“Today’s announcement by the Hon’ble Finance Minister under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister towards the support given to healthcare sector is encouraging and augurs well for a quick recovery of India’s economy. The encouraging stimulus will definitely ensure that we are prepared for any such future health challenge. 

The private health sector has played a crucial role in facing this crisis and helped saves numerous lives. However, the period also saw hospitals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities face severe challenges that threatened their survival. These hospitals now have a lifeline in the form of the 50000-cr. loan guarantee scheme for the health sector with a cap on interest rates. The announcements will also encourage the larger private sector healthcare groups to invest further in health infrastructure in the smaller cities, which in turn will ease access to quality healthcare, bringing world class medical infrastructure to the doorstep of every common man

The allocation of Rs.23,220 cr. towards public health for COVID care and future preparedness with a special emphasis for paediatric emergency preparedness will bolster our efforts for any such healthcare challenges in future”