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It is heartening that the UPA Government has declared healthcare as a pillar of social sector reforms. The Government can be expected to hike outlays for the sector in the Budget.

But more than this, the Government must ensure better accessibility and affordability. It can incentivise public-private projects that will ensure deeper penetration of healthcare services.

The National Rural Health Mission can be expanded to include urban weaker sections and define a role for private healthcare players that are in place in urban towns and cities.

The Budget can also play a role in bringing down the cost of healthcare services as there is a strong case for rationalisation of excise levies and value-added tax on medical equipment. The healthcare sector looks forward to the Government incentivising research and development aimed at innovating services and developing low-cost delivery systems.

The Government could consider exempting all imports for research and development from Customs duty and setting up medical technology parks along the lines of those for software technology.

Sanjay Prasad

Member, CII Health

Sub-Committee, and

CEO, Mercy Hospital

More Stories on : Budget | Research & Development | Pharmaceuticals

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