As government has been keenly focusing on implementing Universal Health Coverage through two of flagship schemes; PMJAY and Ayushman Bharat National Digital Health Mission, we expect following initiatives to be included in the budget;
- We need basic health infrastructure across the nation to have availability as well accessibility of hospital beds. We need to more than double the number of beds to match WHO requirement of 3.5 beds per 1000 population. AHPI expects government to incentivise private sector to build 100 bedded Ayushman Hospitals in Tier-III towns by providing cheaper capital, provide cheaper electricity at industry rate and provide for single window clearance for compliances.
- Government needs to increase budget provision on health to at least 2.5% of GDP without which it will be difficult to meet government objective to have universal health coverage. This will also help to increase beneficiary base within PMJAY among underprivileged population.
- Enhanced budget for promotive and preventive healthcare by way of; sanitation, safe drinking water and nutrition.
- Launch adult vaccination at subsidized rates as preventive measure among vulnerable population, including Influenza, HPV for women to prevent cervical cancer, Pneumococcal and Zoster.
