“Budget 2024: India’s Interim Budget Emphasizes Health of Girls and frontline workers.
Introduction:
In our recent post in Part A of Budget 2024 we have breakdown different policies, initiatives taken up in Budget 2024 and there we also mentioned plan for young girls and their health taken up by govt- said it is government’s commitment to promoting vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer. In today’s article we will discuss it in details. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled India’s Interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024 with a focus on strengthening healthcare initiatives and empowering frontline workers. While the budget saw incremental increases in allocations for health and women and child development ministries, it marked a significant milestone with a renewed emphasis on the health of young girls. The announcement to actively promote vaccination for girls aged 9-14 for the prevention of cervical cancer stands out as a pivotal step towards safeguarding women’s health in the country. Let’s delve deeper into the key highlights of the budget and its implications for healthcare and social welfare.
Healthcare Initiatives:
A notable highlight of the interim budget is the government’s commitment to promoting vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer. This proactive approach towards preventive healthcare underscores the importance of early intervention and disease prevention, particularly in addressing prevalent health issues affecting women. The inclusion of the indigenous HPV vaccine, Cervavac, in the country’s immunization program holds the promise of reducing the burden of cervical cancer and improving access to affordable healthcare solutions.
Furthermore, the extension of the flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers represents a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for frontline workers. By providing access to healthcare services and financial protection, the government aims to empower these workers who play a vital role in delivering essential healthcare and nutrition services to communities across the country.
Budget Allocations:
Despite modest increases in budget allocations, the health ministry received ₹90,658 crore, while the women and child development (WCD) ministry was allotted ₹26,092 crore for FY25. The emphasis on enhancing nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and development through schemes like the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 reflects the government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition challenges among vulnerable populations.
The allocation of ₹7,500 crore for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY) underscores the government’s continued focus on expanding healthcare coverage and improving access to quality healthcare services for all citizens. The prioritization of schemes benefiting ASHA and Anganwadi workers, as well as the rollout of the U-Win platform for managing immunization and intensified efforts for Mission Indradhanush, further reinforces the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and enhancing immunization coverage nationwide.
Conclusion:
India’s Interim Budget for FY25 reflects a concerted effort to prioritize healthcare and social welfare initiatives aimed at promoting the well-being of its citizens, particularly women and children. By focusing on preventive healthcare measures, expanding healthcare coverage, and empowering frontline workers, the government seeks to address key health challenges and build a healthier and more resilient nation. As these initiatives are implemented, it is essential to ensure effective execution and equitable access to healthcare services, thereby laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all Indians.
