The Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes significant increases in healthcare spending, with a total allocation exceeding ₹90,000 crore. This marks a marginal increase from the previous year’s budget. Key initiatives include expanded coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which could potentially double its beneficiaries. The budget also highlights the promotion of HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 to combat cervical cancer.
Key Allocations and Initiatives:
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The budget proposes extending healthcare coverage to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, and Helpers. It also plans to increase the insurance limits under the scheme.
- National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM allocation has been increased from ₹31,550.87 crore to ₹31,967 crore, focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and services.
- HPV Vaccination: A significant emphasis is placed on vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 against HPV to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, which is a major health concern in India.
- Health Infrastructure Mission: Despite an overall increase in health spending, the allocation for the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission has seen a reduction from ₹4,200 crore to ₹3,200 crore.
Challenges and Expectations:
Healthcare experts had hoped for a more substantial increase in budget allocation, particularly in areas such as mental health, medical research, and preventive healthcare. The government’s focus on vaccination and insurance expansion is seen as a positive step towards improving public health outcomes, but there remain calls for greater investment in comprehensive healthcare services.
The budget reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability, aiming for a developed India by 2047.
