Healthcare Budget

The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on Pakistan's decision to boycott its match against India at the T20 World Cup.

In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.

This special report examines the expectations for the healthcare sector in the upcoming Union Budget following the Economic Survey's findings. The report highlights that 'India's public health spending, as a proportion to the GDP, is currently lower than both Bhutan and Nepal', standing at just 1.84% when considering only public expenditure. Key concerns raised include the rising rates of obesity across all age groups, with suggestions to increase taxes on junk food and ultra-processed items to curb metabolic disorders. Additionally, the survey red-flags the impact of digital addiction on the mental health and academic performance of children, advocating for social media reforms and 'digital balance'. Experts call for increasing public health spending to at least 2.5% of the GDP to improve diagnostics and critical care in underserved areas using AI and technology. The report also references former IMF chief Gita Gopinath’s warnings regarding the economic damage caused by air pollution, emphasizing that sustained health spending reduces out-of-pocket expenses for citizens.

On this India Today special, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran discusses the critical economic challenges and priorities outlined in the Economic Survey. Addressing the issue of Chinese overcapacity, Nageswaran states, 'It is not just only a threat to India, it's a threat to many other countries in the region, but that is something that we need to factor in.' He emphasizes that India must improve its competitiveness by lowering input costs and addressing inverted duty structures. The CEA also provides a unique perspective on rising gold and silver prices, noting a 'latent wealth effect' for Indian households. On the currency front, he argues that a strong and stable Rupee is achieved through manufacturing excellence and export competitiveness rather than just services. Furthermore, Nageswaran explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, suggesting it can complement human resources in sectors like healthcare while stressing the need to respect and develop traditional manual skills to co-exist with evolving technology.

On this Special Report, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh addresses the fallout from an India Today investigation into the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Following reports of hospitals denying treatment or illegally charging beneficiaries, the Punjab government has issued show-cause notices to JP Diagnostics in Zirakpur and Indus International Hospital in Dera Bassi. Dr Balbir Singh stated, 'Central government owes Punjab 300 crore rupees,' while criticising the funding model where the Centre allegedly pays only 20 percent despite a 60-40 cost-sharing agreement. The Minister highlighted that while the state has allocated 1200 crore rupees to cover the entire population, delays and budget limits from the Centre continue to hamper the scheme. He confirmed having raised these concerns with the Union Health Minister twice. The programme examines the friction between the state and Centre over healthcare reimbursements and the impact on 16 lakh families in Punjab.

An India Today special investigation, 'Operation Ayushman,' exposed how numerous empanelled private hospitals deny cashless treatment to eligible patients and demanding cash payments across Delhi NCR, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.

This special report covers pre-budget proposals from capital market representatives to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, including demands for a lower STT and tax parity for NRI investors. The discussion also highlights warnings from NSE MD & CEO Ashish Chauhan regarding stringent norms for foreign portfolio investors and the strong market debut of ed-tech firm PhysicsWallah. The show further touches upon Morgan Stanley's Sensex forecast, a downturn in cryptocurrencies, and expansion plans for Max Healthcare. NSE MD & CEO Ashish Chauhan stated, 'The FPA regulations have become very tough over last several years. And the amount of information we ask for is very, very sort of intrusive. And many of them do not want to actually give that information. And so they are staying away.'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centers will get broadband connectivity.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday presented the Union Budget 2021-2022 that gave major boost for development of infrastructure and healthcare.