As per the latest available National Health Accounts Estimates (2016-17), Government Health Expenditure (Centre and States) was 1.2 percent of GDP

Public Health and Hospitals is a State subject, and the State Governments are primarily responsible for health related issues in their respective States. However, the Centre provides financial and technical support to State Governments. The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 envisages raising Government  health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP in a time-bound manner.

The Government has taken many initiatives to improve access to healthcare and quality of healthcare, such as  National Health Mission,  Ayushman Bharat comprising Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres and Pradhan Mantri  Jan Arogya Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram,  Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics  Service Initiative, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, etc

The National Health Policy 2017 recognizes the importance of health research in the development of the nation’s health and the need to constantly improve healthcare based on new knowledge and evidence.  The Policy supports strengthening health research in the country, drug innovation and discovery, and research collaborations.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

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MV