Page 2 - Healthcare Spending

Huge public-pvt effort needed to boost health if there's third Covid wave

Only when both sectors take joint actions, can the country brave another onslaught

India's public spending on healthcare lowest in BRICS nations: DEA Secy

India's public expenditure on health is the lowest among the BRICS nations, DEA Secretary Ajay Seth said stressing that technology can play a great role in improving access to healthcare

Everyone is battling coronavirus in India, except the state

Pandemic is a reminder of why even a dynamic private sector needs a state that can support its efforts.

Healthcare sector expected to reach $372 billion in 2022: Niti Aayog report

Non-metros (Tier-II and III cities) are expected to recover faster than the metropolitan areas and tier-I cities

Cabinet approves reserve fund to manage healthcare schemes in country

PMSSN covers any any programme to achieve India's sustainable development goals and the targets set out in the national health policy

Close look shows Union Budget's 137% increase on healthcare is illusory

It is unclear as to why Rs 35,000 crore has been earmarked for vaccines, writes K Sujatha Rao.

Higher budget allocation for healthcare a welcome move: Industry

The pharma and healthcare industry has welcomed the government's decision to increase allocation for the sector

Budget 2021: Allocation won't cover 300-million target for vaccination

There is yet no clarity on how this fund will be raised, how much states will contribute, and how much the new vaccines will cost

Top headlines: India's budget hikes spending; Myanmar military takes power

Business Standard brings you top news of the evening

Healthcare service providers urge govt to raise healthcare spend in budget

The government should increase healthcare spend in the ensuing budget for ramping up the infrastructure in the sector, healthcare service providers have said. "The public spend in healthcare needs to increase from the current 1.2 per cent to at least 2.5 per cent of GDP in the next 3 years, much of which should be invested in creating and modernising our infrastructure. Hopefully, the budget for 2021-22 would take the important first step towards this," Manipal Hospitals MD & CEO Dilip Jose said in a statement. Rapid and proactive actions of the government and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers helped the country navigate the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it exposed the chinks in the healthcare system, and highlighted the need for a major infrastructure revamp, he added. Highlighting the expectations from the budget, Metropolis Healthcare Promoter & MD Ameera Shah said, "The lack of adequate public health infrastructure in India combined with a high Out-of-pocket ...

Govt likely to set up Pradhan Mantri health fund in upcoming Budget

Centre, states to contribute to meet higher public spending target

Parl panel on Covid-19: Fees high at pvt hospitals; spending on health low

This is the first report by any parliamentary committee on the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic

India Coronavirus Dispatch: Pandemic may persist longer in rural areas

Cases shoot up in Rajkot, MP's immunisation programme impacted, and urban middle class incomes hit--news on how the country is dealing with the pandemic

World Dispatch: China's vulnerability to 'second wave' of Covid infections

Trump's change in tone to Tokyo cases, and other pandemic-related news from across the globe

Govt asks industry to ramp up supply of protective gears for health workers

The government on Monday said it is continuously working with industry bodies, stakeholders and manufacturers on 24x7 basis to streamline the supply chain of protective gears required by healthcare professionals to fight the coronavirus spread. In a statement, the textiles ministry said that for last 45 days it, along with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is attempting to locate adequate number of sources who can produce and supply the requirement of 'Body Coveralls' for government. Body Coveralls (PPE) is a specialised protective suit meant for high level of protection for health professionals. It has stringent technical requirements as prescribed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Such materials are manufactured by a few international companies, who expressed their "inability" to supply on account of a complete glut in stocks and ban of exports by the source countries, the ministry said. Only a limited quantity was offered and procured by the procurement ...

Patients to bear the brunt of additional 5% health cess on device imports

Till date, the customs duty was 7.5%, plus educational cess. With an additional 5% health cess

Govt plans to provide medical treatment to gig workers at a subsidised rate

This may come as a relief to such companies as they will not be compelled to bear the social security cost of its workers

Before expanding, need to consolidate: Ayushman Bharat CEO Indu Bhushan

Ayushman Bharat scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to 100 million 'poor and vulnerable' families

Fixing the demand slump: Seven reasons for slowdown, and possible solutions

The govt might look for quick fixes under pressure to revive the economy, but sustainable economic growth will continue to be elusive without structural changes, writes T N Ninan

Smart spending: Healthcare services at home need not be expensive

Since there is little insurance cover, one has to meet the expenses out of one's own pocket