The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has lauded the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently in the Parliament.

The IMA in a statement welcomed the move of setting up of  157 new nursing colleges, increase in the budget for Delhi-AIIMS,  elimination of sickle cell anemia by 2047 and New Pharma Program for R&D through Centre for Excellence.

The statement has been signed by Dr. Anil kumar J Nayak, Honorary Secretary General, IMA.

 However, IMA stated that its request of compensating 2000 bereaved families of Covid martyrs doctors by the Central Government is still not addressed.

 “Little disappointment about GST as no relief has been provided in GST for medical equipment. IMA has demanded to reduce the GST on medical equipment to 5%. IMA has also demanded zero rate GST on healthcare services allowing service providers to claim input tax credit. Similarly, IMA had expected GST exemption for Social Security Schemes and other Family Welfare Schemes, IMA Membership of doctors as well as Registration of Medical / Dental & Nursing graduates in their respective State Councils,” the IMA said in a statement.