Reactions to Budget 2015: Dr Raajiv Singhal, Group CEO, Sakra World Hospital

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It’s a great budget that will not only boost the development of healthcare sector, but also enable common man to easily access ‘quality healthcare’ backed by the tax benefits.

  • The move to set-up five AIIMS centres in different parts of country (J&K, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, HP and Assam), will lead to ‘super-specialised quality healthcare’ for all.
  • Allocation of Rs 33,152 crores to the health sector will immensely help in upgrading existing government healthcare facilities across the country and promoting ‘health and hygiene’ for all.
  • More rebate in health insurance premium will encourage savings and allow common man to holistically plan their healthcare cover. Allowing them to start insuring their health early, before being diagnosed with diseases.
  • Additional tax benefits to senior citizens and disabled people requiring assisted living will enable greater quality of life for them and aid these vulnerable groups.
  • Rs 30,000/- deduction on treatment expenditure of Senior Citizens of the age of 80 years or more, (who are not covered by health insurance) will provide greater social security for them.
  • Employees will now have option of choosing either ESI or any Health Insurance product, recognised by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA). This will offer them more freedom to make informed decisions by weighing both the schemes.
budget 2015