Budget Reaction: Dr Rajeev K Sharma, Senior Orthopedic Specialist & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

Dr Rajeev K Sharma, Senior Orthopedic Specialist & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi says,   “The most notable part of the budget announcements on the healthcare sector is of course on the health insurance front. We have seen people lose their savings, become indebted and bankrupt to meet healthcare exigencies in the family and we as healthcare providers strongly believe that penetration of health insurance should increase in India. In this direction, increasing of the tax exemption for health insurance is a welcome measure.   “Another welcome announcement is about establishment of more AIIMS like institutions. There is also this initiative by the FM about a new scheme of providing physical aids for senior citizens below poverty line. This is encouraging too. But in India, the devil lies in the implementation. We hope these positive initiatives are implemented with speed and effectiveness.   “The budget’s overall emphasis on cleanliness initiatives in line with the Swatch Bharat Campaign seems fresh and positive. I am particularly happy about the target of 6 crore new toilets. This is a major healthcare issue and I happy that in the past few years our public policy and awareness initiatives have started giving this issue its due.

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