percent hike for the biotech research outlay in the budget. Similarly, the Department of Science and Technology and Indian Council for Medical Research too has received 5-6 percent hike. This satisfies many in the sector, who were terming the lack of funds for research as a major hindrance to innovation.
Back to basic healthcare
Mr Arun Jaitley in his speech mentioned that government has prepared an action plan to eliminate Kala-Azar and Filariasis by 2017, Leprosy by 2018 and Measles by 2020. Elimination of tuberculosis by 2025 is also targeted. Similarly, action plan has been prepared to reduce IMR from 39 in 2014 to 28 by 2019 and MMR from 167 in 2011-13 to 100 by 2018- 2020. 1.5 lakh Health Sub Centres will be transformed into Health and Wellness Centres. He said that to strengthen secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare, adequate availability of specialist doctors is needed.
“ We have therefore decided to take steps to create additional 5,000 Post Graduate seats per annum. In addition, steps will be taken to roll-out DNB courses in big District Hospitals; strengthen PG teaching in select ESI and Municipal Corporation Hospitals; and encourage reputed Private Hospitals to start DNB courses. The Central Government will work with the State Governments to take these tasks forward. The Government is committed to take necessary steps for structural transformation of the Regulatory framework of Medical Education and Practice in India. Two new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences( AIIMS) will be set-up in the States of Jharkhand and Gujarat,” the Finance Minister said.
The Budget also proposed to
Healthcare highlights:
• Elimination of tuberculosis by 2025 targeted.
• Health sub centres, numbering 1.5 lakh, willl be transformed into health wellness centres.
• Two AIIMS will be set up in Jharkhand and Gujarat.
• Will undertake structural transformation of the regulator framework for medical education.
• Aadhaar-based smartcards will be issued to senior citizens to monitor health.
BIOVOICENEWS. COM 17