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In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services, the Union Budget for 2024-25 has allocated Rs 90,958 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This represents a 12.9% increase from the previous year's revised estimates of Rs 80,517.62 crore. The enhanced budget aims to strengthen various health initiatives and improve overall healthcare delivery across the nation.
Breakdown of Allocations
Department of Health and Family Welfare
The lion's share of the budget has been earmarked for the Department of Health and Family Welfare, which will receive Rs 87,656 crore. This marks a 12.92% increase from the Rs 77,625 crore allocated in the revised estimates for 2023-24. The substantial increase is intended to support the implementation and expansion of key health programs and initiatives.
Department of Health Research
The Department of Health Research will receive an outlay of Rs 3,302 crore, reflecting a 14% rise from the Rs 2,893 crore allocated in the revised estimates for 2023-24. This increased funding will enable the department to enhance its research capabilities and contribute to the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
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Major Health Programs and Initiatives
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
The government’s flagship universal health coverage scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, has seen a 10% increase in its outlay, rising to Rs 7,300 crore from Rs 6,800 crore in the revised estimates for 2023-24. This increment is particularly noteworthy as it follows the finance ministry’s announcement to include ASHA and Anganwadi workers under the scheme’s ambit.
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Strengthening Drug Regulatory Systems
The outlay for strengthening drug regulatory systems has been set at Rs 75 crore, marking a 44% increase from the Rs 52 crore allocated in the previous year's revised estimates. This funding boost is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of drug regulation in the country.
Non-Communicable Diseases and Disease Control
Increased allocations have also been made for programs targeting non-communicable diseases and for the establishment and strengthening of regional branches of the National Centre for Disease Control. These efforts are crucial for controlling the spread of diseases and improving public health outcomes.
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Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases
The budget also includes provisions for health initiatives under inter-sectoral coordination for the preparation and control of zoonotic and other neglected tropical diseases such as viral hepatitis and antimicrobial resistance. These measures are essential for tackling the growing threat of these diseases and ensuring a healthier population.
Department of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of Ayush
Department of Pharmaceuticals
Under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has seen a substantial 51.6% increase in its 2024-25 outlay, amounting to Rs 4,090 crore, up from Rs 2,697 crore in the revised estimates of 2023-24. This increase follows a 158% rise in outlay for the development of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and a 6% increase for the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research across India.
Ministry of Ayush
The Ministry of Ayush has received a 23.75% rise in its outlay for 2024-25, amounting to Rs 3,712.5 crore, up from Rs 3,000 crore in the revised estimates for 2023-24. The major increase is attributed to the National Ayush Mission and the autonomous bodies responsible for research in Ayurveda, homoeopathy, and Unani. This funding is expected to boost traditional medicine practices and integrate them more effectively into the mainstream healthcare system.
Bottomline
The 2024-25 Union Budget’s increased allocation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services. The substantial rise in funding for various departments and initiatives is poised to enhance healthcare delivery, promote research and innovation, and ensure better health outcomes for the population. This budget reflects a strategic approach to addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges and building a robust health system for the future.