Tue Jan 28 13:52:37 UTC 2025: ## Health Budget to Surpass ₹1 Lakh Crore in Budget 2025: Reports

**New Delhi:** India’s health budget is poised for a significant increase in the upcoming Budget 2025, driven primarily by the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Experts predict the budget will cross ₹1 lakh crore, a substantial jump from the current fiscal year’s allocation of approximately ₹90,000 crore. Increased funding is also anticipated for health research.

The expansion of PMJAY to include all citizens above 70 years of age, along with the recent inclusion of Odisha and the potential expansion to Delhi if the BJP forms the government there, is expected to significantly boost allocations for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Current allocations stand at ₹6,800 crore, but a 20-25% increase is projected.

While the health budget has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, it still constitutes only about 1.6% of the GDP. The government aims to raise this to 2.5%. The health ministry’s allocation has already risen from ₹66,000 crore in 2019-20 to over ₹90,000 crore currently.

The budget for health research is also expected to see a 15-20% increase, rising from the current ₹3,300 crore. This increase reflects the growing need for research and capacity building to address emerging health challenges.

Further increases are anticipated for programs aimed at eliminating tuberculosis, achieving 100% vaccination coverage, and promoting institutional deliveries. The extension of the National Health Mission until 2026 necessitates increased funding to meet its targets within the timeframe.

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