Medical fraternity disappointed with the budget: Not health friendly
New Delhi, 28th February, 2015: The medical fraternity expected increase in health budget to at least 2.5%, separate budget for disease out breaks, rare diseases, for rural posting of doctors, and free treatment for emergencies and the primary care. Medical fraternity has also been asking for health to be declared as a infrastructure status.
A total allocation of 33150 crore for health is not health friendly said Padma Shri Awardees Dr A M Pillai National president and Dr KK Aggarwal Honorary Secretary General IMA in a press statement.
IMA release said that the only plus point is increasing the health insurance exemption limit to 25000 from 15000 but the same will not benefit the poor as he cannot even afford the 15000 limit.
Also including yoga as charitable activity to get exemption under the income tax act will promote Yoga in the country.
Instead of opening five more AIIMS the government in one stroke should have announced AIIMS in every state and should have strengthened the existing ones.
IMA hopes that the money collected from Swatch Bharat Abhiyana gets to be used for health purposes. IMA also hopes that service tax exemption to health sector is not taken off.
Separate budget for age related disability for the older and the oldest old is a welcome step.
Rise in service tax to 14% is not in the interest of common man.
No provisions have been made fro free drugs, investigations or emergency care.
