The Union Budget for 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has made notable strides in addressing the healthcare needs of India. This budget reflects a comprehensive effort to enhance healthcare services, infrastructure, and access, especially focusing on underprivileged and rural populations.

Increased Healthcare Expenditure: The overall budget allocation for healthcare has increased significantly from ₹79,221 crore in the previous year to ₹90,171 crore. This substantial increase aims to strengthen the healthcare system and improve medical facilities across the country.

Key Initiatives and Allocations

Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM): PMABHIM has received a major boost, with its allocation nearly doubling to ₹4,108 crore. This mission is crucial for developing critical healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): The budget for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health coverage to economically weaker sections, has been increased to ₹7,500 crore. This will help expand the scheme’s reach and cover more beneficiaries, providing them with essential healthcare services.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: To encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, the PLI scheme has received an increased allocation of ₹6,200 crore. This initiative is aimed at boosting the production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices within India.

Livestock Health and Disease Control Program: Recognizing the importance of animal health in public health, the budget for this program has been increased to ₹2,465 crore. This will support efforts to control livestock diseases and improve overall animal health management.

Cervical Cancer Vaccination Program: A new initiative targeting cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years has been introduced. This preventive measure aims to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and promote women’s health.

Maternal and Child Health Programs: Various schemes focused on maternal and child health are being integrated to ensure more effective implementation. This comprehensive approach is expected to improve health outcomes for mothers and children across the country.

Upgradation of Anganwadis: Under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs, efforts will be made to upgrade Anganwadis. These centers play a crucial role in providing nutrition and early childhood care, and their improvement will benefit young children significantly.

U-WIN Platform for Immunization: The U-WIN platform, which manages immunization efforts, will be rolled out nationwide. This digital platform will enhance the efficiency and coverage of vaccination programs, ensuring more children are immunized.

Investment in Biotechnology Research: The budget for biotechnology research and development has more than doubled to ₹1,100 crore. This investment will drive innovation and the development of new medical technologies and treatments, positioning India as a leader in biotech research.

Sustainable Manufacturing: A new scheme for bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry has been introduced, focusing on producing environment-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers and bio-pharmaceuticals. This initiative aims to promote sustainable manufacturing practices in the healthcare sector.

Medical Education: The government plans to establish more medical colleges by leveraging existing hospital infrastructure. This will help address the shortage of medical professionals and improve the quality of medical education in the country.

Inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi Workers: Healthcare coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme is being extended to ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers. This move acknowledges their critical role in the healthcare system and provides them with essential health coverage.

The Union Budget 2024-25 showcases the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare in India. With increased funding across various programs and new initiatives, the budget aims to improve healthcare access, infrastructure, and services, ensuring a healthier future for all Indians. These measures reflect a holistic approach to addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the country, focusing on both preventive and curative aspects of health.