MNC medtech majors seem to be hoping that the union budget spurs more public-private partnerships
Dr Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director, Wipro GE Healthcare
Wish to partner with the government and other players
It is heartening to see the Government’s focus on the six pillars- health and well-being, manufacturing, agriculture reforms, reinvigorating human capital, research & development and maximum governance, which gives a visible roadmap to reset the economy. With 137 per cent increased budget allocation healthcare has taken center stage for the benefit of citizens of India. We applaud the new budget which takes a holistic view of healthcare to move towards Atmanirbhar Bharat with emphasis on preventive, curative and wellbeing, reducing rural urban divide and capacity enhancement interventions across the value chain.
Our endeavour for the past 30+ years have been to ensure quality and affordable healthcare is accessible to the doorsteps of people through our local manufacturing, R&D, digital and skilling efforts delivered through the wide network of sales and services personnel and partners. We are happy to see the alignment with the 6 pillars defined in the budget and wish to partner with the government and other players to strengthen and bring to reality the newly launched Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojna. We continue our promise to be a partner to the government’s effort for a self-reliant India especially during early intervention in the areas of mother & child, cardiology, oncology and trauma & stroke.
Sunil Mathur, MD and CEO, Siemens
A whopping 137 per cent rise in healthcare spending is well-timed
The Union Budget is a very comprehensive one with thrust on infrastructure, health & wellbeing and areas like skilling and migrants workers. The 34.5 per cent rise in capex spending and the proposal to set up a Development Finance Institution (DFI) will help boost the infrastructure sector. A whopping 137 per cent rise in healthcare spending is well-timed. The creation of Bad Banks to deal with NPAs is a positive move. The announcements related to divestment plan was much needed as it can help prop up economy.
Narendra Varde, MD, Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets
Setting up of rural and urban health and wellness centres could be an opportunity to create a PPP model
The health care proposals in the 2021 Union budget, aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, have given a major impetus to health care reform in the country. It reflects the emphasis on three major aspects of prevention, healing and well-being involving primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, which in turn will generate more jobs.
Undoubtedly, the 138 per cent increase of health & well-being outlay is commendable. PM Aatmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana to develop capacities of health care systems and is a progressive step towards the sustainable development of the healthcare sector.
Further, setting up of rural and urban health and wellness centres could be an opportunity to create a PPP model. The partnership-driven approach is a sure step for the entities to bring to these hospitals their inherent areas of strength, thus building a quality model of care. This also allows the private sector to take part in addressing the health needs of the country more effectively.
Overall, we feel that the budget is encouraging as it will strengthen access to healthcare in India. And we look forward to partnering with the government on the disease surveillance project and establishing innovative lab solutions for the healthier future of the country.