Reacting to Arun Jaitley's Union Budget 2014-15, Dr Pavan Kumar, consultant cardiac surgeon at Lilavati Hospital and Head of Cardiac Surgery Department and Telemedicine Center at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai found the budget 'totally uninspiring and pedestrian'.
He said: 'A lot was expected from the NaMo Budget but after the budget was announced, no difference can be seen between the current and earlier government. There are no new reforms for the health or pharma sector. If we talk about the health sector, the aim of 'Health to All by 2020' cannot be achieved by meagre 1.7% out of the total budget. At least 3% to 4% is needed to make this dream come true. How can this government justify the allocation of Rs 200 crore for a statue when at the same time only Rs 100 crore is allocated for 'Save the Girl Child' movement?'
Dr Ramakant Panda, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Asian Heart Institute added: 'While the budget adheres to a very strong fundamental plan for growth, there doesn't seem to be a great focus on healthcare per se. But looking at the interplay of factors that are critical to 'universal healthcare', the decision to set aside for Rs 3,600 for the National Rural Drinking Water and also for the toiles and drinking water scheme for girls.' He added: 'Universal Healthcare begins from water and sanitation. With 626 millions openly defecating, India has the dubious distinction of accounting for 59% of 1.1 billion people worldwide who practice it. According to UN this is the riskiest sanitation practice, one of the main cause of diarrhoea. Each day 3000 children before age 4 die from this. Diarrhoea related illness deprive India of 73 million working days each year.'
Along with that he applauded the four more AIIMS that are being set-up saying that these institutions along with 12 more medical colleges in government hospitals will definitely bring down the cost of medical education. He added: 'There will be 12 more medical colleges in government hospitals- this will definitely not only bring down the cost of medical education, but also set standards for its quality. It will also be encouraging an environment for research.'
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