Ayushman Bharat Health Infra Mission Garners Praise From Public Health Experts

The recently announced measures by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi lending support to 17,788 health and wellness centres across the country in 10 high-focus states has garnered appreciation from several public health experts, Economic Times reports.

PM Modi had launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission from his Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi on Monday. The entire plan is perceived to be the largest pan-India scheme for strengthening the health infrastructure in the country.

The Health Infrastructure Mission came along with the inauguration of nine medical colleges in UP.

These steps are likely to increase the penetration of the healthcare services in UP and thus help it bridge the gaps it suffers currently in comparison to other states.

The scheme promises focus on exclusive critical care hospital blocks and also has plans to develop integrated public health labs in various districts. This will provide people access to “a full range of diagnostic services” via a network of laboratories across India.

“These ambitious schemes will need an increased financial investment, which would necessitate a bigger health budget. This does not mean simply a numerical hike, but one that also accounts for inflation,” Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director Population Foundation of India, was quoted by the Economic Times.

She added, “It is encouraging to see the Union government’s emphasis on a holistic approach to health, focusing on both preventive and curative measures, disease surveillance mechanisms as well as strengthening research and diagnostic infrastructure.”

Anjela Taneja, Inequality Campaign Lead, Oxfam India told ET that it is critical to enhance the public health system in the country.

"As such the enhancement in the diagnostic services and critical care infrastructure under this scheme is welcome, especially as India emerges from the pandemic," she stated.