Overall it is a good budget, and from a doctor’s perspective it is a progressive one for the healthcare industry. Emphasis on preventive healthcare is an encouraging sign to the future of healthcare delivery system in the country. It is also heartening to see that government has given its due importance to address malnutrition, care for the aging and crisis management center for women which indeed are very good initiatives. Ample attention has been given to address the manpower crunch in the industry. Setting up of four AIIMS means bridging the gap between shortage of talent and the availability of trained quality medical practitioners in the industry. Lastly, strengthening of drug testing and Drug Regulatory and Food Regulatory Systems will improve quality which once more assures a change for the good.
– Dr Sudarshan Ballal, Medical Director & Chairman – Medical Advisory Board, Manipal Health Enterprises