FM Sitharaman promises more medical colleges, healthcare boost in interim budget

FM promised new medical colleges for the nation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2024 speech said the government will promote the establishment of new medical colleges.

"Our government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure under various departments," she said. The Finance Minister added that a committee will be set up for this purpose to examine issues and make relevant recommendations on the matter.

She also said that the government has already established 15 AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). Additionally, the government will "encourage cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged between 9 and 14 for prevention of cervical cancer".

She added that the government is planning to integrate maternal and child healthcare services for synergy in implementation. A newly developed U-WIN platform for immunisation will be rolled out expeditiously.

She added that intensified efforts under the Immunization programme, Mission Indradhanush, will be implemented, and healthcare coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme will be extended to ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, and helpers.