About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Health Care Sector Faces 17 Percent Cut in the Budget

by Julia Samuel on December 24, 2014 at 5:39 PM
Font : A-A+

Health Care Sector Faces 17 Percent Cut in the Budget

The finance ministry has indicated a cut of 17 percent in the revised estimates for the health care sector.

The MoF has reduced the budget of various ministries to the tune of one lakh crore. Apparently, the MoF took the decision in view of the fiscal deficit. Sources in the ministry pointed out several social sector ministries were also facing a cut in their budget.

Advertisement

The health ministry officials are disappointed, however, this is not the first time that a slash in the budget has been indicated. For instance, in 2013-14, there was a cut by Rs.6000 crore from the Rs 29,164 crore plan outlay.

The cut in the Health Ministry budget could impact efforts to control the spread of diseases. "If it happens we will not have the luxury to spend much on the healthcare sector. There are many ambitious schemes in the offing and a cut in the budget would affect all those schemes," added sources.
Advertisement

The retrenchment could also derail an ambitious universal healthcare programme that the PM wants to launch in April. The plan aims to provide all citizens with free drugs and diagnostic treatments, as well as insurance benefits.

The budget for 2012-13 had proposed to increase the outlay of the government's flagship National Rural Health Mission. According to estimates, India's spending in health is estimated to be the lowest in the world around 1.2 percent.

India spends about one percent of its gross domestic product on public health, compared to three percent in China and 8.3 percent in the United States.

With the communicable and non-communicable diseases on the rise and in need for control and prevention, the health sector should be one among the top priority for the Ministry of finance to be equipped accordingly.

Source: Medindia
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest General Health News

What Are the Consequences of Celebrities Endorsing Tobacco?
In India, youth must be aware of the diseases linked to cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption, causing a form of healthcare emergency.
 People Living Close to the Seaside Enjoy Better Health
Direct coastal access may represent a viable route to public health promotion, but the relationships of coastal living are not strongest among lower-income groups.
 Over Four Million Gardeners Place Their Hearing in Danger
New research by Tinnitus UK has found that over four million gardeners are putting their hearing capacity at risk this summer without using safety protection.
Breaking the Barrier: Unraveling Mucus Plugs to Save Lives in COPD
Mucus plugs could be targeted to help reduce fatalities from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Continue to Drive Up Healthcare Cost
The development of reliable curative therapies for multiple sclerosis could significantly reduce the economic burden of the disease on patients and wider society.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Health Care Sector Faces 17 Percent Cut in the Budget Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests