Chandigarh, February 1
Haryana Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao hails the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it a budget that caters to the needs of all sections of society, including the poor and the middle class. Reacting to the budget, she stated that it will significantly enhance health facilities in Haryana.
Kumari Arti Singh Rao said that the budget would promote the expansion of medical education. To address the shortage of healthcare professionals, the Central Government has announced an increase of 10,000 medical seats in the coming year, with plans to expand this to 75,000 seats over the next five years. This initiative is expected to increase the number of doctors and specialists, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving access to healthcare.
The Health Minister also praised the announcement of establishing “Day-Care Cancer Centres” in district hospitals, calling it a historic move. She said that this initiative will be a significant step in improving cancer care, enabling patients, especially those from rural areas, to receive affordable and timely treatment without the need to travel long distances.
Welcoming the exemption of several life-saving drugs and medicines from customs duty in the budget, Kumari Arti Singh Rao said that 36 life-saving drugs and medicines have been exempted from customs duty, while six drugs will fall under the 5% duty category. Additionally, 37 drugs and 13 new patient support programs have been added to the list of exemptions. This move will make critical treatments for diseases such as cancer, rare disorders, and serious chronic conditions more affordable for patients.
The Health Minister also praised the ‘Heal in India’ initiative introduced by the Central Government, saying it will not only promote medical tourism but also simplify the visa process.
Kumari Arti Singh Rao expressed her gratitude to Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, describing the budget as a step towards revolutionary changes in the healthcare sector.
