As the Union Budget 2024 approaches, healthcare experts are emphasising the critical need for increased GDP allocation to healthcare and advancements in digital health infrastructure. The budget, to be presented on July 23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is seen as a crucial opportunity to address these pressing needs (1✔ ✔Reliable source
Promoting digital health: a vision of strategic alliances within the framework of the G20
).
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Urgent need for digital healthcare infrastructure
Jyotsna Govil, president of the Indian Cancer Society, stressed the urgent need to improve digital health infrastructure, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and rural areas. “Improving digital health infrastructure is essential to expand health coverage and support existing facilities,” she said.
Govil also called for increased funding for cancer care, particularly for personalized medicine and immunotherapy. He stressed that prioritizing these areas will make advanced therapies more accessible to a broader patient population.
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Low health spending and the call for greater allocation
India’s current public healthcare expenditure is just 1.6-1.8 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Experts underlined the need for a higher allocation in the upcoming budget. “A higher percentage of GDP allocated to healthcare is a long-standing demand and I hope it will be adequately addressed in this budget,” said Dr BS Ajaikumar, CEO, HealthCare Global Enterprises.
Dr Ajaikumar acknowledged the government’s efforts to make healthcare affordable and accessible, particularly through schemes like Ayushman Bharat. However, he noted that these schemes focus primarily on subsidised treatment and often overlook the quality aspect. He advocated for an effective universal healthcare model that would bring about a significant transformation in the healthcare sector.
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Reducing the cost of vaccines
In the February interim budget, the government promoted vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer. Dr Ajaikumar urged the government to reduce the cost of these vaccines. Vaccinations to make them more affordable.
Health expert Dr Sameer Bhati stressed the need for improved facilities for manufacturing medical equipment in India. “Many medical devices, such as CT scanners, are largely imported. It would be beneficial if they were manufactured in the country,” he said. Bhati also noted that advancement of digital health infrastructure could significantly improve healthcare services in rural areas.
As the Union Budget 2024 approaches, the call for increased healthcare funding and improvements in digital infrastructure reflects the urgent need to address India’s immediate and long-term health challenges.
Reference:
- Promoting digital health: a vision of strategic alliances within the framework of the G20 – (https://t20ind.org/research/promoting-digital-health/)
Source-Medindia
