Madhya Pradesh’s New Budget: Big Boost for Health and Medical Education
On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Jagdish Devda, presented the state budget for the financial year 2024-25. The budget proposes Rs 21,444 crore for the health sector, marking a 34% increase from the previous year’s budget.
Health Sector Investments
Minister Devda highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance health facilities, stating, “Health is the capital of human life. Our government is continuously increasing investment in health facilities.” The budget includes:
- Rs 4500 crore for the National Health Mission
- Rs 2104 crore based on the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations
- Rs 1680 crore for District/Civil Hospitals and Dispensaries
- Rs 1413 crore for primary health centres
- Rs 981 crore for Ayushman Bharat
- Rs 668 crore for Sub Health Centres
- Rs 500 crore for Maternity Assistance
- Rs 490 crore for ASHA workers
- Rs 400 crore for Ayushman Bharat (Non SECC beneficiary)
Medical Education Enhancements
The government aims to increase the availability of medical education. In 2003, there were only five government medical colleges in the state. Now, there are 14, with plans to open three more in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni in 2024-25. Additionally, eight more colleges are planned for the next two years.
Other allocations include:
- Rs 2452 crore for Medical Colleges and Associated Hospitals
- Rs 631 crore for specific medical colleges
- Rs 400 crore for new medical colleges
- Rs 201 crore for strengthening PG courses
- Rs 120 crore for a Super Speciality Hospital
- Rs 115 crore for increasing MBBS seats
- Rs 101 crore for the Directorate of Medical Education
- Rs 100 crore for Chhindwara Institute of Medical Science
Support for Bhopal Gas Tragedy Victims
The budget also includes Rs 145 crore for Gas Relief Health Services for the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.