Union Budget 2024-25: Experts Call for Boosting Digital Health Infrastructure and Higher GDP Allocation
Experts are urging the government to significantly enhance the allocation for healthcare in the upcoming Union Budget 2024, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23. They emphasize the importance of advancing digital health infrastructure and increasing healthcare spending to improve access and quality of care, particularly in tier II and III cities and rural areas.
"There is an urgent need to advance digital health infrastructure to enhance health coverage and support existing facilities, especially in underserved areas", said Jyotsna Govil, Chairperson of the Indian Cancer Society. She also highlighted the need for reforms in cancer care, advocating for increased funding for personalized medicine and immunotherapy to make these therapies more accessible.
Currently, India's public healthcare spending is relatively low, at just 1.6 to 1.8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Experts argue that a higher allocation is crucial. "A higher percentage of GDP allocation to healthcare is a long-pending demand. I hope it will be met in good measure in this budget", said Dr. BS Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman of HealthCare Global Enterprises.
Dr. Ajaikumar acknowledged the government's efforts to make healthcare affordable and accessible, particularly for disadvantaged sections of society. However, he pointed out that schemes like Ayushman Bharat focus primarily on subsidized treatment, often neglecting quality. He called for an 'effective universal healthcare model' to bring about real transformation in the sector.
In the interim budget presented in February, the government encouraged vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer. Dr. Ajaikumar urged for further reduction in the cost of such vaccinations to enhance their accessibility.
Health expert Dr. Sameer Bhati stressed the need for more facilities to manufacture medical equipment domestically. "Medical equipment like CT scans are largely imported. It will be better if these are manufactured in India", Bhati said. He added that boosting digital health infrastructure can significantly improve health services in rural areas.
The upcoming Union Budget presents an opportunity for the government to address these critical issues. By prioritizing healthcare spending and digital health advancements, India can move closer to achieving comprehensive and equitable health coverage for all its citizens.
