Know What’s More Under The Budget 2021: Here’s The Experts Say What To Expect? Where To Invest?

Healthwire Bureau

Indian doctors, economists and analysts lauded the Union Budget 2021 that included a ‘remarkable’ 137% increase for health and wellbeing sector. Experts not only noted that Sitharaman introduced health and wellbeing as the first pillar of the economy but also said that the increase in the budget for the health sector will definitely strengthen health services.

Here are some more reactions from Indian doctors, economists and analysts:

1. Dr. Inder Maurya, Founder and CEO, Foreign OPD
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Dr Inder Maurya,  Founder & CEO,  FOREIGN OPD™ said, “Just the symbolic placement of the sector in the first section of the budget speech shows the government’s commitment to enhance the health infrastructure for the wellness of all citizens. An increase by 137% in the budget outlays shows that the Government is serious. We have all seen that the country has almost led the globe in COVID war and it is gladdening that the healthcare infrastructure will see further robustness. I am sure with these benefits, the systemic gaps currently in the system are annulled”

“Healthy India is core to India’s economic growth reflects in the 137% increase in outlay for health at Rs 2,23,846 Cr. in budget 2021. The focus on healthcare with Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana with an outlay of Rs 64, 180 CR over 6 yrs shows that healthcare capacity building is now a key priority for the Govt. The 35000 cr earmarked for COVID 19 vaccination drive will create the safety net for the country. The overall capital expenditure increase of 26% should drive infrastructure acceleration, the much needed GDP growth driver. Insurance sector which is an important pillar for any country should see an exponential growth with enhancement of FDI limit to 74% from 49%. Overall a forward looking budget to drive the 11% GDP growth for India in FY22 as pegged in the Economic survey 2020”

“The Budget 2021 does recognize the immediate needs for the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine requirements for the nation. The focus on spending on COVID measures and the vaccines will bring the much needed stability to the Public Healthcare setup.  The increase in budget outlay for health and welfare by 137% as compared to the previous year will boost the public health and pharmaceuticals sector.”

The PM Aatmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana to develop capacities of health care systems, develop institutions for detection and cure of new and emerging disease is the first step to boost rural health and keep country ready for emergency handling of pandemic situations. The Government will need to continue to invest in the development of human resources and infrastructure in the years to come.

The decision to include the Pneumococcal vaccine is also a welcome decision, along with the announcement of Mission Poshan to improve nutritional outcomes for children.

With the Budget 2021, the Government has taken a much-needed step to be moving in a direction of strengthening healthcare and promoting preventive healthcare. A robust monitoring and implementation plan in place will he see the initiatives achieve great success

“This year’s budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister is indeed very positive, and committed to the healthcare sector which needed a much needed deliberate boost post unprecedented virus outbreak last year. The announcement of a centrally funded scheme – Aatmanirbhar Health Yojana – with an outlay of Rs 65,000 crore over six years in addition to the National Health Mission is a welcome step towards strengthening primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare in the country. It is appreciable that the government has been very thoughtful regarding healthcare thereby focusing on curative and preventive health and wellbeing. The allocation this year is a whopping over 130% rise from the budget last year. The proposals would make quality healthcare accessible and affordable, besides standardizing, enhancing and elevating healthcare infrastructure across the country”

“The honorable finance minister has presented a very progressive budget. With a substantial increase in healthcare outlay, the government has given a much needed shot in the sector’s arm. With a substantial increase in healthcare outlay and key emphasis on public-private partnerships, the entire value-chain in the healthcare sector will gain new momentum and will see major collaborations amongst stakeholders. The announcements of centrally funded – Aatmanirbhar Health Yojana will strengthen our primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, and setting up of 15 health emergency centers with a focus on curative and preventive health and wellbeing will scale up the delivery of affordable healthcare services”.

 

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