Budget 2015: Experts slam government for slashing health budget

The new government promised to set in place the National Health Assurance Mission to ensure that every Indian would get access to healthcare. But the overall budgetary allocation for health has decreased in comparison to 2014‐15 and the focus is on the corporate side of the healthcare industry rather than patients.

The current year’s health budget has been reduced in comparison to last year’s budget. This is the 10th year of the National Rural Health Mission. In light of this government promising to implement the Universal Healthcare Access policy (as advised by the World Health Organization), everyone had lots of hope, but they are disappointed.

The government’s slashing spree has also hit the AYUSH branch of medicines, which this government has sought to promote. It was felt that at least Ayurveda would get an increased allocation, but the provision for Ayurveda too has decreased from Rs 265 crore to Rs 248 crore.

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