Budget strengthens health sector with 154.87% increase for Ayushman Bharat : Dr Vardhan

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : “ The General Budget 2019-20 is a reflection of the pragmatism and visionary governance of Prime Minister  Narendra Modiji. It is development-oriented and people-centric. A landmark budget was presented today by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the agenda of “putting the nation first”.

This was stated by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan while welcoming the Union Budget for the year 2019-20. Thanking PM Narendra Modiji and the Finance Minister, Dr  Vardhan further said that this is an inclusive budget which is pro-poor, pro-farmer, pro-downtrodden, and for the development of all the sectors and the country at large.

Dr Vardhan stated that the Budget has taken care of all sectors be it agriculture, transport, infrastructure, the social sector, small and medium farmers, women and children, entrepreneurs, youth, senior citizens, and safety of citizens. “It is focussed on the development of the rural areas while also ensuring that India looks towards the future with growth in digital sector and start-up India,” he added.

The Union Health Minister stated that the budget for the Health Ministry shows an appreciable increase of more than 18.67%  in the total outlay. This reflects the importance accorded to the health sector in the country, he added. There is an additional Rs 9,859.12 crore allocated in BE 2019-20 against BE 2018-19. The BE 2018-19 was Rs 52,800 crore, whereas that of the current FY is Rs. 62,659.12 crore, he said.

The flagship programme, Ayushmman Bharat, has seen an increase of 154.87% (Rs. 4,956 crore) which covers the two pillars of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and PMJAY. There has been an increase of 92.44% (Rs. 402.06cr) over previous year in the ASHA Benefit package, whereas an additional Rs. 450.01 (8.57% increase) has been allocated for immunisation, women and children.

Also, as part of the Union Budget announced today, there has been an increase of 154.24% for FSSAI for strengthening of food testing system in the country including provision of Mobile Food Testing Labs. In addition, basic excise duty been imposed on Tobacco and Tobacco products, which will help tobacco control efforts, according to a PIB release.

As Science & Technology Minister, Dr Vardhan said the proposed National Research Foundation (NRF) is a grand step which shall provide an extraordinary direction for consolidation and expansion of research, technology development, technology led innovation, and a new fillip for fulfillment of the vision of Prime Minister’s New India.