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