CDR Navneet Bali, Regional Director, Narayana Health, North, said The only way to democratize healthcare is to make it accessible which is clearly seen in the budgetary push through telehealth and the digital health ecosystem. The benefits seem to be given to the much needed rural sections which lack physical infra and superspecialist doctors – while the urban population has easy access and spending capability at high end private healthcare institutions, the rural segment lack both which could be addressed through detailed healthcare budget allocations. Healthcare accessibility in Rural areas Is clearly seen as the long term aim of the government is a welcome step which is seen through digital adoption. There has been a lot of talk of mental health during covid. The government has taken cognizance and planned setting up 23 Mental Health Centers which is a much appreciated step in the right direction.
Dr Anand Bansal, Medical Director at Action Group of Hospitals said, “Amid COVID 19 pandemic the sudden and unprecedented changes the world had to go through, this budget was keenly awaited especially for the announcements in regards to the health sector. Apart from physical, mental health is also a majorly affected area during pandemic. Addressing the need of the hour the implementation of a national tele-mental health program, which will have tech-support from IIT Bangalore,will give an momentum to mental health issues as the pandemic has accentuated problems of stress and depression in the people. This would undoubtedly improve access to high-quality mental health counselling and treatment services. Also, an open platform for the National Digital Health Ecosystem will be rolled out and it’ll further help in strengthening the healthcare services within the country, still our health sector needs more expenditure and infrastructure development. As per health concerns this budget is satisfactory and full of vision, considering the challenges our healthcare is facing, things will surely need time to reflect results on a larger scale”.
