Economic Survey 2023-24 Highlights Healthcare Initiatives by Nirmala Sitharaman
The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, underscores the importance of a strong healthcare system for a resilient economy. The survey highlights several key initiatives and schemes aimed at ensuring ‘Quality Healthcare for All’.
Key Initiatives
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
This scheme provides health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year for underprivileged families for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. As of July 8, 2024, 34.73 crore Ayushman Bharat cards have been generated, and 7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered. Notably, 49% of the beneficiaries are women.
PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras
This scheme aims to provide quality medicines at 50-90% cheaper than market rates. The 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra was inaugurated at AIIMS Deoghar last year, offering 1965 medicines and 293 surgical equipment.
AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment)
More than 300 AMRIT pharmacies are operating across different States/UTs, providing subsidized medicines for critical illnesses.
Ayushman Bhav Campaign
Launched in September 2023, this campaign aims to saturate selected healthcare services in every village and town across the country and inform citizens about the Government’s flagship schemes.
Expert Opinions
Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director of Max Healthcare Institute Limited, emphasized the need for advanced healthcare infrastructure and increased GDP spending on healthcare to 2.5% to support the nation’s goal of a USD 5 trillion economy.
Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, expressed hope that the government will continue to prioritize the healthcare sector, focusing on preventive care, women’s health, infrastructure expansion, and child development.
Other Healthcare Schemes
The survey also highlights the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which aims to create a national digital health ecosystem, and eSanjeevani, a telemedicine service for virtual doctor consultations in remote areas.
Doubts Revealed
Economic Survey -: The Economic Survey is a report presented by the government that reviews the country’s economic progress and challenges over the past year.
2023-24 -: This refers to the financial year starting from April 2023 to March 2024.
Nirmala Sitharaman -: Nirmala Sitharaman is the Finance Minister of India, responsible for managing the country’s finances and economic policies.
Ayushman Bharat -: Ayushman Bharat is a government program that provides free health insurance to poor families in India.
PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras -: These are government-run stores that sell medicines at lower prices to make healthcare more affordable.
Ayushman Bhav Campaign -: This is a new initiative aimed at improving healthcare services across India.
healthcare spending -: This means the amount of money the government spends on healthcare services and facilities.
infrastructure development -: This refers to building and improving facilities like hospitals, clinics, and roads to support healthcare services.