Rohit Shishodia
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has asked health ministers of all states to increase health spending to a minimum of 8% of their state budget so as to meet the goals of healthcare spending of National Health Policy 2017, which is 2.5% of GDP by 2025.

Addressing the two-day 13th Conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) in New Delhi, Dr Vardhan urged the Health Minister of Uttar Pradesh to increase the health budget of the state and set an example for the others to emulate.

Dr Vardhan said that health ministers of all states along with the union government have achieved several health milestones, particularly India being certified Polio-free. “This has been possible because of our collaborative efforts. If all Health Ministers come together for a cause, no task can be impossible,” he added.

Dr Vardhan further explained that the purpose of the CCHFW meeting is to build a consensus on the national health priorities including Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, eliminating TB and other priority agenda such as strengthening medical infrastructure.

“This can be achieved by collective increase in healthcare spending by the States/UTs to meet the goals of healthcare spending of National Health Policy 2017- 2.5% of GDP by 2025,” said Dr Vardhan.

Dr Vardhan said that this is the first time that a government is so committed to healthcare and healthcare is on the top agenda which is visible from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recently concluded UN General Assembly where he stressed upon four pillars of healthcare, which included universal health coverage; mission mode interventions; quality and accessible affordable healthcare services; and also adequate infrastructure.

He said that health needs to become a social movement  across India and the Eat Right and Fit India movements need to be taken up by all states and union territories in a synergized manner to ensure a healthy and robust India.