Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), which represents leading research-based medical technology companies with large footprint in manufacturing and healthcare worker training in India, has welcomed the increase in health budget to Rs. 2,23,846 crore in Union Budget 2021-22.
MTaI Director Mr. Sanjay Bhutani said, “The Budget 2021 was presented amidst the unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic recovery. In the previous fiscal, entire fiscal management was shaken with the COVID-19 related lockdowns, job losses, financial stimulus and negative GDP growth. In this backdrop the government was faced with doing the balancing job between stimulating economy back to high growth trajectory, job creation and at the same time keeping check on inflation and fiscal deficit (9.5% in 2020-21). From the budget proposal, it seems that the government has done well in keeping with the investment focus and job creation through capital buildup. We also welcome the move towards raising healthcare spends by almost 137%, although a good part of this will go towards managing COVID vaccination etc. We are also happy to note that the government has announced the launch of ‘PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana with a total outlay of Rs. 64,180 crore over a period of next 6 years. This will help us with the much needed development of public healthcare systems.”