SP raises concern over health infra and budget spending
Samajwadi Party
MLCs on Wednesday raised concerns about the quality of health services in the state, saying that a state like UP, where people from even other states were coming for treatment, was woefully short of infrastructure.
MLC Guddu Jamali praised the govt for its health budget but pointed out that only 68% of last year's budget of Rs 43,500 crore was spent, highlighting the massive scope to improve spending in the sector.
"A Rs 43,500 crore health budget is reasonable, but only 68% of it was spent. Health is a basic need, and our approach to it cannot be so casual. Our doctors are excellent, but our health infrastructure is not how it should be for a country with a population this large," he said.
MLC Jasmir Ansari spoke about financial assistance to the poor, saying that much of their need could not be met.
In response, the govt said the facilities now are much better than they were before 2017, under the SP govt.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
18 minutes ago
- Hans India
25 Lakh Health Insurance: Who Should Consider It?
In the current world, Rs. 25 Lakh health insurance coverage is beneficial compared to the mounting cost of clinical care. While medical treatment costs are growing drastically, having adequate health coverage can bring financial security and peace of mind. You can invest in Rs. 25 lakh health insurance to prevent financial burden and hassle during your time of need. It will be a necessary choice in 2025. Continue reading this article to get details of the insurance plan, including coverage, key features to consider, and the required documents for purchase. What is a 25 Lakh Health Insurance Plan? 25 lakh healthcare insurance offers extensive coverage limits and financial protection compared to standard health insurance or student health insurance for medical care expenses. This insurance plan provides Rs. 25 lakhs to support healthcare expenses, including surgical procedures, hospitalisation, outpatient and consultation expenses. Considering a Rs. 25 lakh health insurance policy, individuals and families can obtain a comprehensive range of treatments and medical services without worrying about substantial costs. Who Can Consider Buying a Rs. 25 Lakh Health Insurance Plan? It is a recognisable fact that healthcare costs will increase in the future. In addition, hospitalisation fees will contribute to a financial dent in savings and stress in life. Furthermore, if the only earning person in a family is hospitalised, it will cause mental stress to everyone. So the Rs. 25 lakh health insurance policy is considerable for all 18 to 65 aged people, including: Individuals with chronic illness or pre-existing health conditions Families with a high risk of unforeseen medical costs Families with multiple members Individuals and families with a history of hereditary disorders Further, those who plan to increase their present insurance coverage can consider upgrading instead of purchasing a new policy. What are the Key Features of Considering a 25 Lakh Insurance? The Rs. 25 lakh health insurance policy involves numerous features to offer financial protection, which are: Financial Support This policy comes with the highest maximum financial limit, which is sufficient to receive good-quality treatment and health services. Policyholders do not have to worry about major emergency treatments, costly surgeries and prolonged hospitalisation charges. Hospitalisation Facilities This insurance plan covers several costs associated with healthcare services, including specialist fees and diagnosis charges. It covers inpatient costs, post-hospitalisation charges for a limited period, ambulance charges, surgery, ICU charges and hospital room rents. Cashless Network This comprehensive insurance policy permits access to a large network of hospitals, more than 14,000 network hospitals with cashless treatment facilities. So, policyholders do not need to incur medical care costs that they experience during emergencies. Individuals may have access to an expanded network of clinics, hospitals, specialists and health centres. Lifetime Renewal Option This policy offers a lifetime renewal facility to policyholders. For example, you can renew the policy for as long as needed. Individuals who consider a Rs. 25 lakh health insurance scheme can renew the insurance regardless of age, claim history or health condition. It ensures continued financial protection throughout the lives of policyholders and their families. No-Claim Bonus Considering Rs. 25 lakh health insurance policyholders can access the monetary benefit of a no-claim bonus. This feature increases coverage benefits for the next policy tenure and extends by a maximum of 50% for five claim-free years. Coverage for Pre-existing Diseases and Critical Treatment This insurance scheme offers add-on pay options for supporting critical illness treatment, including cancer, renal failure, cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, this health insurance policy covers treatment expenses for pre-existing diseases after a waiting period of 1 to 3 years, depending on policy terms and conditions. Comprehensive Benefits Rs. 25 lakh health insurance plans cover day-care treatment costs that do not require 24 hours of hospitalisation, including dialysis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cataract surgery, etc. This plan covers all essentials of maternity and infant care, including prenatal care, delivery and labour, and postpartum care of both child and mother. All these features make the health insurance scheme more suitable depending on the vital needs of policyholders. What are the Potential Document Required for Buying a 25 Lakh Health Insurance? Treatment in the private health sector is skyrocketing, so buying health insurance plans for family is necessary. Before purchasing the Rs. 25 lakh health insurance, everyone will require the following documents: identity proof, address evidence, and income proof, including: Aadhaar card Voter ID card PAN card Passport Driving incense Salary Slip or bank statement Form 16 for verification Passport-sized photographs How to Buy a Health Insurance Plan Online? Here is the streamlined, simple process of purchasing a medical insurance policy online. First, you have to visit the official website of your chosen insurance company. Choose a health insurance plan category. Now, choose an insurance plan according to your desired coverage, affordability or premiums and the sum insured. Provide the necessary details, including your full name, mobile number, email address, and PIN code. Select your required sum insured, then date of birth and term period and disclose pre-existing disease if you or any of your family members have any. Fill in the other required details, such as total members, children, age of members, etc. Premium will be calculated, then click "Buy Now" to complete your insurance purchase. Final Words Individuals aged 18 to 65 are eligible to purchase this Rs. 25 lakh health insurance policy. Families and individuals with high medical expenses and a family history of hereditary disorders and chronic illnesses should consider this comprehensive insurance coverage. This health insurance scheme offers the highest coverage limit and an expanded network of clinics, hospitals, and premium centres.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Goa becomes India's first state to cut prices on high-cost cancer and rare disease therapies
Synopsis Goa government introduces a pioneering pricing policy for expensive treatments, including cancer and rare diseases, making it the first state in India to do so. This initiative allows the state to negotiate prices for drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics, ensuring more patients can access critical care. ETHealthWorld In a bid to make life-saving therapies more accessible to patients, the Goa government has introduced a groundbreaking pricing policy for expensive treatments, including those for cancer and rare diseases, according to a TOI report. The initiative allows the state to procure drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics at negotiated prices below the listed rates, enabling resources to reach a larger number of patients or extend the duration of therapies. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced on Wednesday that Goa is the first state in the country to implement such a policy framework, which facilitates confidential pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. The rollout is expected to begin with treatments for lung cancer, a condition among several high-cost therapies that can exceed Rs 50 lakh per year. According to Rane, this initiative represents a significant step toward health equity, ensuring more patients can access critical care. 'Goa's adoption of this value-based pricing policy is both timely and essential,' Rane said. 'It will improve access to innovative therapies and help more patients benefit from these treatments.' Addressing the rising burden of diseases The report noted that Goa faces a growing healthcare challenge, with around 1,500 new cancer cases diagnosed annually, expected to rise by 5% each year. Breast cancer is the most common, accounting for over 300 cases, followed by oral cavity cancer, which makes up 20-25% of total cases. Rane highlighted the need for a more robust healthcare system to meet the increasing demand for specialized treatments and rare disease management. Policy framework & implementation The new pricing policy focuses on proprietary drugs and equipment already procured by the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) through standard tenders. If new patented drugs or devices are required, a committee will review the recommendation and seek approval from the finance department before inclusion. A committee led by the Additional/Joint Secretary of Health, along with the GMC dean, DHS director, and pharmacy heads, will determine appropriate pricing and negotiate with companies to secure the best rates for patented treatments. Once approved, the finalized list of drugs and equipment will be notified with finance department approval, TOI further reported. This move is expected to ease financial pressure on patients while equipping Goa's healthcare system to better handle the rising incidence of cancer and rare disorders, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Goa becomes India's first state to cut prices on high-cost cancer and rare disease therapies
In a bid to make life-saving therapies more accessible to patients, the Goa government has introduced a groundbreaking pricing policy for expensive treatments, including those for cancer and rare diseases, according to a TOI report. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker The initiative allows the state to procure drugs, medical equipment, and diagnostics at negotiated prices below the listed rates, enabling resources to reach a larger number of patients or extend the duration of therapies. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced on Wednesday that Goa is the first state in the country to implement such a policy framework, which facilitates confidential pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. The rollout is expected to begin with treatments for lung cancer, a condition among several high-cost therapies that can exceed Rs 50 lakh per year. According to Rane, this initiative represents a significant step toward health equity, ensuring more patients can access critical care. 'Goa's adoption of this value-based pricing policy is both timely and essential,' Rane said. 'It will improve access to innovative therapies and help more patients benefit from these treatments.' Live Events Addressing the rising burden of diseases The report noted that Goa faces a growing healthcare challenge, with around 1,500 new cancer cases diagnosed annually, expected to rise by 5% each year. Breast cancer is the most common, accounting for over 300 cases, followed by oral cavity cancer, which makes up 20-25% of total cases. Rane highlighted the need for a more robust healthcare system to meet the increasing demand for specialized treatments and rare disease management. Policy framework & implementation The new pricing policy focuses on proprietary drugs and equipment already procured by the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) through standard tenders. If new patented drugs or devices are required, a committee will review the recommendation and seek approval from the finance department before inclusion. A committee led by the Additional/Joint Secretary of Health, along with the GMC dean, DHS director, and pharmacy heads, will determine appropriate pricing and negotiate with companies to secure the best rates for patented treatments. Once approved, the finalized list of drugs and equipment will be notified with finance department approval, TOI further reported. This move is expected to ease financial pressure on patients while equipping Goa's healthcare system to better handle the rising incidence of cancer and rare disorders, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
