Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Health Day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government for its management of India’s healthcare system, claiming that the ruling party has effectively put the nation’s health services in the “ICU.”
He highlighted alarming statistics that reveal the growing financial strain on citizens, asserting that the government has failed to prioritize healthcare. Kharge stated, “Dawai, ilaj par mehangai ki Bhajpai goli.”
In a post on X, Kharge pointed out that medical inflation has persisted at a rate of 14 percent annually over the last five years, resulting in significantly higher treatment costs. He noted that 900 essential medicines had experienced price hikes as of April this year, worsening the affordability crisis. He cited a report from Niti Aayog which indicated that 10 crore Indians are pushed to the brink of poverty each year due to expensive medical treatments.
Kharge also criticized the imposition of GST on various healthcare essentials, stating, “Common people are burdened with an 18 per cent GST on health and life insurance premiums, while medical-grade oxygen, bandages, surgical items, hospital wheelchairs, and sanitary napkins in hospitals are all taxed at varying rates, from 12 per cent to 18 per cent.” He emphasized that these rising costs are evident in hospital bills, which have increased by 11.3 percent over the past year. Specific treatments, such as angioplasty, have seen their costs double, while kidney transplant costs have tripled.
The Congress leader further condemned the government’s budget allocation for healthcare, which he claimed has diminished over the years. According to the National Health Policy 2017, the government was supposed to spend 2.5 percent of GDP on health, but it has only allocated 1.84 percent. “Moreover, the health budget has seen a 42 per cent reduction over the last five years compared to the total central budget expenditure,” he added.
In a supporting video, he reiterated, “For the last 5 years, the medical inflation in the country has been at a fearful 14 per cent rate every year. Prices of 900 essential medicines have increased by this April. The Niti Aayog report says that every year, 10 crore Indians reach the brink of poverty due to expensive treatment. Common people have to pay 18 per cent GST on health and life insurance premiums.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of health and well-being, stating that health is the “ultimate fortune and wealth.” In a social media post on X, he expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare and investing in various aspects of people’s well-being. “On World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world. Our Government will keep focusing on healthcare and invest in different aspects of people’s well-being. Good health is the foundation of every thriving society!” PM Modi posted.
He also addressed the rising issue of obesity, urging people to reduce their cooking oil consumption by 10 percent. Quoting, “Aarogyam Paramam Bhagyam,” he remarked that health is paramount for a better future. He referenced a recent report predicting that by 2050, over 440 million Indians will suffer from obesity, emphasizing, “These numbers are scary. We have to work on that from now on.”
On World Health Day 2025, with the WHO’s theme of “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” India continues to bolster its healthcare systems through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission, marking significant advancements in maternal and child health, digital healthcare access, and public health infrastructure.
Observed annually on April 7, World Health Day underscores the importance of global health and calls for collective action to address pressing health challenges. Since its inception by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, it has united governments, institutions, and communities to tackle critical health priorities each year. According to an official release, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made considerable progress in improving India’s public health outcomes through various key initiatives and programs, with the National Health Mission (NHM) playing a central role.
Mayank Rawat
