‘INFLATION NOT AS HIGH AS IT WAS EARLIER’

LUCKNOW : Union home minister Rajnath Singh said inflation in the country was not as high as it was during the previous regime. “At present, inflation is half of GDP growth. Earlier, it was double the GDP growth,” said Singh while addressing a gathering after inaugurating Divine Multispeciality Hospital. He pointed towards the role of the private sector to help achieve the targets set in various sectors such as health sector. “It is a cause for worry that the achievement we need is not as desired,” he said. Pointing towards the development in the health sector, he said the central government had decided to keep 2.5% of the GDP for health in comparison to the earlier 1.5% of the GDP. “The new health policy has been made and generic drug stores will provide drugs up to 50% cheaper. But the per 1,000 ratio of doctors and nurses in India is half in comparison to other countries of the world. The aim is affordable healthcare for all,” he emphasised. However, he said that private investment was necessary in the health sector. “Private investors are necessary and I see them as our strategic partners.” UP’s medical education minister and special guest on the occasion, Ashutosh Tandon pointed towards the heavy inflow of patients in the state capital. “People find it difficult to get admission at KGMU and look for some source and their source calls me for help. There are about 10,000 hospital beds in the city and all remain occupied,” he said. Dr AK Srivastava, founder president of Divine Hospital, in his speech pointed towards difficulties in starting projects such as heart transplant.