Practicing Success
Read the following newspaper article and answer the following questions: Indian Union Budget 2023-24: Key announcements for the healthcare sector The Union Budget 2023-24 allocated Rs 89,155 cr to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, nearly 3.4 per cent increase in comparison to Rs 86,200 cr in FY 2022-23. National Health Mission (NHM) was allocated Rs 29,085 cr, which is 21 per cent less than Rs 37,000 cr allocated in 2022-23. Although there was a need for increased allocation to central sector expenditure to continue building sustainable healthcare infrastructure to handle the increasing healthcare needs, most of the central schemes witnessed a decrease (Rs 8,820 cr in 2023-24, a decrease of 41.8 per cent from Rs 15,163 cr in 2022-23).
The healthcare sector is currently witnessing an increase in access to patients and citizens via the launch of digital health (Rs 341 cr was allocated to ABDM, 70 per cent increase compared to Rs 200 cr) and mental health programs (National Tele Mental Health Programme was allocated Rs 134 cr) providing opportunities to human resources, hospitals, and investors in the sector. The need of the hour is a clear implementation roadmap of the new and flagship schemes with a focus on monitoring the impact and outcomes in India. Additional funding and a national agenda around these crucial development schemes is needed to enhance the quality of care in the public and private sector of the country. |
Which of the following will not be considered a function of primary health care? |
Promotion of proper nutrition and food supply Spreading awareness concerns the prevailing health problems Conducting research and providing specialized healthcare facilities None of the above |
Conducting research and providing specialized healthcare facilities |
Primary health care includes education and awareness concerning prevailing health problems and methods of identifying, preventing, and controlling them; promotion of food supply and proper nutrition and adequate supply of water and basic sanitation; maternal and child health care; immunization against major infectious diseases and injuries; promotion of mental health and provision of essential drugs. All those hospitals which have advanced level equipment and medicines and undertake all the complicated health problems, which could not be managed by primary and secondary hospitals, come under the tertiary sector. The tertiary sector also includes many premier institutes which not only impart quality medical education and conduct research but also provide specialized health care. |