Health Budget 2016 gives indirect Health Benefits: IMA’s viewpoint

The following schemes in the health budget are health friendly, said Dr S S Agarwal – National President IMA, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal – Hony. Secretary General IMA & Dr. Vinay Aggarwal – Past National President, IMA

Rs. 2000 Crore LPG universal coverage will reduce asthma and COPD in women in the rural areas.
3000 Jan Aushadhi Stores will provide cheaper medicine to the community.
National Dialysis Services Programme will be launched. Tax exemptions given to certain dialysis equipments including basic custom and excise duty as well as CVD. A Dialysis Centre in every district will reduce kidney related mortality in 2.2 lakh rural patients.
Rs. 2.18 Lakh Crore infrastructure development will lead to better communication and reduce road traffic accidents.
100 Crore for rural electrification will reduce health mortality and morbidity.
1 crore youth getting training in skill development will stimulate many of them to become health educators.
Rs. 9000 Crore for Swachh Bharat will reduce diarrhoeal deaths.
In the health sector, service tax has not been not included.
For SC/ST and women start ups, 5000 Crores allocation will the help health industry as well.
Increase in excise duties on various tobacco products other than beedi by 10-15% and by 3% on aerated drinks will improve health and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Rs. 1,700 crores allocated for Skill India Mission under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna
100% FDI to be allowed in marketing of food products manufactured and produced in India
Government’s new health protection scheme to provide health cover of Rs. 1 Lakh with a top up of Rs. 30,000 proposed for senior citizens