Budget Expectations Hail for Affordable and Accessible Healthcare in India
New Delhi, Dec 12: As the Union Budget for 2025-26 inches closer, several key stakeholders have expressed their expectations and suggestions for shaping India's healthcare landscape. In a recent meeting, experts from various sectors, including medical devices, hospitals, mental health platforms, and technology firms, highlighted critical areas that require attention to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to the masses.
MTaI Chairman Pavan Choudary advocated for reducing customs duty rates on medical devices where domestic alternatives are not yet readily available. This move would significantly reduce the cost of essential medical equipment, thereby aligning the government's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) with the ultimate goal of providing affordable healthcare to millions.
Kinjal Shah from ICRA echoed similar sentiments by stressing the need for tax incentives to boost investments in modernising hospitals and developing greenfield facilities in rural areas. He also underscored the importance of increased allocations under PMJAY, incorporating rising medical inflation, to make a tangible impact on patient care.
On the other hand, Tarun Gupta from mental health platform Lissun stressed the need for increased funding for awareness campaigns, accessibility, and affordability of mental healthcare services. Key priorities mentioned included integrating mental health into primary care, insurance coverage for mental health, research funding, and developing a national mental health database. Expanding university courses to produce more qualified therapists and incorporating mental health education into schools and workplaces were also highlighted.
Philips Indian Subcontinent's Head of Finance Dev Tripathy expressed optimism about the government's commitment to transforming India's healthcare landscape over the years. He emphasized that reducing import duties on lifesaving devices and high-end medical equipment would be a significant step towards enhancing access to care and improving public health outcomes, positioning India as a global healthcare hub.
As the Union Budget approaches, these stakeholders' expectations are expected to shape the fate of India's healthcare sector, with the ultimate goal of making healthcare not just accessible but also affordable for all citizens.