Page 25 - NIS English 16-28 Feb 2022

Union Budget | Health

PROMOTING HOLISTIC HEALTH, BOOST

TO THE MENTAL HEALTHCARE SECTOR

During the corona pandemic, there has been an increase in cases of
mental illness. Under this backdrop, the 'National Tele Mental Health
Program' has been announced in the budget. This budget will prove
to be a milestone in promoting research and providing quality health
facilities to the common man. This time, many initiatives have been
announced for the health sector in the budget amidst the biggest
pandemic in the last 100 years.

ealth is priceless wealth and it has been one of the top priorities of the Modi
` 86,200 Hthe health budget by 137 per cent and tried to ramp up the health sector
government. This is the reason why the central government last year increased

crore has been infrastructure. This process of reform continued in this year's budget for which
allocated for the several announcements were made in the budget. During the Covid pandemic,
there has been a rise in cases of mental illness. With the announcement of the
health budget 'National Tele Mental Health Programme' this year, special emphasis has also been
this time. This is laid on technology with an eye on strengthening health infrastructure in the future.
an increase of 16 The announcements in the budget will impact the general public.
per cent over the COUNSELING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AYUSHMAN BHARAT DIGITAL MISSION
previous year. In order to provide better access The government has announced the
launch of an open platform for the
to quality mental health counseling
` 3,050 and care services, a ‘National Tele national digital health ecosystem,
expanding health services. In this,
Mental Health Programme’ has been
announced in the Union Budget. there will be digital registration of
health workers and self-service
crore has been This will include a network of 23 tele- facilities with everyone having a
allocated for the mental health centers of excellence, unique self-identity.
Ministry of AYUSH. with NIMHANS acting as the nodal This ecosystem will help in ensuring
This is 2.69 per center. International Institute of access to health services to all. This
cent higher than Information Technology, Bangalore will give special relief to the population
living in rural areas and the elderly.
last financial year. (IIITB) will provide technical support Through this, the benefits of global
for this. health facilities can also be availed.

New India Samachar February 16-28, 2022 23