Nadda Urges States to Boost Healthcare Spending

New Delhi: Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday urged state governments to spend more on improving healthcare infrastructure and dismissed opposition allegations of reduced allocations under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Healthcare Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). Speaking during the debate on the demand for grants for the health and family welfare ministry in the Lok Sabha, Nadda highlighted the government's achievements, including the increase in medical colleges and efforts to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare.

Government Achievements

Nadda highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare. He mentioned the increase in the number of medical colleges and the steps taken to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Additionally, he highlighted the initiatives for early screening of diseases such as cancer and sickle cell anaemia, underscoring the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.

"We don't believe in just making announcements. "We believe in thorough planning, guaranteeing last mile delivery, identifying bottlenecks, and taking action to remove them," the minister asserted.

Opposition Claims and Response

Addressing opposition claims about reduced funds for the health infrastructure mission, Nadda clarified that states had spent only Rs 1,806 crore out of the Rs 4,200 crore allocated in the previous year's budget. He assured that more funds would be allocated if the existing ones were utilized effectively, mentioning that Rs 3,200 crore have been earmarked for PM-ABHIM this year.

Nadda also challenged Trinamool Congress members, who were protesting, to explain why the West Bengal government had not shared the dengue registry with the Centre, further defending the government's stance on healthcare spending.

Call to Action

Nadda's call to action for state governments to enhance their healthcare spending underscores the need for a collaborative effort to improve the country's healthcare infrastructure. By urging states to utilize allocated funds efficiently, he highlighted the central government's commitment to supporting healthcare improvements across the nation.