Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has made significant announcements in the healthcare sector during the 2023 budget session. The minister announced the allocation of funds for 157 new nursing colleges, with the aim of boosting healthcare infrastructure and addressing the shortage of nurses in the country.
The budget also focused on tackling sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects millions of people in India. The Finance Minister announced a goal to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. The government will set up a task force to develop a comprehensive strategy for eliminating the disease.
In addition to this, the budget also allocated funds for the development of a digital health infrastructure, which will help to streamline healthcare delivery and improve access to medical care. The government will invest in the development of health information systems and telemedicine services, making it easier for people in remote and underserved areas to access medical consultations.
The budget also announced the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free health insurance to over 500 million people across the country. The scheme will now cover more medical procedures, including cancer treatment and organ transplants, providing much-needed financial relief to families facing medical emergencies.
Commenting on the healthcare announcements, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman said, “Our government is committed to ensuring that every Indian has access to quality healthcare. These initiatives will help to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and improve health outcomes for all citizens.”
The healthcare announcements were widely welcomed by medical professionals and healthcare organizations across the country. The additional nursing colleges and the efforts to eliminate sickle cell anemia were particularly praised as significant steps towards improving healthcare in India.
In conclusion, the healthcare announcements made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in the 2023 budget session are a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing key healthcare challenges in India. The focus on expanding healthcare access, boosting healthcare infrastructure, and eliminating sickle cell anemia reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to quality medical care.
