The Union Minister for health & Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda has termed the Budget 2015-2016 announced by the Finance Minister today as balanced, progressive, pragmatic and pro-people. He said that the budget will lead to all around social and economic development that is inclusive and outcome oriented. The Health Minister has thanked the Hon. Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for the balanced and people-oriented Budget.
Shri Nadda further added that the aspirations of various groups and regions of the country have been paid attention to in the Budget. The entire country will benefit from the different aspects within the Budget. There is something for everyone in this Budget, he noted. Devolution of financial resources to the states will lead to balanced growth. The Centre has maintained commitment to national issues while empowering the states, Shri Nadda stated.
He stated that the resolve to support the health sector in a big way has been shown by the outlay for health in the Budget of Rs. 33,150 crore. Moreover, announcement of five AIIMS in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Assam and Tamil Nadu and AIIMS-like institute in Bihar will provide a quantum jump in healthcare in these states and the neighbouring areas. The Health Ministry will implement these in the shortest possible time, the Health Minister stated.
The announcements of various mechanisms in expanding the healthcare insurance to the needy is a laudable step towards making healthcare affordable and accessible to all, he added. “I welcome the move towards the Universal Social Security System backed by Accident Insurance and Bima Yojana”, Shri Nadda stated.
The Health Minister stated that the focus within the Budget on Swachch Bharat and linking this with healthcare will address broad-based health issues in the country. This will lead to greater awareness among the people regarding the importance of hygiene. He added that good health will enable higher productivity in various sectors, and thus forms an integral component of the development agenda of the country. The target to construct 6 crore toilets will significantly impact health outcomes in the country.
