Indian Medical Association Urges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for More Health Budget
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting an increase in the health budget. They advocate for a tax-based health financing system, noting that India’s government health spending is among the lowest in the world, ranging from 1.1 to 1.6% of GDP.
The IMA demands a minimum allocation of 2.5% of GDP for health alone. They also suggest tax-funded universal healthcare, investments in public sector hospitals, and a review of health insurance regulations and GST.
Among their major demands, the IMA calls for:
- Tax-funded universal healthcare with a basic package for all citizens
- Investments in public sector hospitals
- An allocation of 5% of GDP for health
- Re-envisioning PMJAY to cover outpatient care and the cost of drugs
- Facilities for direct patient transfer, copayment, and reimbursement models
The IMA also highlighted the complexities of the third-party payer system under PMJAY, which they believe is creating serious issues in India’s medical care system.
