Dr. N.K. Pandey

Chairman and Managing Director, ( recipient of Padmashri and Dr. B. C. Roy Award) Asian Institute of Medical Sciences.

Union budget 2022 appears promising for the healthcare industry with significant structural reforms and greater allocations to health schemes which clearly indicate the government’s commitment towards addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. However, the industry’s expectations of accelerated public spending and the funding target of 2.5% GDP seem to be achieved by 2023 only.

The industry lauds rolling out of an open platform under the National Digital Health Ecosystem as it will go a long way in achieving the goal of universal health coverage. The cases of depression and anxiety disorders witnessed an increase of about 25% globally, and by 35% in India alone. It is encouraging to note the government’s attention to addressing the challenge of rising mental health issues in India and proposed to launch a National Tele Mental Health Programme. The budget inculcating the fact that focusing on mental and emotional wellness is the need of the hour, itself talks about how progressive we are becoming in our approach as a nation.