Minister Nadda Defends Health Budget, Criticizes State Spending

Health Minister J.P. Nadda urged state governments to enhance their healthcare infrastructure spending, countering opposition claims of reduced PM-Ayushman Bharat allocation. Highlighting achievements in the health sector, he emphasized proper fund utilization, criticizing states for underutilizing allocated budgets.

Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday called on state governments to increase spending on improving healthcare infrastructure, dismissing opposition claims of cutting funds under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Healthcare Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

Addressing the debate on budgetary grants for the health ministry, Nadda highlighted the government's achievements, citing the rise in medical colleges, and initiatives to reduce healthcare out-of-pocket expenses, and early disease screening programs, including for cancer and sickle cell anaemia.

Nadda challenged Trinamool Congress members to explain why the West Bengal government had not shared its dengue registry with the Centre. He also pointed out that states utilized only Rs 1,806 crore of the allocated Rs 4,200 crore in the previous budget, promising increased funds if existing allocations were properly used.

(With inputs from agencies.)