Budget 2019: 'Pro-poor' Ayushman Bharat remains to be star in Healthcare sector schemes

Highlighting steps taken up by the government to provide affordable health care to the poor in the Interim Budget 2019, Piyush Goyal said 21 AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) have been established or operating in the country, "of which 14 have been sanctioned since 2014".

During the 100-minute speech, Goyal said that earlier, a poor man used to be in a dilemma whether to fulfil the daily needs of the family or save the life of an ailing member. / GETTY IMAGES

NEW DELHI: The Interim Budget for 2019-20 fiscal was laid down in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, where Finance Minister Piyush Goyal explained that around 10 lakh patients have been treated so far under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest health care programme. Presenting the Budget for 2019-20 of the Narendra Modi-led government in the Lok Sabha, Goyal also said the government has been providing cheaper drugs through Jan Aushadhi stores. Highlighting steps taken up by the government to provide affordable health care to the poor, Goyal said 21 AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) have been established or operating in the country, "of which 14 have been sanctioned since 2014".

World's largest #Healthcare programme #AyushmanBharat launched that has benefitted almost 10 lack patients already: Finance Minister @PiyushGoyal #Budget2019#BudgetForNewIndia pic.twitter.com/uBKbUwkSim

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2019

During the 100-minute speech, Goyal said that earlier, a poor man used to be in a dilemma whether to fulfil the daily needs of the family or save the life of an ailing member.  He also talked about the Aspirational Districts Programme is providing targeted development to the 115 most backward districts of the country. The programme has achieved notable results with improved performance on all indicators - health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development.

Within a short time of launch of #AyushmanBharat, the healthcare scheme, nearly 10 lakh people have benefited and have saved around 3000 crore rupees of their hard earned income : FM Piyush Goyal#Budget2019#BudgetforNewIndia pic.twitter.com/MYuJsXolyn

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2019

It was said that a healthy India is the Ninth Dimension of government's vision. A smiling Goyal, the interim finance minister in the absence of Arun Jaitley who is in the US for treatment said, “We will be aiming at healthy society with an environment of health assurance and the support of necessary health infrastructure.” “Our government has rolled out the Ayushman Bharat scheme. By 2030, we will work towards a distress-free health care and a functional and comprehensive wellness system for all. Such a healthy India built with the participation of women having equal rights and concern for their safety and empowerment.” he further added.