleges under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, now the Central Government has decided to shift its focus to establishing new nursing colleges, which will help to ensure availability of skilled nurses in the country.
Referring to this, Sitharaman mentioned in her Budget speech, "157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-location with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014."
Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anemia:
Among other important announcements for the Health Sector, the Government has taken up the project of eliminating Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047. Speaking about this, the Finance Minister added, "A Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 will be launched. It will entail awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas, and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments."
Medical Research:
The Union Health Budget 2023 also has given a major boost to the field of medical research by encouraging public and private medical college faculties to engage in collaborative research and innovation in the ICMR Labs.
"Facilities in select ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) Labs will be made available for research by public and private medical college faculty and private sector R&D teams for encouraging collaborative research and innovation," mentioned Sitharaman.
Innovation in Pharmaceuticals:
Encouraging innovations in the field of pharmaceuticals as well, the Union Finance Minister has announced about a new programme that will promote research and innovation in pharmaceuticals. The task will be taken up through centers of excellence, the Minister informed.
"We shall also encourage industry to invest in research and development in specific priority areas," she added.
Multidisciplinary courses for medical devices:
With an aim to ensure availability of skilled manpower for futuristic medical technologies, high-end manufacturing and research, the Finance Minister has announced, "Dedicated multidisciplinary courses for medical devices will be supported in existing institutions to ensure availability of skilled manpower for futuristic medical technologies, high-end manufacturing and research."
Apart from this, the Finance Minister has made several other announcements, which are expected to positively effect the healthcare sector in the country.
Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence:
For realizing the vision of “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India”, three centres of excellence for Artificial Intelligence will be set-up in top educational institutions.
In this regard, Sitharaman added, "Leading industry players will partner in conducting interdisciplinary research, develop cutting-edge applications and scalable problem solutions in the areas of agriculture, health, and sustainable cities. This will galvanize an effective AI ecosystem and nurture quality human resources in the field."
Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme:
The Finance Minister announced in her budget about the Aspirational Blocks Programme that will cover 500 blocks and work to improve the heathcare services in those areas.
"Building on the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Government has recently launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme covering 500 blocks for saturation of essential government services across multiple domains such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic infrastructure," she said.
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