New Delhi: The Opposition member of parliaments slammed the Union Government for their apathy towards the healthcare sector considering the budget allocated for the healthcare sector. The Opposition MP’s were critical on the present state of healthcare facilities especially in the rural parts of the country, massive irregularities in the governments flagship scheme of Ayushman Bharat and the meagre budget allocation for the healthcare sector.
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The discussion was initiated by Congress MP Tariq Anwar said that the National Health Policy – 2017 had set a target to increase the budget on healthcare but however the government spending on healthcare is on decline. He pointed out to the fact though AIIMS have been opened in different states they lack infrastructure resulting in the patient seeking treatment in AIIMS – Delhi. Continuing the attack on the government Samajwadi Party Lalji Verma said that the centre’s policy has led to an increase in out of pocket medical expenses to the patient. Verma also requested the Centre to start post graduate courses in medical colleges of Uttar Pradesh so that the hospitals could run on the strength of PG resident doctors. Trinamool Congress member Sharmila Sarkar demanded scrapping of GST on life and medical insurance premium. She also raised the issue of infrastructure inadequacy in AIIMS in various parts of country and pointed out to the inadequate infrastructure in AIIMS – Kalyani in West Bengal. DMK member Rani Srikumar pointed out to the NEET paper leak issue and pointed out the impact of expensive coaching classes and demanded that the NEET rather being centralized should be conducted by State Governments. Srikumar said that there are allegation of irregularities against the Ayushman Bharat scheme and quoted the CAG report to substantiate the claim. Shiv Sena (UBT) member Rajabhau Waje demanded the complete withdrawal of GST on life and medical insurance premium. YSRCP member Gurumoorthy Maddila brought to the notice of government the increase in rate of cancer death across country. Also the member said that the AIIMS – Mangalagiri established in 2018 is starving of essential funds. National Conference member Mian Altaf Ahmad demanded a cancer hospital in Jammu and Kashmir.