The Indian Government has announced a series of comprehensive initiatives to boost healthcare and education sectors in the country. These reforms aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, improve medical education, foster research, and promote technological advancement. A press release on these reforms was issued on September 28, 2024.
Key Highlights of the Press Release
I. Expanded Healthcare Coverage
The government has extended the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. This initiative will provide free health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to approximately 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens.
II. Digital Health Initiatives
The U-WIN Portal, a digital platform for vaccination services, has been launched to maintain vaccination records for pregnant women and children. The portal offers citizen-centric services like self-registration, automated SMS alerts, and QR-based eVaccination Certificates.
III. Strengthening Medical Education
The government plans to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals. This expansion will enhance the country’s medical education capacity and improve the quality of healthcare services.
IV. Research and Innovation
Initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Vigyan Dhara Scheme aim to promote scientific research, innovation, and technological development. These initiatives will foster a culture of research and innovation in India’s universities, colleges, and research institutions.
V. Policy Reforms
The government has also introduced policy reforms in areas such as cancer treatment, biotechnology, and education. Three cancer medicines were exempted from customs duty, benefiting the 27 lakh cancer patients in the country. The three cancer drugs are as follows:
- Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Breast Cancer),
- Osimertinib (Lung Cancer) and
- Durvalumab (Lung Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer)
They drugs are used for different tumor types.
The custom duty rates on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors were also revised. These revised rates are expected to positively impact the X-ray machine industry by enhancing component availability at lower costs. This change is anticipated to boost the domestic medical device sector.
These reforms aim to create a conducive environment for component availability at lower costs and reduced healthcare costs.
