Allocation Increased For National Health Mission, Digital Public Infra On Way

Union Budget, presented yesterday, has announced additional allocation for National Health Mission(NHM). The budget also has proposed digital public infrastructure at population level.

Presenting the budget on Tuesday, Finance Minister has increased the expenditure for NHM from 31500 crore to 36000 crore for FY 2024-25.

The nation’s primary and secondary healthcare service delivery is the main focus of the Center-sponsored National Health Mission program. The government hopes to lower out-of-pocket costs for the general people and invest in primary and secondary public healthcare institutions with this increase.

In addition, the budget called for the creation of DPI applications to support a number of industries and sectors, including urban government, education, health, law and justice, logistics, MSME services, and credit e-commerce.

Also Read: Union Minister Praises Budget 2024-25 As “Excellent” For Building A New India

With the purpose of enhancing the street food experience and revive the local economy, budget has come up with the concept of  ‘haats’, under which 100 weekly street food hubs are to be developed.

In an effort to make these medications more affordable, three more cancer medications—Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab—have also been exempt from customs duties.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had sent the request to assist in treating the 27 lakh cancer patients in the nation to the Ministry of Finance.

Durvalumab is useful to treat both lung and biliary tract cancer, whereas trastuzumab Deruxtecan assist in treating breast cancer. Osimertinib helps in treating  lung cancer.

To boost the domestic medical device sector, contribute to component availiblity at lower cost and reduce healthcare costs, FM has revised the custom duty rates on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors.